The model which arguably had the most influence on the industry in the late 70’s to early 80’s was the 1978 280ZX. When it was released in the US, it was a complete redesign from the previous Datsun Z’s. With aerodynamics and efficiency in mind, the 280ZX was designed to have a low center-of-gravity, near 50/50 weight ratio and high speed stability. The development of the 280ZX marked the first time that Nissan used wind-tunnel testing.

With all those advancements to go fast, the 280ZX was also fitted with braking and steering improvements. Lucky for us, the whole package gave us the opportunity to drive faster and with more enjoyment whether it was straight towards triple digits or weaving through a slalom course.

Upon it’s debut the 280ZX really was something new and exciting from ‘The Land of the Rising Sun’. The new 280ZX eventually became the car that raised the bar for Japanese performance sports cars in the 1980’s decade. It was universally praised by the automotive press industry and was later named Motor Trend’s Import Car of the Year. From 1979-1980, Nissan sold over 140,000 vehicles in the United States alone.

Of course a car that had so much praise has not been forgotten to John Renna who still owns the 1983 280ZX that has been a part of his family for a number of years. So beloved is his Fairlady that he even had it strapped down to and trailored 1,000 miles up to Philadelphia to accompany him through his studies in Mechanical Engineering.

In order to keep up with the style of the current times, this 280ZX has been mildly modified and restored. With a few minor interior cosmetic upgrades, such as the Grant GT Corsa D racing steering wheel with a fashionable ‘Z’ logo horn button, a set of ProSport gauges, and upgraded 300ZX seats. On the exterior, the Z has been cleaned, prepped and repainted to an glossy finish of “Performance Red” (2000 Mustang Cobra GT color palette). It currently sits on 17″ ADR wheels wrapped with Hankook Ventus HRII tires.

For the future, this 280ZX will continue to bathe in the glory of being one of the earliest trend setters in the Japanese performance sports cars segment. John also hopes to do some serious suspension work. With plans to adapt a full coilover setup for the S130 chassis, along with strut bars, anti-roll bars and modern 4 caliper front brakes, this Z will become a serious contender once again.

An avid photographer and car enthusiast, John Renna considers himself a “rotorhead at heart”. He owns a couple RX7s (both FC and FD models) and this Datsun 280ZX. He shoots with Canon and Nikon gear, plus has a few DIY tricks up his sleeve. Go Phillies!