Christine Siepka’s 1978 Datsun 280z

I had the privilege of shooting Christine’s s30 over the weekend which I personally refer to as “one of the most highly anticipated builds of 2012.” That might be a bold statement; but if you look at her 30 page build thread– you will agree with me! I think I met Christine back in 2009 when I started JDMC. At the time she had a really nice Mazda RX8, but something about it just didn’t seem to fit her. Christine had a flair for style back then, so when I heard she sold the car to pick up a new project I knew we were going to be in for something nice.

The new project ended up being this lovely Datsun 280z. As a huge fan of the Z platfrom, a nostalgic car was an easy decision. When I asked why a 280z vs the ever-popular 240 or 260, her decision was mostly based on color and some unique styling cues the other two S30’s do not possess. Not many people may know, but an early Z in black is difficult to obtain. Nissan took a risk to test this color choice for the North American market with the 280z. Although the car has been repainted, having this original platform made plenty of sense in the restoration process.

Christine picked up her Z on February 14th, 2011. Although the car needed tons of work, it had plenty of nice things going for it and some minor surface rust as a Florida car.

The interior was in rough shape, but Christine took her time restoring the interior in a period correct manner. Really love the reupholstered 240z seats as well as the Datsun 240Z Rally Style Steering Wheel. The dash was cracked and in terrible shape, but some handywork by Christine resulted in this factory fresh finish.

There are a decent amount of old school Z’s around the Midwest, but I’m honestly not sure how they will react when they see the stance of this Z. I don’t know how Christine does it, as it was constantly scraping her frame rails and exhaust during the shoot! It just might be a tad aggressive for the traditionalists, but who cares anyways? I’m glad Christine built her car to her preferences, while maintaining its original character.

Custom wide flares fit the aggressive Work CR01’s. 15×9 -53 in the front, and 15×10 -53 rear (NO, this is not a typo). A slew of parts from Techno Toy Tuning along with Stance s13 gr+ coilovers give you this phenomenal look. Here is a huge wallpaper version 1920 x 1080.

MSA 240z bumper fits the front nicely along with the OEM Nissan fender mirrors. If you see the car in person, the mirror placement is intentionally misaligned for visibility Not many people realize this is the correct way to install the mirrors. Diggin the JDMC and 4SS vinyl placement.

Toyo Poxes 205/50 in front and 225/50 in the rear. Unfortunately due to the spindle nut cap that protrudes, centercaps are not an option for the front…..

But no problem in the rear….

One thing I forgot to shoot was her motor, but as you can see in this photo…. it definitely runs! The stock L28 will be swapped out soon, but we won’t spoil the surprise for you guys. Closing out this set with a roller. Thanks for checking out this feature and look out for BIG things with this car in the near future.

-jdmchicago

Mod List

Polished valve cover

280zx rear disc conversion

280zx 10” brake booster

280zx 15/16 Master Cylinder

Centric Posi Quiet Ceramic Brake Pads

Datsun Spirit Custom Spark plug wires

Techno Toy Tuning Tension Control Rods

Techno Toy Tuning Adjustable Front Lower Control Arms

Techno Toy Tuning Adjustable Rear Lower Control Arms

Pallnet Fuel Rail

ZCCJDM Sleeves/Camber plates

Stance s13 gr+ coilovers

NRG Suspension Bushings

Custom Wide Flares

MSA 240z bumper

Xenon Urethane Air Dam

Nissan OEM Fender Mirrors

Datsun 240Z Rally Style Steering Wheel

240z Seats

Refinished Dash

Front/Rear bumper delete

Antenna delete

Side mirror delete

Side moulding delete

Work Meister CR01

15×9 -53 front

15×10 -53 rear

205/50 Toyo Proxes front

225/50 Toyo Proxes rear

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