280ZX: The Smash Success… That Vanished | History of the Nissan Z-Car | Ep 4

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  • Опубліковано 29 лис 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 224

  • @makenmodel
    @makenmodel  4 дні тому +16

    Wow, this one turned into a long one! I was really not expecting that going into making this episode, since I didn't know a whole lot about the S130 beyond it being the first ZX. But this was an important time for Nissan, and all the changes that were happening reflect that. There was a lot to cover for a car that too many brush off as a footnote!
    I found a lot of great photographs during the development of the 280ZX that (as far as I'm aware, and I've checked) have never been uploaded to the internet before. I've posted a few on my Instagram (instagram.com/itsrickpierce) but there are higher-res versions available on my Patreon for members if you'd like to take a look: patreon.com/makenmodel
    🐯

    • @sparky6086
      @sparky6086 5 годин тому

      You didn't mention the 1982 280ZX Turbo w/ the Borg Warner 5 speed manual transmission. It solved the lack of manual transmission problem, that the 1981 mode had. My brother had one, & it was awesome. Really pulled away, when that boost kicked in! It was the pinnacle of the 280ZX series.

  • @sydneystone8979
    @sydneystone8979 2 дні тому +7

    I've owned four. Bought a new one back in 1982 and then owned three used ones over the next two decades. Loved them all.

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  День тому

      I am really tempted to try and find one to restore after making this video. I love their styling. Those rear quarter windows just work for me.

  • @emptymannull
    @emptymannull 2 дні тому +8

    My parents had a black/silver 1979 280ZX and I literally grew up under the rear hatch of that car going around everywhere for years.

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  2 дні тому +2

      It's so fun to hear stories like these. It's amazing how a car can become such a part of our lives.

  • @deepestdub
    @deepestdub 3 дні тому +9

    Fantastic story. Deserving of a much bigger audience.🐯

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  3 дні тому +2

      Really appreciate these kind words. I figure I just keep making these videos and that audience will find their way here! Just gotta keep working.

  • @richardclegg5853
    @richardclegg5853 2 дні тому +3

    As a 70's kid, for me it was all about the Z cars, forget about corvettes & mustangs, the Z styling was just about as perfect as a car could be.
    Glad I found your channel, my Thanksgiving morning will be spent binge watching you Z videos.
    Good luck with the channel, but I don't think you'll need it, really well done with quality production and narration

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  День тому +1

      Thank you so much. And I'm happy to help keep Thanksgiving enjoyable with some very non-divisive car talk. I need to make some more videos!

  • @Troy_In_The_80s
    @Troy_In_The_80s 2 дні тому +3

    The black and gold was the car to have. Gold was big back in the day, even drag racers used gold valve covers from Milodon. The hottest girl in my high school drove her dad's black ZX 2 seater. Shout out to Nancy and North Shore HS!

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  День тому

      When telling some friends I was starting work on this video, they were all like "oh man, the black and gold one was so cool." It was unanimous. Honestly I can't disagree.

  • @landiahillfarm6590
    @landiahillfarm6590 3 дні тому +5

    As a former 240 and 260Z owner, both of which I had to let go of prematurely, for the longest time I fell into that "dont change greatness" camp. The original "Z" had everything I could have asked for, the look, the sound, the handling, and the accessible price. But now that I'm older more interested in "grand touring" rather than hustling a car around I have a new appreciation for the ZX line. When you think about it, it really did preserve many of the best attributes of the original but just added a little creature comfort along the way. I would be proud to own one today but sadly around this neck of the woods [New England] they've mostly rusted away to untimely deaths.

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  3 дні тому +2

      I feel very similarly. As I've gotten older, I'm happy with a few creature comforts to make driving more comfortable, especially if I want to use the car for longer drives on weekend getaways. Driving a rattling tin can multiple hours when I'm supposed to be relaxing is not a great way to start a little trip. I think as the cars get older too, there is less pressure put on them to match the performance of new cars (especially these days as horsepower has gone wild) and that affords us fans more opportunity to just appreciate the car as a fun sports car/gt car/whatever it is.

    • @davidhollenshead4892
      @davidhollenshead4892 2 дні тому

      @@makenmodel The reason the Z car died was because they rusted out even in Arizona due to water collecting in two frame rails that had no drainage holes. So the water from your feet with any salt or corrosive chemicals ate those frame rails. So Nissan killed their reputation & another Z car wouldn't have sold well anyway...

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  2 дні тому

      As someone who is currently dealing with rust on the frame with his own Z-car, you don't have to tell me! Haha.

  • @omercarrothers7537
    @omercarrothers7537 2 дні тому +2

    This was fantastic!
    When I was a boy in the early Eighties, my parents had a pair of 280ZX’s, one was a coupe and a 2+2. At the same time my big sister had a 280Z. Later, when I was a teenager, I had my own 280ZX, so I’ve had a love for Z Cars.
    I’ve never got the idea that 280ZX was “bad”. It was a product of the time. It was as good or better than what was available at that time.

