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The paint was new in 2018 and the car has travelled under 7,000 miles since.  The 6,450 mile odometer reading represents distance travelled since the restoration was completed.  Describing the car’s exterior begins to tell the story of the restoration.  The car looks like a 240Z, not a 280Z, right down to the emblems.  A retired body man and painter, the seller reworked the front and rear ends to get the 240 look, accommodating the stainless steel bumpers, grille and lighting.  There are Hella Halogen headlamps in place, to go with new weatherstripping, a BRE-type front spoiler and a custom mix orange red pearl paint – with basecoat and clear.  Gunmetal finish with chrome ring wheels provide sharp contrast to the paint, they are Konig Rewind alloys shod in 205/55R16 General G-MAX RS tires at all four corners, installed in 2019 with 6.000 miles of use.  The car is equipped with cruise control but it currently is inoperable.

Inside, this 280 has been treated to all new carpets and headliner with new reproduction door cards.  The two-tone Paprika/charcoal colour scheme gives a subtly custom look while at the same time complementing the gleaming and unique-coloured paint.  Original Z gauges remain while a modern Clarion CZ509 head unit has been installed, backed by JL Audio speakers, a 10” subwoofer and 1000-watt MA Audio M1899i amp.  The big Z three-spoke steering wheel remains in place and the exaggerated round pods house speedometer, tachometer through the wheel with accessory gauges for temperature, fuel, oil pressure and volts in the centre of the dash flanked by an analog clock.  A period “Z” badge is on the passenger side of the dashboard, above the glove box, while a/c is functional and blowing cold – refrigerant is R12a and the compressor is a GM unit.

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The excellent cosmetic appearance aside – inside and out – the engine bay provides the unexpected.  There is found a GM 5.3L L33 aluminum V8, the donor was a 2005 GM 1/2-ton pickup.  These engines are known for robust performance and long life – over 500,000 km on these powerplants is common; the donor engine here was at 200,000 km when installed into this 280 – 200,000 km, yes, but clean, clean, clean.  The brutish V8 is matched up with a 4L60e 4-speed automatic transmission getting power to the rear wheels.  And power there is, on hand:  when new, ratings for the engine were 310 horsepower and 330 lb.-ft. of torque.  Other performance and mechanical details are extensive and include the GM ECU being adjusted by HP Tuners, a Holley low-profile oil pan, custom cold air intake, American Eagle high flow two core aluminum radiator, dual electric 14” cooling fans, Custom ceramic-coated headers and Custom 2-1/2” stainless steel exhaust.  One look at the photos of the engine bay reveal that this was a careful build that has been well taken care of since.

Underneath, this car shows further attention to detail.  Upfront, 12.25” Willwood brakes have been installed while finned drums are in place out back as a nod to originality.  Lowering springs are by Tokico and gas shocks are also part of the suspension.  The R200 limited slip differential has a 3.54 ratio.  The original spare tire, tools and jack are on hand as are a vehicle-specific shop manual and three sets of keys.  The seller will also include a photo album that documents the restoration.

The owner assures that this whip is ready for any cross-country tour.  This 1978 Nissan 280Z V8 Restomod 240Z Tribute is available in Pangman, Saskatchewan – about an hour’s drive south of Regina.

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Photo gallery and a Walk Around video appear below the bidding section.

Engine Running at Idle