1984 Datsun 300ZX

1984 Datsun 300ZX 2+2 Coupe

For consignment, the last Z-car to be branded as a Datsun!The third generation Z-car, a six-cylinder powered wedge stuck somewhere between grand touring car and sports car.It was more refined than any previous generation.Our very clean example presents with just 30,402 title verified actual miles and two extra seats! The previous owners have pampered this car and probably spent more time cleaning it than driving it, but that saved it for you!

Exterior
Like a fine merlot, this vintage car is bathed in a coat of Wine paint, a shade of red that is cool enough to be sporty but not so bright as to attract law enforcement. The low, long nose and raked windshield are striking.The small bit of extension on the 2+2 adds to the wheelbase and in some Z-cars circled is preferred for claims of better handling that the shorter wheelbase of the 2 seater. Long doors and that angular rear quarter window create a dramatic profile. The headlights are a unique combination of exposed lenses and flip up and give the car its distinct face.The rear taillights are joined by a center reflector piece with 300ZX printed on it.During this transitional period, both the Datsun badge and the Nissan badge appear on the rear hatch lid. A gold double pinstripe shoots down the side of the car and the T-tops provide for open air driving or a bright, enclosed cabin. The paint and body are near immaculate, and we note one scratch on the rocker panel.The 4-lug vented wheels are original and are one of those design features that just work!

Interior
There\'s an 80\'s vibe in here but damn those seats are nice and that\'s where our eyes are drawn. Brown and burgundy leather in mixed panels and pads create a dramatic presentation.The sport stitched inserts are flanked by lumbar supports in a smooth leather.The gold 300ZX crest is embroidered into the seat backs and an adjustable headrest rises above it.The electric seat controls are housed in a stunning dark wood applique and have 8 way adjustments. The simple door panels contain a pleated leather insert and a long armrest with integrated door pull and window controls.The carpeted door bottoms include speakers. Lest we forget, the back seats are firm leather buckets and look brand new.The burgundy leather wrapped steering wheel has a pure 80\'s plastic center that connects at the bottom only.The dash looks like an arcade game from the era, awash in green digital readouts and red and orange idiot lights.Pods to each side of the gauge cluster contain various controls and in pure Z-car fashion, the center gauges for direction, acceleration and MPG\'s, are canted towards the driver and backlit in green.Below them are the climate controls with more green digital numbers and the integrated radio with more silver buttons than the tin man\'s jacket.The automatic shifter is the typical T-shape for the period and housed in the center console, where more faux dark wood leans towards the grand touring aspirations of the car.The red carpet and headliner around the T-tops and rear are in wonderful condition.

Drivetrain
A 3.0 liter inline 6 cylinder engine occupies the engine bay which is very clean and shows just a touch of patina more from age than wear.The power plant has electronic fuel injection and a 3-speed automatic transmission, the Jatco L3N. The Z is rear wheel drive and geared at 3.54. This car represents the early iteration of a venerable engine that would be used in auto racing and even dominate IMSA for a time. This low mileage car is equipped with power disc brakes on four corners.

Undercarriage
All very clean underneath and we love how the essentials are tucked up into a tunnel, leaving aerodynamic wide floors on either side. The condition here is a testament to the low mileage.A few spots of surface rust are noted, but nothing that would keep us up at night.We note some seepage on the rear differential on the cover side.The car is equipped with a single exhaust and muffler, exiting out the left side rear with a single tailpipe.McPherson struts in front and coil springs in back dampen the independent suspension at both ends.

Drive-Ability
It turns out, the seats not only look good but are pretty dang comfortable too.A turn of the key and six cans fire right up with a civilized exhaust roar.With 168 horsepower under the wedge shaped nose, this car is no slouch and the low center of gravity provides the true sports car experience.The Z handles turns well, and visibility is surprisingly good. A few notable issues crept up during our tenure behind the wheel: the power antenna did not work, a sensor light on the dash is illuminated, and the car pulled to the right and the steering wheel was not centered so an alignment is likely inevitable. Also, the A/C is not working, and our consignor states the cruise control is also inoperative.

You\'re in the Napa Valley in your wine colored Z, T-tops off, kiddo

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