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  День тому +1

      Totally agree. I think everyone needs to remember the environment these cars came into. For what they were trying to go for, they completely succeeded.

  • @willyhwang1059
    @willyhwang1059 День тому +4

    the 280ZX, forever my first and true love.

  • @patcurrie9888
    @patcurrie9888 День тому +3

    I saved and saved for a 280Z with my paper route. I had 4K and asked my dad to co sign. Being a union guy said no way your only options are Ford, Chevy or Chrysler. I was devastated. Fast forward to 2022 Nissan unveiled the new Z, retro model. production issues with problematic transmissions, halted production and dealers marked up the remaining cars. Who gets a 2nd chance? Not me. I got a retro Dodge Challenger.

    • @zythr9999
      @zythr9999 21 годину тому

      No telling how much longer Nissan will be around.

  • @donswier
    @donswier 2 дні тому +5

    Amazing collection of (cringe) photos & clips accompanying this video.
    I was a car-obsessed young teen when the Z became ZX, and this perfectly captures the mood of those times.
    Of course with limited $$$, once I hit 16, I chose a used Kei Car Honda N600.
    Z and ZX were outa my league.😢

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  День тому +1

      I think we've all been there, haha. But an N600! One of my favorite Hondas, and what an incredible car that started some really important development at Honda.

  • @DuaneSeidr
    @DuaneSeidr 2 дні тому +2

    Wow,this narrator truly is standout in his ideas,opinions and delivery❤

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  День тому +1

      What an incredibly kind thing to say. Thank you. :) I'm adding it to my collection of "favorite comments".

  • @BrhatLee
    @BrhatLee 6 годин тому

    You knocked it out of the park, your production and eye for details were great! I had a 1980 black & gold 280ZX slick top 2+2 with the 5-speed manual. A really fun car that went like lightning in a cloud of rust, it too became a victim of the midwest seasons. Not exactly a supercar by any stretch but it was right for the time. Woefully underpowered compared to the earlier models but it didn't suffer from the carburetor problems or clunky feelings of the 260 and 280Z. I had the Teleray sub model that had some extra trim and interior touches, tack-on gimmicks that gave it a more refined feel at the cost of the sportier intent. This is a car that will never have a parallel in the future.

  • @Hoggdoc1946
    @Hoggdoc1946 День тому +2

    I have owned two cars, the first was a 1971 painted Porsche green with mag wheels purchased in 1973 from Newport Beach motors. The second was a 1979 280 ZX which was more of a luxury coupe than a true sports car. It had all the whistles and bells, power windows, power steering automatic air conditioning nice Soundsystem two tone, silver and blue paint. But I have to tell you I like the 71 much better.

  • @dv84sure
    @dv84sure День тому +1

    Rick ... bumped into your channel today. Your research is excellent and love your voice. I subscribed and hope you get far more. Millions wanted a 240Z and later a 280Z. I could only afford used cars back then and because of living in deep snow country. Got lucky when I found a used 68 Olds Delta 88 with the 455 and paid 375 bucks. Best car I ever had and even started in -40 without being plugged in.

  • @joeygardner5443
    @joeygardner5443 2 дні тому +2

    🐯Great video man! The 280zx was a very influential car in my life. My father worked for Lynn Datsun (which became Lynn Nissan of course) in Northern New Jersey as a sales manager/finance guy from 1979 until 1983 when he opened his own car lot. My dad was an eldorado/riviera GS kind of guy but he LOVED 280zx’s and then emerging 300zx’s. I spent my young years in many of these cars, mostly manual and turbo models. I used to recite the bitchin’ betty voice quips, my dad did the same up until he passed away. Years later when i was 19 a friend of mine bought a 1981 280zx for 100 bucks. It needed a hood (the old one rotted away at the hinges) and a valve adjustment. We put that poor car through its paces for two years until another friend burnt the clutch out. We must have done 150 burnouts in that car. I went to put a clutch in and when we jacked the front end up the subframe and unibody literally broke and the car bent like a pretzel. So many memories of from the forgotten era of z cars. A relatively new friend of mine has a ZXR edition , been sitting in a storage unit for 7 years. Ive been trying to convince him to sell it to me so maybe the 280zx will return to my life once more. Your video hit me in the feels man, thank you.

    • @johnmatthews5321
      @johnmatthews5321 День тому +1

      Never stop remembering or thinking talking bout your dad power loyalty and respect from Windsor ca

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  День тому

      What great memories. It would be amazing to be able to get your hands on a ZXR! I'd say keep a close eye on that if you can. Also, have you seen this ad for greater-NYC Datsun dealerships? I was going to include part of it in the video but I don't think I did. It might bring back some memories: ua-cam.com/video/qw3b88a1SHw/v-deo.html

  • @g.c.brooks7214
    @g.c.brooks7214 2 дні тому +4

    I had a 1983 280ZX back in the 1990s. It had typical used car issues by the time I owned it, but I loved it. Yeah, the suspension and seats were too soft and un-sports car like but the L28E produced lots of torque. I enjoyed the T-tops, luxury features like power windows, power locks, power mirrors, and rear window louvers. It was so 80s. I regret selling it. I want another S130 so bad. The S130 was definitely a transitional car. It bridged the gap between the analog S30 and electronic Z31. It was definitely a product of the malaise era but that somehow makes it uniquely charming looking back in 2024.

