Wanted 280Z

bobzilla7 · Feb 22, 2024

Hello all. I've wanted a Z since forever. I'm fast approaching 60 and at last have the cash to spend on one. I like to buy and keep. I have a 1957 Land Rover that I've owned since 2006 along with an early Bowler so whatever I find, she will be a keeper!

I'm ideally looking for a 280Z. She would need to be in a good useable condition or a restored condition. I'm not looking for a project. She could be modified, altho ideally not massively. I may also consider a 280ZX Coupe if the car was right.

I guess my budget is around £20k. Ideally not much more. Do you need any more info?

I'm based in Oxfordshire.

Robotsan · Feb 22, 2024

Hey Bob. £20k could get you a pretty decent 280z but it may not be the best. Probably would be a little rough around the edges or need a bit of paint.

Are you specifically looking for a left hand drive car? Or would you be getting it converted?

bobzilla7 · Feb 22, 2024

Rough around the edges is fine as long as it is sound. I like the lived in look. Happy with LHD Robotsan.

yellowz · Feb 22, 2024

Liaise with @SacCyclone who can source one from the States for you

SacCyclone · Feb 23, 2024

yellowz said:
Liaise with @SacCyclone who can source one from the States for you

Thanks for the shout out yellowz.

Bob, send me a PM if you like.

Cheers, Mike

bobzilla7 · Feb 23, 2024

Thanks guys... will do.

Paul_S · Feb 23, 2024

Hi. That sounds like a fun fleet.

I'd love to see some info on the Bowler. They've been on my fantasy garage list for some time!

Robotsan · Feb 23, 2024

Are you set on a 280z? Not sure if you could stretch to this but this car looks very promising at 25k - LHD 240z which was apparently restored by Fourways (the most revered Z restorers in the UK). I don't think anyone on the forum has gone to look at it yet.

Bear in mind it only got to 22k at auction and wasn't sold, so you could probably get it for a little under asking.

bobzilla7 · Feb 23, 2024

Robotsan said:
Are you set on a 280z? Not sure if you could stretch to this but this car looks very promising at 25k - LHD 240z which was apparently restored by Fourways (the most revered Z restorers in the UK). I don't think anyone on the forum has gone to look at it yet.

Bear in mind it only got to 22k at auction and wasn't sold, so you could probably get it for a little under asking.

I had considered them outside my budget. But I'm open to options!

bobzilla7 · Feb 23, 2024

Paul_S said:
Hi. That sounds like a fun fleet.

I'd love to see some info on the Bowler. They've been on my fantasy garage list for some time!

It's a very early Bowler... the granddaddy. 100 inch wheelbase. Here's a shot next to a 90 (my Bowler's on the right) and one showing its axle travel. They were built for off road racing.

Robotsan · Feb 23, 2024

bobzilla7 said:
I had considered them outside my budget. But I'm open to options!

I wouldn't say so. If you're talking a LHD 240z then you could definitely pick one up for 20k that needs a little work. As you can see that white one appears to be in great condition and it's only a little more. For the money you'd save in restoration costs, that white car could be an absolute bargain.

bobzilla7 · Feb 24, 2024

Robotsan said:
I wouldn't say so. If you're talking a LHD 240z then you could definitely pick one up for 20k that needs a little work. As you can see that white one appears to be in great condition and it's only a little more. For the money you'd save in restoration costs, that white car could be an absolute bargain.

Now you've mentioned a 240Z, I spotted this. Thoughts?

Datsun 240 samurai replica with all the right bits on it,traffic stopping car . | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Datsun 240 samuri replica with all the right bits on it,traffic stopping car . at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

Mark N · Feb 24, 2024

Watanabe style wheels.
Crack free dash cap (hiding the cracked dash).
It doesn't really specify where the car was painted or why it is semi gloss which seems an unusual choice (maybe a Maaco job before arriving in the UK).

bobzilla7 · Feb 24, 2024

Mark N said:
Watanabe style wheels.
Crack free dash cap (hiding the cracked dash).
It doesn't really specify where the car was painted or why it is semi gloss which seems an unusual choice (maybe a Maaco job before arriving in the UK).

It's a no then, right?

Rushingphil · Feb 24, 2024

If I was in the market I would be calling them and putting down a deposit subject to satisfactory inspection/as advertised.

Then inspect the bodywork as thoroughly as possible.

On the surface I think that is a bargain! But two things ring alarm bells:

1/. Freshly painted with no photos of the undersides / chassis rails / doglegs / arches etc

2/. If it really is as good as the advert indicates, why is a classic car dealer selling it so cheap?

Definately worth viewing asap........

bobzilla7 · Feb 24, 2024

Rushingphil said:
If I was in the market I would be calling them and putting down a deposit subject to satisfactory inspection/as advertised.

Then inspect the bodywork as thoroughly as possible.

On the surface I think that is a bargain! But two things ring alarm bells:

1/. Freshly painted with no photos of the undersides / chassis rails / doglegs / arches etc

2/. If it really is as good as the advert indicates, why is a classic car dealer selling it so cheap?

Definately worth viewing asap........

Thanks... good points.

AD240Z · Feb 24, 2024

bobzilla7 said:
Now you've mentioned a 240Z, I spotted this. Thoughts?

Datsun 240 samurai replica with all the right bits on it,traffic stopping car . | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Datsun 240 samuri replica with all the right bits on it,traffic stopping car . at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.

www.ebay.co.uk

Ive been wondering about that car - being so cheap .

Selfishly as im selling my cars at the moment - and it seems such a low price .

When you have a good zoom in and around the interior and engine bay shots - there are some bits i dont like.
Be interesting to hear if anyones seen it .

Robotsan · Feb 24, 2024

Someone did go and inspect this car in the last couple of months and said it had quite a number of red flags and the owner was reluctant to send additional photos. That's why I didn't suggest it:

Thread '240Z on ebay' https://zclub.net/community/index.php?threads/240z-on-ebay.30627/

Rushingphil · Feb 24, 2024

Robotsan said:
Someone did go and inspect this car in the last couple of months and said it had quite a number of red flags and the owner was reluctant to send additional photos. That's why I didn't suggest it:

Thread '240Z on ebay' https://zclub.net/community/index.php?threads/240z-on-ebay.30627/

Oops - missed this thread last time.

Maybe Not then!

AD240Z · Feb 24, 2024

Robotsan said:
Someone did go and inspect this car in the last couple of months and said it had quite a number of red flags and the owner was reluctant to send additional photos. That's why I didn't suggest it:

Thread '240Z on ebay' https://zclub.net/community/index.php?threads/240z-on-ebay.30627/

Thank You - not sure how i missed that one

That confirms what i thought about the engine bay

Wanted 280Z

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