1977 Datsun 280Z review from North America

Hydraulic clutch needed to be replaced at about 35000 miles.

Radiator was replaced around 45000 miles.

There was a broken exhaust manifold bolt at about 49500 miles.

I've been driving for 29 years (in South Dakota I received my first driver's license at 14 years of age) and I have owned 36 cars, trucks and vans.

The Datsun 280Z was absolutely one of the best vehicles I have ever owned!

The dependability of this car was unbelievable, fuel economy was outstanding, the performance was exhilarating, and the styling was classic.

This car was 16 years old when I purchased it and I was 26 years old. Shortly after I bought the car, an elderly lady told me that she didn't know how young people like me could afford such fancy new cars. I informed her that it was 16 years old and she was astounded. She thought it was brand new.

My 280Z was a 5 speed manual, fuel injected model with A/C. Not many options, a real sports car. It was made to go fast and look sexy.

The best fuel economy I ever recorded with this car was 37 mpg at 85 mph with the air on. I would not say that this was a normal expectation for this car, but I will say that for a sporty little go fast car, I am certain that it would do better than 30 mph on the highway.