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  2 дні тому +1

      Such a fantastic way to put it. It really is uniquely charming! And nothing quite beats having the T-tops off on a beautiful warm day, even if they add a little weight. (We can count that as less weight if we leave them home when they're off. Heh.)

    • @RedBud315
      @RedBud315 2 дні тому +1

      Ironically I knew someone back in the 80's that had a 280ZX and I drove that car long before I was lucky enough to be the 2nd owner of the last year 240. I had no issue with the ZX but, the 2+2 was not my cup of tea. My 240 was a rare Blue with White interior except for carpet and dash which were black. The original owner lived in L.A. and drove to Santa Barbara just to get that color combo and I'm glad he did. To this day that is my favorite car and I could drive it all day long and not be worn out at all. Unfortunately I lost it in a garage fire after I had spent 2 years replacing every piece of rubber and was just about to get my top end rebuilt with porting and higher performance camshaft and valves. I did have intermittent wipers, A/C and electric antenna so that was all the luxury I needed.

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  2 дні тому

      That sounds like a true dream car, I'm sorry to hear what happened to it. I am glad it was at least appreciated as much as it was before it was lost. (And I'm glad you're okay too! Yikes.)

  • @Zuno79
    @Zuno79 День тому +1

    Stumbled on this video and loved how detailed you got. Thank you, I'll be hitting that subscribe button. Keep up the great work.

  • @foolonthrn
    @foolonthrn 2 дні тому +2

    The z-line cars are one of the most gorgeous cars ever given to humans

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  День тому

      For real. And at a relatively affordable price!

  • @kleinbottled79
    @kleinbottled79 День тому +1

    Had one of these. A 5 speed blue and silver two tone '81. Was the first car I bought for myself at 17 in '96. Paid $2100 for it. Was a great daily ride; very livable. T-tops were fun and the drive was satisfying. Power, in the era, was enough. Faster than most garden variety 90's passenger vehicles anyways. Straight 6 sounded smooth and throaty through the glass pack muffler I added. Felt cool pulling into my high school parking lot full of boring cars. Don't yearn to own one again but I loved my time in that Z.

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  День тому +1

      Such a great remembrance for the car that was of its time. I had one of the boring cars in high school and was always super jealous of any Z-cars I saw, haha.

  • @chrisnicholson3231
    @chrisnicholson3231 День тому +2

    An excellent video, one I'll be sharing on FB so my friends who work for Nissan NA will see it. While I've never owned a 280ZX (but would love to), I have been fortunate enough to have driven the actual car from the black/gold TV commercials. Nissan NA still owns it, and it only had 150 miles on the odometer when I drove it across the lawn during a Z convention at their corporate headquarters some 15 years ago. It's a proper time capsule, and still in brand-new condition to this day. 🐯

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  День тому +1

      That is incredible. It's funny you brought it up, I was watching that ad and thinking very specifically "I wonder what happened to this car." I assumed they may have sold it to someone on the production crew since they couldn't sell it new. It's VERY cool to learn it ended up staying with Nissan! What a cool story. I've been humming the "Black GOOOLD" jingle all week, haha.

    • @chrisnicholson3231
      @chrisnicholson3231 День тому +1

      @makenmodel You can rest easy that it's in the best hands. The guy who runs the Heritage Collection is a good friend and he loves the car as much as you and I do.

  • @falcodog2917
    @falcodog2917 День тому +1

    Fantastic video! I wanted this car SO MUCH when I was a kid and couldn't afford one. I still think they are cool.

  • @robertfrank886
    @robertfrank886 15 годин тому

    I really enjoyed this video- a history lesson of a great line of cars- my brother currently owns a 93 300ZX TT and I own a 93 NA convertible, both great cars with a long lineage. When I was a kid, I really had an appreciation for the 280ZX, even the non turbo cars.

  • @flight505
    @flight505 День тому +1

    No mention of the one year only "Honeycomb" style wheels on the 1981 Turbo. I loved the look, didn't love no-intercooler. Went through two turbos before I gave up. Bought new and cared for.

  • @MrTBoneMalone
    @MrTBoneMalone 2 дні тому +1

    I had a red 81 280ZX that I bought from a dealership I worked at for a short time. It was in poor condition, but I got the car pretty cheap and restored it. After fixing interior problems and having it repainted the stock color, I had to hunt for the longest time to find someone to do the struts at an affordable price. I loved the car and drove it for many years watching the gage role over to 200,000 miles and beyond. I genuinely miss this car and I'd love to have another one.

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  День тому +1

      They were well-built machines intended to keep going and going! Such a far cry from the mantra of so many sports cars today.

