1975 Datsun 280Z review from North America

Car was utterly reliable. No issues.

Got this car from a next door neighbor--my second car. Unbeknownst to me at the time, the car had been recked and somewhat shoddily rebuilt. The frame wasn't quite straight.

Even with these issues, the car was a blast. This was a technological marvel in 1975: Bosch electronic fuel injection. Datsun made a smart move by choosing fuel injection to solve emissions problems rather than tacking on emission devices to a carburetor. The fuel injection improved performance and fuel economy without ANY emission devices. Yep, other than a PCV valve, both the '75 and '76 non-California 280z had no emission devices in stock configuration.

I think this was one of the most comfortable cars I've ever driven. You sit rather low in a well with a high transmission tunnel. For me, at 6' the high transmission tunnel was great to rest my leg against.

There is an incredible amount of room to work in around the straight six engine. It was absolutely amazing--very easy to get to just about anything. Changing the oil was a breeze!

Performance was quite good for 1970s standards. The suspension was independent on all four wheels--handled nicely. Lots of aftermarket performance parts were and are available for it.

Really, overall a fantastic car. So much so that when I sold my '75 280z to get an '81 Mazda RX-7, I dumped the RX-7 and got a '76 280z. Maybe one day I'll get one again if I can convice my wife!