Should I buy this 280zx 2+2?

Z

Z3i

Forum User
Hello all

New to the forum and Z cars

The 240z has always been my dream car but its well out of my price range. So I would settle for a 280zx as I still love the styling. I went to view this pretty knackered but semi solid 280zx 2+2. I really dislike the 2+2 styling and don't want to invest the time and money restoring it. I would like to re shell it into a non 2+2 shell. Are they something that come up often and what sort of price? I appreciate how much work this involves (my day job is restoring cars)

Just wanted to know other opinions and views. The car in the pictures is up for grab for £300. Which despite its condition is a bargain. I just wish it was a non 2+2

Thank you

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Huw

Huw

Club Member
Not really enough pictures of the car to say if it’s worth restoring.

On the subject of re-shelling, the 2+2 is longer than a 2str coupe so everything past the firewall to the back of the car is of no use in a 2 seater coupe shell. The running gear the transmission and engine are transferable. Nothing else apart from the front wings, engine ancillaries, the dash and the bonnet will be of use.

If you want a 2 seater I would look for a good one or import, re-shelling a 2+2 in a 2 seater shell is not a viable thing to do, cost wise or effort wise.
 
Z

Z3i

Forum User
Thanks very much was pretty much the answer I was looking for

Oh well. I guess I'll have to go back to Vw's for now and dreaming of owning a 240

Thanks again
 
S

status

Well-Known Forum User
It’s a pile of junk And the engine ain’t worth diddly squat unless you can test it ,if it’s a 240/260 you are after then get one that might need a bit of work as you say,you are a car restorer so problem solved really isn’t it and you haven’t said wot your budget is so until then we can’t really recommend anything,I know of a mint 2 seater 280 zx for sale but as I said we don’t know your budget or get yourself a LHD from the states and you can convert it to RHD and being a car restorer you will save thousands on labour charges and get plenty of guidance on here,that’s wot we are here for,where are you based as someone on here might take you out for a blast in a Zed and point you in the right direction
 
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Z

Z3i

Forum User
status said:
It’s a pile of junk And the engine ain’t worth diddly squat unless you can test it ,if it’s a 240/260 you are after then get one that might need a bit of work as you say,you are a car restorer so problem solved really isn’t it and you haven’t said wot your budget is so until then we can’t really recommend anything,I know of a mint 2 seater 280 zx for sale but as I said we don’t know your budget or get yourself a LHD from the states and you can convert it to RHD and being a car restorer you will save thousands on labour charges and get plenty of guidance on here,that’s wot we are here for,where are you based as someone on here might take you out for a blast in a Zed and point you in the right direction
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Hi! Thanks very much for that reply mate

Yeah I've been tempted to import one from the states that would be rust free. My budget is pretty small unfortunately. Im ideally looking for a car in need of restoration but a solid shell. (restoring it is part of the fun for me) I also want to make it my own so not so fussed on keeping it original. Even an imported 240/260 is out of my price range.

The more I look at 280zx coupes the more I like them. They are very cool when done right. I think I will look out for a rot free but in need of restoration zx from the states. I currently own a LHD Mk2 golf so I'm not fussed about it being LHD either. But could convert it to RHD

Yes being able to do the work myself has saved me massive amounts of money in the past. My budget for a 280 would be around £5k so yeah I know not much at all. Which is why it's always been a dream car

Thanks again
 
S

status

Well-Known Forum User
You might be lucky enough to get a 240/260 for that or even the much better to drive 280 z not zx jonM will put you in the right direction regarding us cars he might even have one for sale,I’ve not been down his yard for a while but worth a chat,I’d say don’t waste yer money on a 280 zx and I don’t mean that in a horrible way as I love em and have had em before but they are not worth spending the money on financially,people on here will disagree with that but it’s a fact,I’d love another 280zx targa but nowhere to keep it,I’m thinking of putting my BM Z4 M coupe up for sale to get another zx targa but unlikely to get the 25 k asking price as just like ther car makes people go for the cheaper cars advertised then it comes back and bites em on the bum
 
Z

Z3i

Forum User
That would be amazing if I could get a 240/260 or 280z for that money rot free (don't mind some welding) I've just bought rotten cars in the past and have spent around 400 hours just on welding

Forgot to say I'm based in Southampton

Is Jon M a member on here? Whereabouts is he based?

Yeah I get that. If I ever got hold of a 240/260/280 it's a car I'd never sell again ever. But it's good to know that it's worth value when putting all those hours into it

Yeah I can see the appeal of a T top. They are pretty cool!!

Thanks again for the advice, I appreciate it
 
S

status

Well-Known Forum User
Jon is a member and knows his stuff,Sad Cyclone could source you a car as he is state side
 
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MaximG

MaximG

Well-Known Forum User
JohnyMD is his forum name and as Status has said he’s very knowledgeable about importing from the states.

SacCylone lives in California and may be of help sourcing a car.

Regards,

Mike
 
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