  • @jojosdad1359
    @jojosdad1359 2 дні тому +1

    I bought a 3 year old 5 spd 280 ZX in '86 for $9K after financing with Navy Federal, white with red interior. Loved that highway cruiser. At the time I was stationed in the low country of S.C. and used to make monthly trips home to Massachusetts. A tank of gas got me 475 miles. I thought the tech was cool, the heated outside power mirrors, the digital dash, the rain sensing rear wiper. In the 4 years I owned it, I only replaced the alternator. It was the first car I installed a full sound system in complete with a sub enclosure.

    • @chuckwhitson654
      @chuckwhitson654 День тому +1

      Myrtle Beach was supposed to have been a great place to have been stationed

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  День тому

      It is incredible how much technology these cars had. I have a Z31 300ZX that had a lot of the 280ZX's tech features, and I am constantly surprised to find it has features that aren't even standard in new cars.

  • @nos1000100
    @nos1000100 День тому

    I'm on my 3rd 280zx. Now is the best time to have one since the popularity is going up. Aftermarket companies are starting to make custom parts for the car.

  • @sparky6086
    @sparky6086 5 годин тому

    You didn't mention the 1982 280ZX Turbo w/ the Borg Warner 5 speed manual transmission. It solved the lack of manual transmission problem, that the 1981 mode had. My brother had one, & it was awesome. Really pulled away, when that boost kicked in! It was the pinnacle of the 280ZX series.

  • @billm83army
    @billm83army 18 годин тому

    I love my 1983 280ZX bought it 3 years ago. My first was a 1981 280ZX that I bought used in 1985 at Fort Bragg NC

  • @winterface
    @winterface 3 дні тому +2

    Great video, love all thr retro footage!!

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  3 дні тому

      Finding all of that footage and putting it together in the video is a ton of work! I'm glad it's appreciated.

  • @gray25xt
    @gray25xt День тому

    Great production here. I watched the whole video and didn't feel I got the "one line reason" why the car vanished aside from being cheap fun that people neglected. Still great video. I owned a '82 2+2 and my brother owned a '83 turbo, both 5-speed, back in the day. These cars would not stay fixed. Still, fun and beautiful machine. Thanks for the memories.

  • @velocitygt
    @velocitygt 2 дні тому +1

    a Silver 83 t top manual was my very first car, and managed to pile in 4 people in addition to myself in the driver seat! Ah.... teenage memories!

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  День тому

      All in the drivers seat?! That is wild, haha. I'm sure the Nissan engineering team would have been proud!

  • @geneevans7885
    @geneevans7885 4 години тому

    Best car Nissan ever put out. The Datsun 240s and 260s were just as good. I still see Datsun trucks on the road.

  • @ddemier
    @ddemier 14 годин тому

    AWSOME DOCUMENTRY. I owned a couple 1982 280zx's and talk about a fun car to drive. They have increased in price and heard to find a non rust bucket. I wish you would have touched on the rust issue these cars are known for.

  • @Redmenace96
    @Redmenace96 23 хвилини тому

    Have learned a lot about Z cars, but thought the length might be an indication of more details. Did not disappoint! Very good!
    Started vid with images of Black Gold edition. I love that car! Saw a handful in the 80's and it was pure sexy.

  • @Mr.SharkTooth-zc8rm
    @Mr.SharkTooth-zc8rm 19 годин тому +1

    I sold my 1978 Datsun 280Z for a 1981 ZX. After the Honeymoon was over I regretted that decision everyday I drove the ZX until the day I got rid of it. Just looking at the dash became a source of irritation after a while... 😃

  • @XenonZcar
    @XenonZcar День тому +1

    Awesome Episode. I myself own a 1980 fairlady 280Z that was brought into the US many years ago. It is going under a full Restomod.

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  День тому

      Whoa, XenonZcar in the comments! I love your videos. I'm glad we connected on Instagram!

  • @coreyjones1518
    @coreyjones1518 День тому

    My best friend's brother had one of these. I thought it was the most amazing car ever!

  • @headpump
    @headpump День тому

    Loved my 280ZX. So easy to get speeding tickets. 😄

  • @hartsickdisciple
    @hartsickdisciple 10 годин тому

    I had a 1986 300zx, and it was definitely a great GT car. I've also owned a pair of 350zs and a 370z. Currently I own a 2024 Z Performance. I can say with confidence that the new Z is more of a GT car than the 350 or 370z. It still handles well and is faster than those cars, but it's full of technology and feels a bit more upmarket.

  • @lynettepierce1526
    @lynettepierce1526 3 дні тому +2

    Another awesome video!

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  3 дні тому

      Your support with this means everything.

  • @lord_danku3844
    @lord_danku3844 4 дні тому +2

    Another great video! I’m not super into the 280zx but I think they’re also beautiful and unique in its own way.

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  3 дні тому

      That's kind of what I took away from this as well. As a Z31 owner, I get it. Because the Z31 gets a lot of similar comments as the S130!

