Record-Breaking Sale: 1980 Datsun 280ZX 10th Anniversary Model Fetches Astonishing Price

* First published 23.8.23, updated 22.1.24.

It recently commanded an astounding sum exceeding $350,652 - originally selling for $19,700 when it was new.

Vintage Car Fetches $350,652 at Monterey Car Week Auction

The remarkable sale took place during the Monterey Car Week auction, where a passionate buyer was willing to part with a staggering $350,652 to secure this 43-year-old model.

The 1980 Datsun: A Striking Red and Black Marvel

This particular Datsun is no ordinary specimen; it rolled off the assembly line in 1980 as a tribute to the Nissan Z series, boasting a striking red and black colour scheme.

The Rarity and Distinctiveness of the 10th Anniversary Model

What makes this 10th Anniversary model even more exceptional is its rarity. With only 3000 units ever manufactured, a mere 500 received the iconic red and black combination, while the remaining 2500 sported the Black and Gold theme.

Datsun 280ZX: A Rarity in Red and Black

During the early 1980s, Datsun dealerships in the United States were allocated two Black and Gold models each, with the top 500 sales performers granted an additional Red and Black variant.

Unveiling its unique allure, the Datsun features an all-red interior and a manual transmission, a true delight for collectors. The vehicle enjoyed meticulous care over the years, having been sheltered from the elements and pampered by its original owner, Gerry Lane, whose family had a Datsun dealership.

Impressively, the car has retained its original 14-inch wheels shod in P195/70R Goodyear Wingfoot tires, with the odometer displaying a mere 28 miles.

The Datsun features power windows, a power driver's seat, and a factory-installed AM/FM cassette stereo. Throughout its 43-year existence, it has accumulated an impressive collection of awards, including the coveted Most Original Z Car title at the 2022 Colorado Springs ZCON and the first-place Stock 280ZX award at the 2022 ZCON.

Under bonnet sits a 2.8-litre inline-six engine mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, delivering a spirited 135-horsepower. Notably, the 280ZX was the final iteration of the Z series to feature the inline-six engine configuration.

While the Datsun's original price tag in 1980 was just around USD$19,000, recent events have reshaped its market value. This record-breaking sale eclipses the previous notion of Japanese classics as affordable relics.

The sale serves as a testament to the enduring allure and growing market for well-preserved vintage automobiles. Notably, the all-time high for a Datsun sale remains the $1.5-million paid by a Japanese buyer for a 1970 240Z, known as the Nissan Fairlady Z in Japan.

For Datsun Lovers

For those who are captivated by the allure of Datsun vehicles, there are several other articles that might pique your interest. One such piece is about Matthew's 1971 Datsun 1200 Ute 'ITLFLI', a crowd favourite at Meguiar's MotorEx. This tiny Japanese ute, which packs a whopping 1000hp SR20DET, is a testament to Matthew's decade-long dedication to the car. It's not just a showpiece, but a fully registered, engineered vehicle ready for track days.

Another fascinating read is about Michael Silk's 1971 SR22VET Datsun 1200 Wagon, a home-built car that pushes the boundaries of what's possible. This street-driven, drag-racing powerhouse recently became the first four-banger to crack into the 1000 horsepower club in the Summernats Haltech Horsepower Heroes competition. The car, which has been through many iterations, is a testament to Michael's goal of running low numbers on the strip while cruising the streets.

Lastly, you might be interested in the story of Marco Regalado's 1970 Datsun 510, a fusion of Japanese craft and American muscle. This car, which defies tradition, serves as a reminder that the art of car modification is ever-evolving.