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Wilit: The Man, The Myth, His 280zx
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1979 Datsun 280zx · 2.8 Litre SOHC Inline 6 Cylinder · 5 Speed Manual · 4 Wheel Disc Brakes Factory Options Modifications |
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The Z car line began in 1969 with the 240z. In 1974 the Z got a boost in horsepower and displacement with the 260z. However because of carbueration problems, the 260z only lasted 1 year, and in 1975 the 280z took over as Datsun's sports car flagship. Many Z car enthusiasts consider 1979 the begining of the end for the Z. The 280zx could be considered an evolution of design by some, or a devolution by others. Earlier Z's had been designed with 5'8" drivers in mind. The new ZX was designed for a 6'5" American driver. To accomidate the extra leg room, the car became longer and heavier. Powered by a 130hp, 2800cc inline 6 cylinder, the ZX sprinted to 60 in just 9.4 seconds, with the ¼ mile flying by at an earthshattering 16.9 seconds. | |
| You know how people say never buy a car at night? Well, it's good advice. When we looked at the car, we did notice rust here and there, but didn't think anything of it. At the time, my brother worked at a body shop, and agreed to paint the car for me for my birthday. So we dropped the car off at my brother's shop, and he went at it. He had to remove the windshield to repair some of the rust just above the weatherstripping. Upon removal of the windshield, he noticed the window frame was no longer rectangular. After further sanding of the body, he found copious amounts of bondo. Apparently the car had been involved in a major accident, and was not repaired properly. He did what he could to repair the cracked bondo, removed a good majority of the rust, and layed down a beautiful new coat of white paint. Upon picking up the vehicle, he warned me to not keep the car too long, as it was an accident waiting to happen. I believe I only kept the car for a little less than a year. | 
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| This was a pretty cool car to have in High School. The thing I loved about it was the amazing gas mileage it got. Granted, I only drove it maybe 50 miles in a week, but it seemed like a tank of gas would last a month or more. Even though the thing only had 130hp (which I highly doubt this one did because of the 270,000 miles on the original engine), it was still really quick (or at least it felt quick). This was the first car I got up to 110mph. This was also the first car I learned what fishtailing was all about. I can still see the look on Adam Brengle's face as we headed for the ditch, then the barn, then the ditch, then the barn, then the on-coming car. WHEEEE! | ||
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