  • @EinKerl3554
    @EinKerl3554 9 годин тому

    When introduced to the US the Z cars succeeded for the same reason the E type (which was a bit heavy and long in tooth by then) did. It looked as good as a Ferrari, drove as good as a Ferrari and handled as good (in truth a bit better) as a Ferrari for a fraction of the price. Plus they were more reliable. They were light nimble and fun to drive. When the ZX was introduced they were headed down the same path that doomed the RX7 and Supra. In moving upmarket they became more luxurious but gained size weight and price loosing some of their nimble handling along the way. The latter two began to drive off a good chunk of their original core buyers. Fortunately the Z family of cars lasted longer than those of the Supra and RX7. My personal favorite is the 280Z 2+2. A friend in high school had one, I thought the longer roof line look more elegant and when the 2.8 wasn't being strangled by emission equipment it was decently quick.

  • @floydcooley1
    @floydcooley1 2 дні тому +1

    You say forgotten, well maybe by this generation but all I know is that around 81-82, having a turbo 280ZX was THE car we coveted.

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  День тому

      This is real. I was a kid at the time but I remember they were everywhere. But I legitimately can't remember the last time I saw one outside of a meetup or event.

  • @JamieChus
    @JamieChus 15 годин тому

    Thanks for this video my father had a 82 and a half turbo he bought for my grandfather and love the car so fast I beat it one time when I was 16 and a mustang GT on an old airport lot anyway it did eventually rust out the pillars on the back and the mechanic said it would

  • @jeremymtc
    @jeremymtc 3 дні тому +1

    Great video! New subscriber based on the strength of this work, and will check out the rest of your series.
    Unlike a lot of UA-cam "documentary" channels, you've clearly done the work in terms of your research and understanding of the subject matter, and it is appreciated!

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  3 дні тому +1

      Wow, what a kind comment. This is the kind of thing that really keeps me going. I really try to research as much as possible before I start writing the script, so this means a lot. I'm glad to see that effort is appreciated.

  • @coasterpath
    @coasterpath День тому +1

    Great clip, I’ve grew up on Z cars and got to see Paul Newman and Tom Cruise in 1988 at SCCA events in Charlotte,,my mom had the best Z in Hickory, NC and I stole that car in so many joy rides around lake Hickory and the high school and 127

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  День тому

      I'm really looking forward to talking more about Paul Newman and Tom Cruise in the next episode. I've got a bunch of clips all lined up and am eager to put something together. How cool it must have been to see them racing in person!

  • @lancemannion4113
    @lancemannion4113 День тому

    Not many sportscars can pull off a two-tone paint job like the 280ZX did! I hate 'gold' (beige, tan) exteriors, but the black and gold was gorgeous! And the red with black?...🤤

    • @zythr9999
      @zythr9999 21 годину тому

      don't forget brown😀

  • @Jubbs0100
    @Jubbs0100 3 дні тому +1

    Oh fantastic, just the style of video I've been searching for, I best check out the rest!
    Its amazing they were sold in the multiple tens of thousands each year considering how few sports cars sell nowadays.

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  3 дні тому

      Thank you! And exactly! Sports cars these days are a tiny fraction of the car purchasing segment that is dominated by crossovers and trucks. Thankfully there has been a lot of new development by automakers looking to bring back some of their legacy sports car brands. I think first up is the Honda Prelude, so I'm excited to see what its stats are like.

    • @davidhollenshead4892
      @davidhollenshead4892 2 дні тому

      @@makenmodel Honda, the most overrated automaker whose cars seem to have bad automatic transmissions, bad manual transmissions, engines that had cranks & cams that snapped, and blocks & heads that cracked, but the thing I really hated when I was a mechanic was the shitty fasteners that were always at least two to four mm too small...

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  2 дні тому

      I've never worked on Hondas but I am really surprised to hear this! They have such a reputation for reliability (unless you get a lemon from the factory).

  • @richarddalkranian3261
    @richarddalkranian3261 3 дні тому +1

    🐯 great video! Lots of great information and your production is excellent.

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  3 дні тому

      Thank you! Really trying hard to make the kind of videos I want to see on youtube.

  • @MarkTurner-vs7uc
    @MarkTurner-vs7uc 11 годин тому

    They were so great. Tjat motor is so strong,they can be hopped up without a lot of money by anyone mechanicly inclined. I built mine to do burnouts and it was incredible. No parts now though.

  • @oi32df
    @oi32df 13 годин тому

    19:39 ''Nissan Voice Warning System'': A small phonograph player (yes a turntable...) with a voice played from a 3-inch white plastic disc placed under the dashboard. There was this also in the Maxima of the same era.

  • @AmiVider
    @AmiVider 2 дні тому +5

    Nissan first used "Datsun" because "Nissan" meant Japan and they feared Americans will not buy a car named Japan after WW2.

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  2 дні тому

      I was just having some fun with it in the video, but this is the real answer. I talk about it in more detail in Episodes 1 and 2 of this series!

    • @EinKerl3554
      @EinKerl3554 10 годин тому

      Actually the Japanese name for Japan is Nippon. When Datsun ran into financial difficulties and was sold the new owner renamed it Nissan, a contraction of his first and last names. When they started selling cars in the US success was far from certain. They used the old name Datsun so if their US venture failed it wouldn't tarnish the name of the company and owner.

