1979 Datsun 280zxR Homologation Special 5 Speed ULTRA RARE!

1979 Datsun Z-Series Additional Info:

This 1979 Datsun 280zxR is powered by a numbers-matching inline-six paired with a 5-speed manual transmission. It stayed with its original owner until 2015. After acquiring it from the original owner the car was given a complete service. The car also received a battery, Avid Touring S 195/70R14 tires, alignment, shocks, window tint, straight routed exhaust, Lloyd front mats and tailored rear carpet. This 280zxR has retained itsoriginal woven vinyl seat inserts (unavailable for years, it's actually woven so it breathes unlike reproduction "basket weave"), books, manuals, tool kit, space-saver spare tire, inflator canister, factory pouches, hub caps, accessory light, auxiliary air pump and an extensive collection of memorabilia that includes original Nissan press release photos, period magazines and also includes a 1979 Datsun 280zx “Import Car of the Year” jacket (size medium/large) and a Safari Rally grill badge. Includes more than what is shown in the photographs. It is being offered with a clean Washington title.

The 280zxR is one of the rarest Z cars of all. A Holy Grail of Z cars. The only Z car factory homologated for series racing. Based on the new for 1979 280zx, Motor Trend's Import Car of the Year, the 280zxR was only produced in 1979 with total worldwide production of just 1009 units. Published reports range from 1001 to 1009 but the actual 280zxR serial numbers total 1009. It was an homologation special to qualify for International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) and Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) C Production class racing where it had considerable success including class and Championship wins with Bob Sharp, Jim Fitzgerald, Paul Newman and Don Devendorf. Jim Fitzgerald’s race prepared version of this car sold on June 13, 2017 for $155,000!

The innovative rear wing was developed by Electramotive’s John Knepp and Don Devendorf in conjunction with Datsun engineers and produces 370 lbs of downforce at 100 mph. To counteract front end lift an air dam was also installed as per the recommendation of the Datsun Competition Department, now known as Nissan Motorsports or NISMO. An upgraded factory front sway bar was also added.

Said Don Devendorf after test driving the 280zxR on the legendary Riverside International Raceway, “All the way up through the Esses, the spoiler has a marked effect on how stable the car feels" which “translates into a great feeling of stability.”

Since the 280zxR was built solely for homologation it was offered in one package only. The rear wing, graphics package and silver mist paint. They all had 5 speed manual transmissions and slick tops. To decrease weight it had very few power accessories, no hatch windshield wiper, less sound proofing material, am/fm radio only, and one outside mirror (driver's side). The only option was factory air conditioning at the then princely sum of $635 that this 280zxR has and works well. A custom commemorative dash plate is included but not installed. It was intended to be affixed to the delete plate.

The only publicity for this ultra-rare Z was in the form of press release photographs. These were produced by Bob Thomas & Associates, Inc. Eventually, Bob Thomas became President of Nissan North America. There were no brochures and this car wasn’t included in any other 1979 Datsun brochures, ads, catalogs or other promotional material. Consequently, few are aware of the 1979 280xRand fewer still have actually seen a 280zxR in person. It is one of the few very special Datsun/Nissan models carrying the coveted "R" designation. All known press release photos are included and are presumed to be one of a kind. This was also the year the badging included "by Nissan" which led to the comprehensive use of "NIssan" in the US market which continues to this day.

This 280zxR runs very smooth and very strong and is in very good “one owner” condition overall. It starts without hesitation and has an even idle. It drives great and is very responsive to driver input. Steering and braking are precise and responsive. There are no leaks, smoke or funny sounds. The exhaust has been straightened to allow for a direct flow (a popular modification) and produces a deep exhaust note. A chrome exhaust tip was added.

The paint appears to have been redone years ago and has blemishes, color match issues, touch-ups and some overspray. The original owner mentioned a "fender bender" from back in the day. The paint isn't show quality but it is visually accurate and very serviceable as is. There is about a three inch seam split on the passenger seat. An after-market radio delete plate is installed in theauxmount hole. Both headlight buckets have four small rivet holes where headlight covers were installed. The headlight covers are included. The dealer installed side-trim was removed and replaced with a more discreet trim leaving some small holes exposed. The dash has two cracks that are typical and a dash cap is included but not installed. There are other minor issues, e.g., cracks/chips with some of the plastic parts that are also typical for its age but nothing major. The clock and the radio don’t work. The antenna works but the switch is hanging loose. The glove box light doesn’t work. All else appears to be in good working order but assume that I may have missed one or more details or that something may get jostled loose in transport.

SOLD AS IS, WHERE IS, WITHOUT WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, NO REFUNDS. PLEASE ASK ALL QUESTIONS BEFORE YOU BUY IT NOW OR SUBMIT A BEST OFFER.

CAR, ACCESSORIES, TITLE AND BILL OF SALE WILL BE CONVEYED WHEN BUYER’S FUNDS HAVE FULLY CLEARED.

IMPORTANT NOTE RE BEST OFFERS! I don't make counter-offers because it freezes the listing for 48 hours so please submit your best offer first. If it is rejected you can always reconsider and submit a higher offer. Ebay allows you to make up to 3 offers.

IMPORTANT NOTE RE TRANSPORT! For your happiness and mine PLEASE use a legitimate, full time transport company. I highly recommend UNITED ROAD. It's what dealerships use nationwide. I've used them and they are 100% legitimate. Prompt and on time pick-up and delivery. Most discount transport companies are brokers that will farm out your transport job to anyone that responds.

Check my Seller Feedback and buy with confidence.

Buy it Now and be the rarest Z at the next Cars and Coffee!

Thanks for looking and enjoy!

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