1980 Datsun 280ZX 10th Anniversary

- No 1,335 of 3,000 Built
- 2.8L Inline 6
- 5 Speed Manual
- 84k Miles
- Black And Gold Over Tan Interior

(Please note: If you happen to be viewing this 1980 Datsun 240ZX Anniversary Edition on a website other than our Garage Kept Motors site, it's possible that you've only seen some of our many photographs of this vehicle due to website limitations. To be sure you access all the more than 135 photographs, a short startup-and-walk-around video, and a link to its CarFax report, please go to our main website: GarageKeptMotors.)

In a retrospective look, here's how a Nissan press release recently described the 280ZX 10th Anniversary Edition: “To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the first Z, Nissan released a special edition 280ZX model with a limited production run. The success of previous Z cars opened the opportunity to equip 280ZX models with upscale materials such as leather seats and hi-fi stereos – a departure from the sporty yet economical approach of the initial 240Z.”

“With only 3,000 made, the 280ZX 10th Anniversary Edition is today considered a highly collectible car. The most popular model package featured a two-tone black-and-gold paint scheme with accent pin stripes, of which 2,500 were made. The remaining 500 wore a red-and-black paint scheme. Each 280ZX 10th Anniversary Edition had a dash plaque with the edition number.

The 10th Anniversary cars were powered by a 2.8-liter inline-6 that produced 132 hp and 144 lb-ft of torque. Power was transferred to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox. Other special features include a golden Z hood badge, gold-color alloy wheels, commemorative wreath decals on the front fenders and hatch, headlight washers, a new style shift knob, tan leather seats, a tinted T-bar roof, and a 40-watt, power-boosted four-speaker sound system.”

Offered here is a well-maintained example: A 1980 10th Anniversary Datsun 280ZX in the bespoke gold-and-black exterior paint over a tan leather interior. This is number 1335 of a total of 3,000 10th Anniversary cars (just 2,500 in this preferred color combination) At just over 84,000 miles—fewer than 3,000 miles per-year on average—this is a legitimate low-mileage car.

The exterior paint and pin-striping is in excellent condition across the car. The combination of gold flanks and gloss black across the car's upper and lower surfaces is a real head-turner. All 10th Anniversary identification is in place, including the bespoke gold hood “Z” emblem. Gold-highlighted alloy wheels are in excellent condition. Cabin glass and lighting lenses (including on the characteristic recessed headlights) are clear and undamaged. Rear window wiper and headlight washers are present and functional.

The interior of the car echoes the excellent condition outside. Original gold carpeting extending through the passenger compartment to the rear cargo area shows very little sign of wear. Similarly, the tan-leather seats are without obvious flaws. Door sills are near-perfect. The handsome dark-brown dash, with its “Z”-specific three raised center gauges, is un-cracked and free of discoloration. The “Z”-branded steering wheel's design is classic 1980s. The factory audio, HVAC, and vehicle-operating controls—including the console-mounted 5-speed manual shifter—all function as they should.

Under the hood, the legendary Datsun 2.8-liter, inline 6-cylinder engine is complete and tidy in a clean engine bay that has not been excessively detailed. All factory components are in place and properly located. Viewed from below, the car's chassis is very clean and free of damage.

One final measure of the owner's dedication to the car: A full set of manufacturer literature and the car's original window sticker are included in the sale. It came to us from Ohio, from a Datsun collector who had it 90-percent restored.

The more than 135 high-definition photographs available on the Garage Kept Motors site, together with the walk-around-and-startup video (and damage-free Carfax report) faithfully present this 10th Anniversary Edition Datsun 280ZX from every angle, including from underneath. That said, we always encourage in-person inspections at our Grand Rapids, Michigan showroom by interested parties, or their representatives. We ask only that appointments for such visits be made with us via phone or email in advance. In the same way, we are happy to answer any questions about the car. Our showroom is not open to the public.

These very limited edition 1980 Z-cars were so packed with factory extras that the commercial referenced above claims they were "so lavishly appointed that there are virtually no options." Here's a rare chance to own a well care-ed-for, complete and correct bit of the Eighties, and a memorable example of a Datsun performance legend all in one."

Do yourself a favor and YouTube search the original Datsun 280ZX 10th Anniversary Ad "Black Gold." It is amazing. If that doesn't have you sold on how awesome this car is, we can't help you any further.