  • @onetonpun
    @onetonpun День тому +1

    my dad had an anniversary edtiion, and i had an 83 2+2. His was bare bones and mine was fully loaded. they were very different cars.

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  День тому

      Really amazing how different a person could spec the car depending on what options they chose!

  • @jefferysmith3930
    @jefferysmith3930 День тому

    🐯excellent deep dive video. I’ve owned 3: silver 81, blue 81, blue 83 automatic. Kept the silver 81 for the longest as it was bought new by my stepdad and was only 10 years old when I bought it off him. He sold it to me to buy a beautiful, but trouble prone, maroon ‘85 300ZX Turbo. From my experience, the 280ZX’s were tougher and more reliable than the 300ZX’s that followed

  • @cuda426hemi
    @cuda426hemi 12 годин тому

    A kid in '83 I'm at a record co. and you could tell what level you were on by where you had a parking space - and the cars would tell you too. Top tier either didn't drive or had Rollers, Ferraris, and such. Next tier was was lawyers and upper mid mgmt - Porsches, Vettes Mercedes BMW; then there was me the last tier that could park "close" to the building and it was the Supra, ZX, Mazda RX level. Somehow I had a '82 gun metal ZX 2+2 Turbo with all options. Coming from muscle and sports I knew right away it was a luxo dog; boulevard cruiser highway bomber with enough gimmicks and stuff for girls to like - basically more of a babe magnet - T Tops,voice talking to you all the time, I swear Bitchin' Betty used to tell us where the coke spoon fell...lol, start-up sequence on dash was just so goofy. Good times. My later Chrysler Starquest TSi in like '88 would blow the doors off it of course with only a four banger and turbo plus it could TURN, the ZX by '82 was a bloated heavy pig even with the turbo on it..

  • @peterz22thomas5
    @peterz22thomas5 2 дні тому +1

    I bought an '82 1/2 280 zx turbo in the mid 90s. It had Datsun and Nissan badges. Silver and black with t-tops. I loved that car. I think that car helped me bag the hottest chick I had ever talked to....and we're now married 29 years!

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  День тому

      Hahaha the 280ZX brought so many people together!

  • @markallen2984
    @markallen2984 День тому

    I remember the 280ZX was derided in the American automotive press as a "Japanese Buick" because of it's larger size and it's new orientation towards luxury.

  • @phantom0456
    @phantom0456 2 дні тому

    This content is fantastic! Keep up the great work, I think you’re going to get much bigger as time goes on!

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  День тому

      I really appreciate this. I would love to be able to continue making this kind of content and do it full-time.

  • @jimbrown5091
    @jimbrown5091 День тому

    My uncle had a 280ZX ( and later a Z31 300ZX)...I love Nissans in general and Z-cars in particular.
    BTW IMSA (International Motor Sport Association) is typically pronounced as "Emsa"

  • @kristianfjeldgaard1
    @kristianfjeldgaard1 День тому

    Thanks for an interesting and well made video. Good luck with your channel😊

  • @tom_at_tomsdatsungarage
    @tom_at_tomsdatsungarage 2 дні тому +1

    Another great video! You mentioned you would like to do the Skylines at some point. Well, I personally would like to see these video series on the entire Datsun/Nissan catalog! Yes, I am slightly biased. But seriously, these are fantastic. I will keep on watching. 🐯

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  День тому +1

      Tom! Good to see you here. :) I may be a little biased too, haha.

  • @Zi.Zenior
    @Zi.Zenior 4 дні тому +2

    First! I think the 280zx will be seeing a resurgence very soon. It’s about time.

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  4 дні тому

      I'll be honest when I say I didn't know a whole lot about the 280ZX going into working on this video. But now that I do? It's a pretty great car and it's amazing so many people sleep on it.

    • @g.c.brooks7214
      @g.c.brooks7214 2 дні тому +1

      I'm starting to see more and more restomod S130s online. It makes me want to buy one before they become unobtainable.

    • @Zi.Zenior
      @Zi.Zenior 2 дні тому

      @ do it

    • @davidhollenshead4892
      @davidhollenshead4892 2 дні тому

      Almost all have died from rusted fame rails, as once you noticed that the gear shift was moving around strangely, the uni-body was tweaked and the car would never drive straight again. This was due to the Z cars having no drains in those frame rails where the water accumulated from the drivers & passengers feet...

    • @Zi.Zenior
      @Zi.Zenior 2 дні тому

      @ what’s the modern day fix for this?

  • @Pablo-cp9nc
    @Pablo-cp9nc День тому

    The 280ZX Turbo was an awesome car.

  • @SamSung-u5k
    @SamSung-u5k 22 години тому +1

    Called the ones in the early 80s 'disco machines'. As all the open shifted permed out disco kings bought them.

    • @Milkmans_Son
      @Milkmans_Son 18 годин тому

      bullshit, those guys were in corvettes.

