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I Revived My Grandfather’s Datsun 280Z and Can’t Get Enough of It
My grandfather purchased his beloved 280Z brand new back in 1975 in our hometown of Brooklyn, New York with only $20 down. He daily-drove the Z around the city until 1985, when he moved the car to our family’s Pennsylvania vacation home. On weekends, he enjoyed carving the mountains with his Datsun. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with cancer in the 1990s and passed away, leaving the car on bricks in the Pennsylvania garage for 30 years.
In 2017, I decided to bring the car back to its rightful home and bring it back to life. I stumbled upon a box titled “Z papers” when I was searching for the title. Not only did the box contain the original title from 1975, but it also contained every receipt, including the window sticker.
I thought I would have an easy job sorting the mechanicals, but it quickly became apparent that I was in for a lot of hard work. I first focused on getting the engine running, so I replaced the fuel injectors, drained the gas tank, and changed the plugs, oil, and filters. I had to send the tank out for cleaning because the injectors kept plugging, and multiple fuel lines burst due to clogging. I replaced almost every rear-end bushing, the brakes, slave and master cylinders, and countless other gaskets, seals, and bearings. After a year, I was finally able to take the Z on its first voyage of 500 miles. To honor my grandfather, I adorned the car with “AbueloZ” personalized plates.
I enjoyed the Z for a few years—attending cars and coffee events, competing in autocross, and occasionally taking my grandmother grocery shopping like the old days. Unfortunately, in early 2023, the car was in an accident that severely damaged the front end. This was a massive blow to me and my family, but the car was eventually rebuilt with the assistance of my Hagerty coverage. The plan was to bring the car back to its original state, but there were issues finding a replacement OEM front valance. I talked it over with my family and decided to make a few minor changes, like an aftermarket air dam and new wheels. The car was finally ready in late October.
Although the Z is roadworthy again, there will always be something to do. My current focus is sound- proofing and installing the new interior. In a perfect world, I would also find some time to install an adjustable suspension, as well as wider tires for weekend mountain runs. I am excited to continue to drive the car like my grandfather intended. His memories will live on as long as the Z is with me.
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Such a cool car. It’s nice when a car can stay in a family, even better when it gets out on the street.
Your Abuelo is proud – looking down on what you’re doing – and I’ll bet your Abuela is tickled riding in the car again. Nice job, and heart-warming story, Tomas! 👍👍
Beautiful story, and you’re 90% of the wag there. Add some repro 240Z bumpers & the right brackets and it would look so much better, and would be safer for low impact collisions and minor car park accidents. Skillard do everything you need in aluminum (which is lighter and probably less expensive than repro chromed steel bumpers). If you want yo keep the current look, they also do “block off plates” for the front sugar scoops (light buckets?) with the valence you have, and for the unsightly holes at the rear where the bumper attached. Sadly no one has yet come up with a way to fill those oval holes in the rear on a 280z without welding in plates and doing autobody refinishing for the primer and psint. They also do compatible tow hooks if you want to go that far. An impressive build, Tomas.
Love to see a classic Z still running and in the “family”
I had one of these cars many years ago. Aside from my Macan S, it’s my favorite car ever.
great story. I had a 1972 Datsun 240 Z bought it in 1976 2nd owner great car many road trips .sold it and bought my 1964 corvette coupe in 1979.Enjoy your car.
Grandpa would be proud! Great story. And a car who’s looks are timeless.
i think its great that you revived the 280 in your grandfathers memory i hope you have many more memorable journeys with the 280Z
It’s great to see so much dedication and appreciation to your grandfather and such a fun car. Awesome job. Mine is also in Pa.. Been sitting for a while and can’t get it started. Could use someone like you.
Nice car. I have a 74 260Z. Bought it in 76. I know were a lot of original parts are.
i got one just like that, if l sale it, for how much you think l sale it for, is not working.