AMT 1981 Datsun 280ZX Turbo

[Jim B]

Here is my completed AMT 1981 Datsun 280ZX Turbo.

This was one of those cars that many of the guys wanted back in the 1980s in Miami, FL, when I was in high school. Well, this and a 1965 Mustang, but that’s another story. My build is box-stock, and is what I would have wanted my 280ZX to look like if I had had one. I didn’t. I had a Dodge Aries K, grey with a red interior. Not the same thing. The model is painted with Tamiya colors: body is TS-14 Black, interior is XF-57 Buff with XF-68 NATO Brown dash & console. T-tops were painted TS-71 Smoke. For an AMT kit, the fit was surprisingly good, not great, but good (can’t believe I actually wrote that), however there was an issue with the gold stripe decals, and I did use the optional gold badges.

Found a 1986 Dade County license plate online, so I added that. Oddly, the taillights are molded on the clear red tree, but need to be red, silver, & amber.  Probably would have been better on the chrome tree.  I would have had louvers on my rear window if this were my actual car, but they're not in the kit anymore.  

Engine bay:

Underside (I think I need an alingement):

Interior:

It's far from perfect, but I'm pleased with the results.

[Phildaupho]

Cool to see. I have neighbour who has one of these he has owned since new. He has become more of a Porsche guy but still takes his first love out for a drive now and then.

[Hard_2_Handle_454]

I need to eventually get one.  I almost bought one of these for my first car.  It didn't have a speedometer, so Dad said no.  lol

[STU111]

I love these old Datsun/Nissan sports cars. This looks great and captures that 80’s feel nicely. Top stuff. 👍🏻

[Jim B]

@STU111 Thanks, I appreciate it.

@Hard_2_Handle_454 Chryslerjunkandstuff has one down in the "Trading Post" section: 

 

Edited September 30 by Jim B

[Rich Chernosky]

Build it like you would own it is the way to go. Would have been my choice too, Jim.   Nice job. 

[Jim B]

Thanks, Rich. Been trying to find louvers, but no luck.

[espo]

I also remember when this car was among the most desirable to own. Great looking paint finish and like the cleaner look with just an accent gold stripe instead of the "Bandit" look. Nice contrasting interior colors. 

[Jim B]

Thanks, David.  There are supposed to be two stripes, but the smaller stripe just disappeared. 

[Rich Chernosky]

4 hours ago, Jim B said:

Thanks, Rich. Been trying to find louvers, but no luck.

Let me check the spare parts stash...just might have some.

[Rich Chernosky]

Found a few. Thought I had  a 280ZX in the collection.  Closest I could come to was this 1/25 Revell 240Z. 

Best fit is the yellow one closest to the car. There is still some overlap so if your kit is 1/24 they might work. If you want any of these PM me your address and i will get them off to you. Free of course.   Rich

[Jim B]

Thank you very much for the offer. The AMT kit is 1/25.

[ea0863]

Great nod to a bygone era! I can hear the disco music blaring through the speakers as we speak  

[Jim B]

Thanks, I appreciate it.

[charger74]

Looks very good 

[Jim B]

Thanks, Eric.

[ChrisR]

Nice.

[ChrisR]

Nice.

[slusher]

Great box stock build!

[Jim B]

Thanks, guys.

[RACINE ISHRAQUR RAZA]

That Datsun turned out awesome! I built one like two decades ago but it wasn't half as good as yours. One day I'll redo mine. 

[Jim B]

Thanks, Racine.

[meechum68]

Love this little 280! Fantastic work!

[BKF]

Very nice! A few people around me had one growing up.

[Jim B]

Thanks, guys.