    • @SamSung-u5k
      @SamSung-u5k 13 годин тому

      @Milkmans_Son can't be in both? That's limited

  • @TarikSammour
    @TarikSammour 3 дні тому +1

    Can't wait for the Z32 video!!

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  3 дні тому +1

      I love seeing this comment on each video. The Z32 is close now! Just one video to go!

  • @TUNINGDONERIGHTMX5
    @TUNINGDONERIGHTMX5 День тому +1

    Very well done.
    Pls do more cars.
    Same format.
    M2
    MX5.

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  День тому

      Will do! Both of those are on my to-do list. :)

  • @machupikachu1085
    @machupikachu1085 2 дні тому +1

    Really well done! Subbed.
    Cheers!

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  2 дні тому

      Thank you, and thank you for the sub!

  • @EdwoodCA
    @EdwoodCA День тому

    Nicely done! TONS of info I didn't know already.
    1 note: I could be wrong, but I always thought it was pronounced like a word vs letters. IMSA = imm-sah, based on watching a few races on ESPN in the late 80s/early 90s.
    🐯🐅
    Looking forward to the Z31 ep. as I still have my dad's that he bought on a whim when he just wanted to test drive it. [A.F. officer with family of 5 always drove sensible/affordable cars , so this Z was a big step for him in retirement.] I love driving it often! 165k miles and counting.

  • @btrdangerdan2010
    @btrdangerdan2010 3 дні тому +1

    Awesome work

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  3 дні тому

      Thank you! Glad you're here. :)

  • @michaelhammond6029
    @michaelhammond6029 10 годин тому

    Yes he is a superstar

  • @super_slav91
    @super_slav91 3 дні тому +2

    The Z cars went downhill with the introduction of the V configuration, body good, engine needed to stay inline.

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  3 дні тому

      As a VG30E fan, I can't believe what I'm reading. Haha. But I get it, there are few things as perfect as an inline six.

    • @phantom0456
      @phantom0456 2 дні тому

      The Nissan VG V6 was the first mass-produced Japanese V6 ever produced, so it was unthinkable at that time that Nissan would not put it into its halo car.

    • @super_slav91
      @super_slav91 2 дні тому

      @phantom0456 It was really design for the mid4 but when that got cancelled they put it in the z, it's the same as when they made the GTR a V6, there's a reason the RB is more sought after.

  • @rat1018
    @rat1018 День тому

    My dad had an 82 to 280ZX gold. And that Betty woman...

  • @luisochoa731
    @luisochoa731 3 години тому

    One of the best Mercedes Benz of all times.

  • @joeseeking3572
    @joeseeking3572 2 дні тому +1

    There's a lot of promise here, good luck.

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  2 дні тому

      I really appreciate this. I'm going to keep trying to improve with each video that comes out.

  • @enriquegilmour
    @enriquegilmour 11 годин тому

    I had a 1983 240SX in the 80s, and if I am not mistaken, it also said Datsun by Nissan.

  • @crevis12
    @crevis12 10 годин тому

    Had a 1981 280 zx turbo.. was bought as a beater and drove hard.. so much under body rust it was not safe.. fun car tho

  • @ILAZYBOYI
    @ILAZYBOYI Годину тому

    My first car was a 1978 280Z ❤️

  • @lukejohnson9142
    @lukejohnson9142 3 дні тому +1

    You should do a first gen prelude

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  3 дні тому

      I would love to do a whole season on the Prelude, first gen included! It's pretty high on my to-do list. Maybe as soon as I'm done with the Z-Car?

  • @wk961
    @wk961 20 годин тому

    I would love to see a series on the Supra please 😊

  • @Incomudro1963
    @Incomudro1963 54 хвилини тому

    I was in high school when the Z became the ZX.
    I LOVED Z cars, and tried to like the ZX.
    It was ok, but it was a lot like that band you liked who put out an album later in their career that just didn't measure up.
    Sure, you played it - and it probably had a couple of good songs.
    But at the same time you were kind of forcing yourself to like it.

  • @nycmaverick
    @nycmaverick 21 годину тому

    My rich NY uncle Louis had a silver 2+2 280 ZX that as an 18 year old living with him I got to drive a lot. It kind of reminded me of a Japanese Jaguar in my naive car experience. I remember him trying to figure out if he could get Bitchin Betty to be reprogramed to say x-rated phrases.

  • @marcalampi5036
    @marcalampi5036 День тому

    My company car was the 1983 Datsun Nissan 280 ZX 2+2.
    5 speed manual. It was brown with the rear window slats. My boss would tell me faster faster faster. LoL i worked for The Hollywood Reporter. Yeah fun great car and it was fast especially with it's Turbo. Great Memories. Yes Hollywood California. It was mine in 1984.

  • @Deftroeas
    @Deftroeas 8 годин тому

    25:39 I'll never be able to see that 83 and not think of Smokescreen

  • @jamesstewart3771
    @jamesstewart3771 2 дні тому +1

    I could never understand why people for the longest time have been so obsessed with either luxury barges , or muscle cars . Give me a Z car , or a Celica Supra any day . Going into the 80’s there where so many incredible Japanese performance cars , yet everyone is still on those tired only good in a straight line muscle cars .

