This 1983 Datsun 280ZX came into my ownership about 5 years ago as a mess of a car with more shades of gold than you could count on one hand. It has been an absolute journey in restoring this beaut of a Fairlady, and even more so in what I have learnt through it.

I hadn't much of an appreciation or knowledge in working on cars prior to this, but you can bet it threw me into the deep end - it had chewed up the main bearing two days after getting roady! Since then, I have learnt a fair bit of what I do know from all the curveballs the car has thrown at me (i.e. OE-equipped rust, neverending electrical gremlins, leaking T-top seals, etc.), and I'm glad to say that they have all been well-managed (as is evident by the pictures provided).

My vision for the Fairlady was for a seamless mix of retro-modern - period-spec'd elements from the 80s (airdam, vertical twin-tip muffler, Porsche Met. Slate Grey), intertwined with modern motifs (bronze lipped deep dish wheels, projector headlights, deep paint fleck). I'd like to say I have well achieved this!

But there is always more to go, for there is no rest for the wicked. Tossing up between engineering an RB turbo motor, or perhaps even an LS. Maybe bagged suspension will also make it's way in for the near future. Plenty to look forward to!

1983 Datsun 280ZX T-Top 2+2
2.8L Fuel-injected L28E engine with FS5w71b 5-speed gearbox

Exterior:
- Genuine Aritaspeed half airdam
- DapperLighting 7" LED projector headlights
- Series 1 tail lights
- Full bare-metal respray to Porsche L22d Metallic Slate Grey
- Full detail and ceramic protection by Liquid R

Interior:
- 80's Recaro LX-C with fishnet headrests
- Shan Motorsport custom lathed stainless steel shift knob
- Nardi Woodgrain Classic 360mm
- NRG short hub
- NRG quick release
- Re-upholstered black interior

Engine Bay:
- Rebuilt L28E to OE spec w/ slight overbore
- Woodgrain hydrodipped valve cover
- 3-core aluminium radiator
- Cusco front strut brace
- Nissan Patrol alternator

Wheel / Suspension:
- Work Wheels CR01 F: 16x8-16, R: 16x9-18
- Bridgestone Potenza RE003s F: 205/55r16, R: 225/50r16
- Project Kic's R40 titanium-plated finish
- Gecko suspension coilovers
- Polyurethane bushes
- Braided brake lines

Parts acquired but not pictured:
- Genuine Aritaspeed skirts
- Genuine 80's EVA whale-tail