Page 147 - Wayne Carini's Guide to Affordable Classics

ABOVE: The 2 + 2 body style continued into the 280Z generation. BELOW: “ZZZap” decor package for the 280Z was one of many special editions used to market Z-cars in the US.
the pace car in the 1977 Long Beach Grand Prix. The following year was the last for the original 240Z body. The ZX was in the works and it would be aimed at a different customer. A single special package was offered for the two-seater called “Black Pearl” that featured metallic black paint with red and silver accent striping, it was the first time that black had been offered as a Z color in any market. The two-seater cost $8,878 and the 2 + 2 would set you back $10,378, a far cry from the original 240Z. Production for the 280Z and 280ZX combined was 64,459 vehicles.
280ZX
The 1979 280ZX resembled the previous model, but really marked its evolution from a sports car to a grand tourer. The front suspension was still McPherson strut, but with control rods ahead of the suspension arms, instead of behind. Rear suspension was changed to a trailing link design. The engine remained the same, but with a miniature transistor ignition and a quieter viscous drive fan. Cars equipped with air conditioning had an auxiliary blower that pushed air over the fuel injection lines to prevent vapor lock when the car was switched off, addressing an issue in previous generation cars. Power dropped to 135 horsepower (133 in California). Inside, the malaise era had taken over and there was even a Grand Luxury package for middle-aged buyers.
The 280ZX’s body was wider and interiors were color coordinated with carpeting everywhere. Main instruments were located in front of the driver, with red lighting, and three minor gauges
Datsun 240/260/280Z/280ZX
Wayne Carini  Affordable Classics  145