If you’re into bold builds with vintage character and muscle under the hood, this 1976 Datsun 280Z Coupe might just steal your attention. It’s not your average Z-car, it’s a wild, satin black restomod with a heart from Detroit and style from Japan.
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The 1976 Datsun 280Z Coupe Looks Aggressive and Sharp
Finished in satin black, this coupe wears its attitude proudly. Body-colored bumper covers, side skirts, and a rear decklid spoiler create a streamlined, low-slung profile. Mustang-sourced turbine wheels, now adapted to the S30 bolt pattern, complete the look. Twin polished exhaust tips and 5.0 badging hint at what lies beneath.
This car blends classic lines with street-tuned details like fog lights, 240Z doors, and remote-controlled mirrors. It’s sleek, purposeful, and unmistakably different.
Custom Interior Built for Function and Feel
Step inside, and you’re greeted by Porsche 914 bucket seats trimmed in black vinyl and gray inserts. Matching door panels and a Hurst shifter contribute to a retro race-ready cabin.
A low-mounted mirror, Mustang clutch and brake pedals, and crank windows maintain the analog charm, while modern comforts like air conditioning and an Alpine stereo enhance the driving experience.
Though the factory tach and temp gauge no longer work, Bosch replacements are cleverly installed for accurate readings.
V8 Power and Performance Highlights
Under the hood, this 1976 Datsun 280Z Coupe ditches the inline-six in favor of a Ford 302ci V8. It’s not just swapped, it’s properly upgraded. An electric cooling fan, BBK 70mm throttle body, ceramic-coated headers, and a custom air intake keep things running strong.
The sound is channeled through a dual exhaust with an X-pipe and Borla muffler. Power goes to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual transmission and an R200 differential with 3.54:1 gearing.
Recent maintenance includes fresh oil, coolant, and differential fluid, plus recharging the R134a air conditioning system. It’s ready to run, and roar.
Engineered for Control and Road Presence
This 280Z isn’t all show. It comes equipped with cross-drilled and slotted front discs, ceramic pads, and an electric power steering rack for sharper handling. The chassis retains the spirit of the S30 platform but adds confidence with these functional upgrades.
The sound system doesn’t take a back seat either. It’s amplified through a Phoenix Gold setup for clarity, making this coupe as good at cruising as it is at carving.
Summary
This 1976 Datsun 280Z Coupe is more than a resto-mod, it’s a reimagination of what a classic Z can become. With V8 power, upgraded control, and head-turning style, it’s a machine built to drive and enjoy, not just admire.
Disclaimer: Vehicle details and specifications are based on current information and should be independently verified.
