We like our Fairladies here at CC, or Z-Cars if you prefer. It seems the second gen Z, despite having been abundantly covered on this website over the past decade, has yet to have been illustrated in its T-top form. To address this (roofless) gap in our CCoverage of the many wares sold under the Nissan and Datsun marques, Tokyo provided a worthy example. It even came with a little surprise inside it – and on its rear bumper, as well.
Quick recap about this S130 generation, first. They debuted in 1978, taking over from the 240/260/280Z. Global market Zs, usually known as the Datsun 280ZX, were fitted with a 2.8 litre straight-6. In Japan though, that was a bit too much displacement, so most Zs of this generation made do with a 2-litre 6-cyl., but it was now available with a turbocharger, which provided the same output (145hp) as the standard big six did in late model 280ZXs.
In 1980, the T-top variant was introduced, based on both the 2-seater coupé and the 2+2. This one is a 2-seater – perhaps the better-looking one of the two. And despite that period-perfect bumper sticker, it’s definitely not a US-spec car.
It’s obviously had a lot of work done – those seats, for a start. But here we can catch a glimpse of the weirdest addition to this mechanical Fairlady: a picture of a human fair lady has been stuck on the steering wheel’s hub.
No idea who said fair lady is, just stuck there, staring at the driver. Must be a bit distracting… “The lady is for turning,” as Margaret Thatcher didn’t exactly say.
By contrast, the aftermarket Watanabe wheels look positively mundane. At least, when you look at them, they don’t stare back at you.
As to the Reagan-Bush bumper sticker, I don’t really care for that either. Political affiliations are best kept to oneself, I feel. Of course, in the Japanese context and 40 years later, the effect is a little different. Ultimately, the dead presidents on the rear are a lot less of an issue than the grinning and staring wheel in front of the driver. Talk about an over-the-T-top Fairlady.
Related posts:
Curbside Classic: Datsun 280Z – Seduction of Forms., by Rich Baron
Curbside Classic: 1983 Datsun 280ZX – The Cutlass Supreme Brougham Z?, by Tom Klockau
CC Capsule: 1982 Nissan Fairlady Z (S130) Turbo – Found In Translation, by T87
CC Capsule: 1983 Datsun 280ZX – Mission Creep Comes To The Z Car, by Jana Lingo
Driveway Outtake: Datsun 280ZX 2+2 – Living the ’70s Dream, by PN
CC Outtake: Datsun 280 ZX: Just The Ride For A Trip To The Dentist, by Chris O’Bryant
CC Outtake: 1978-83 Nissan Fairlady Z (S130) – Ultimate Stripper Version, by T87
Vintage Ad: 1979 Datsun 280ZX – A Creature Of Comfort, by Perry Shoar
eBay Find: 1980 Datsun 280ZX – Enough To Make My Heart Melt, by Gerardo Solis
In California, one can now obtain current-issue “black plates” that once served as a marker of originality. Similarly, I used to see “survivor” cars at car shows that displayed original political bumper stickers, but these days, one can purchase a brand-new political sticker for most any old election.
Nothing means anything anymore.
A lot of these Fairladys washed up on NZ shores, not many left in use now though.
A few years ago, I was amused to see a Reagan-Bush bumper sticker on a late 90s Dodge Intrepid.
There’s been a ’69 or ’70 Coupe De Ville running around here with a Nixon sticker on it…
Staring wheel. Is that kinda like the gazing ball in my front yard?
The license tag with the “Y” prefix in front of the XX-XX main numbers indicates that the vehicle is registered to a US military personnel stationed in Japan.
That might explain the American political bumper sticker.
One of these was among the fastest cars in Japan in the 90’s, look up ABR Hosoki for more info. It’s interesting to read about.
A nice find, though not my favourite generation of Fairlady. Squaring off the front end took away the lithe lightness of the original. The tan seats do look lovely and inviting. The steering wheel? I have to wonder whether she’s famous, or just special to the owner – which is more important than mere fame.