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  2 дні тому

      I like muscle cars too, but I generally agree. There is nothing more fun than being able to toss an otherwise mild-mannered well-built machine around some turns. There's just something special about Japanese sports cars.

    • @jamesstewart3771
      @jamesstewart3771 2 дні тому

      I guess I just got tired of hearing “8 cylinders are fast 4 cylinders are slow “. In the 90’s I had a 1991 Celica Alltrac turbo . People generally didn’t know about them back then . The streets where I live in Ft .Lauderdale , Fl where littered with Foxbody Mustangs , and IROC Z’s . There was nothing more satisfying to me than pulling up in that Celica with all the dudes laughing about “the Celica with the hood scoop “. They stopped laughing as I started to step out on them . Seeing a Celica’s tail lights from you Foxbody while your girls in the passenger seat had to be infuriating , especially after you talked all that lip .

  • @hollymaren
    @hollymaren 19 годин тому

    I hope people check out the other videos from Make + Model. They are of the same caliber-chock full of info!

  • @jeanlibido8502
    @jeanlibido8502 3 дні тому +1

    "Buy the Z, Buy the Z, Buy the Beautiful Z"

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  3 дні тому

      Haha, I hear this too. Especially as I'm scrolling FB marketplace.

  • @Babicoste
    @Babicoste 3 дні тому +1

    Have no fear, part 4 is here!

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  3 дні тому +1

      Now let's see how quickly I can get part 5 done!

    • @Babicoste
      @Babicoste 3 дні тому

      @@makenmodel 🐯No rush, take your time, quality over quantity 🐯

  • @tanodimarco3871
    @tanodimarco3871 День тому

    i gotchu baby. love this!!!!

  • @vincentlewis5188
    @vincentlewis5188 День тому

    Take a CLOSER LOOK AT SOME OF THE GAMES INBETWEEN!!!

  • @hollymaren
    @hollymaren 4 дні тому +1

    🐯 "Awesome" production.

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  3 дні тому +1

      I see what you did there, haha 💛🐯

  • @antikytheramechanism7909
    @antikytheramechanism7909 День тому

    To think that the current Z has a giant chrome strip and has turned into a Frankenstein kind of explains Nissan's current troubles.

    • @zythr9999
      @zythr9999 21 годину тому

      They're trying to stay afloat.

  • @lowcomp9638
    @lowcomp9638 День тому

    1982年式、2st、t-bar、5mt購入して乗っていた。湾岸ミッドナイトの悪魔のzの元ネタであるABR-S130に憧れて買った。
    夢を実現するまで手放さないでおくべきだった。

  • @Buck305
    @Buck305 13 годин тому

    "good for the environment" - I'm sure that was front of mind for everyone in the 70's. 🤣

  • @gphilipc2031
    @gphilipc2031 19 годин тому

    240Z was my favorite looking Z, owned one ... simple clean true lines. Well, except for the RUST and Anemic performance.
    Yeah, really ... The Anemic performance is what killed my respect for the Z cars.

  • @BogattheMoon
    @BogattheMoon 2 дні тому +1

    Still Jonesing for a Nissan MID4.

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  День тому

      Big same. I'm going to be talking about the MID4 and MID4-II in my Z32 video (episode 6), so keep an eye out. :)

  • @rockets4kids
    @rockets4kids 3 дні тому +5

    9:54 You know what else was popular in the 1970s?
    Quaaludes.

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  3 дні тому

      😂 This cracks me up. I think you've nailed it, haha

    • @mankind8088
      @mankind8088 3 дні тому +1

      Every zx had some in the glovebox

    • @hollymaren
      @hollymaren 18 годин тому

      "Pull over till the ludes wear off" was a popular saying.

  • @harleyearl3289
    @harleyearl3289 2 дні тому

    BRAVO!

  • @stretchyjim1
    @stretchyjim1 День тому

    i had a 84 300zx turbo. i never did find the rocket boosters. it felt like it had them.

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  День тому +2

      I have an 85 300ZX Turbo. Currently it doesn't run, so I can't check for its rockets, haha.

  • @mrsuarez430
    @mrsuarez430 День тому

    Great vid dude MAKE more.. More HAHA Yo just read nissans in trouble again tbh I knew they were in trouble when they started making the rouge my girl had one what a nightmare broken ac compressor c3 times blown head all the buttons broken horn randomly started blasting eventually the tires flew off while driving (the disk screw broke) My brother's altima also a nightmare. Nissans used to be Fast and reliable now they're just Frankensteins that won't go past 70 k unfortunately

    • @makenmodel
      @makenmodel  День тому

      Yep, I really hope Nissan can put together a strategy and quick. They're saying they might only have another year of operating expenses. Yikes!

    • @mrsuarez430
      @mrsuarez430 День тому

      they lost they're way in general they had a nice balance of fast and reliable good looking cars ​@@makenmodel