The Nissan Z-car changed the automotive world when it debuted in October 1969. The Z entered many collector stables, often alongside far more exotic machines, even before enthusiasts considered Japanese cars collectible. One enthusiast based in Beverly Hills recently sold a collection of three Z-cars on eBay Motors, two of which were imported from Japan.
A New Option
Until the Z, sports car options were either expensive European exotics or tiny roadsters that compensated for a lack of power with lightness. The Chevy Corvette - opens in new window or tab. and Ford Thunderbird - opens in new window or tab. initially competed with the high-end cars, but they soon evolved into heavy machines with giant V-8s in typical Detroit fashion.
The Datsun 240Z - opens in new window or tab., as it was known in America, offered the sleek styling, power, and handling of the premium sports cars at the price of the little roadsters. Japanese build quality was a bonus. The car was known in Japan as the Nissan Fairlady Z. Based on their chassis code, collectively, first-generation Z-cars are known as S30s.
There are many differences between the US and Japanese models. Nissan launched the car in America as the Datsun 240Z with a 2.4-liter inline-six. Japan’s Fairlady Z was introduced with a 2.0-liter inline-six tailored to the country’s engine-size-based road tax system. The 2.4-liter engine wasn’t offered in Japan until later in the model’s lifespan.
Black Pearl
The crown jewel in the collection for sale was a Datsun 280Z Black Pearl, a special edition from 1978, the final year of the original S30 Z. Datsun produced approximately 1,500 280Z Black Pearls.
The Black Pearl was the first Z painted black by the factory. Each came with silver and red pinstripes along the hood, sides, and rear body panel. (In 2016, Nissan offered a Black Pearl edition Juke - opens in new window or tab. in honor of this Z.) The example for sale appears to be in excellent condition and comes with original dealer paperwork.
The lot also included an orange 1970 Nissan Fairlady Z. This right-hand-drive example imported from Japan appeared to be heavily modified. It had non-factory paint, color-matched aftermarket wheels, a Datsun-badged steering wheel, custom headlights, and fender mirrors from a newer Z.
Patina Z
Another 1970 Nissan Fairlady Z, finished in yellow, rounded out the collection. This one had aftermarket fender flares - opens in new window or tab. and wheels that are popular modifications with the Z restomod crowd. The body showed a well-worn patina.
The seller was asking $175,000, or best offer, for all three Z-cars. He also had a custom Datsun 521 pickup powered by a supercharged Nissan 350Z - opens in new window or tab. engine for sale in a separate auction. He said he would list more Nissan and Datsun vehicles as he divests the collection.
The price for the trio was high, but the seller said all three were in excellent driving condition. Having a true Fairlady Z carries some cachet. Either of the latter two looked like a good foundation for building a dream custom Z collection. The Black Pearl can be kept in a garage as a collector’s piece. eBay Motors is a reliable source for OEM Datsun Z parts - opens in new window or tab..
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