Are you a genius, shrewd, or offensive?
Restomods and clean swaps are some builds that receive universal praise. Because of the polarizing look, not all builds are praised equally. Some custom jobs are so special that you have to respect the person who created them.
Elvis’ 1982 Datsun, 280ZX is one example. Roads Untraveled, a Youtube channel, took a closer look into the pastel-colored Datsun that its owner calls “The Home Depot Special”. The car is described as “amazing” from 10 feet away by the owner, but closer inspection reveals its flaws.
These were made from scraps of sheet metal. The custom splitter is also included with matching side skirts, rear flares, and a rear fender flare. Rear features include a high ducktail spoiler, bumper delete and a bumper delete. Aero Race NASCAR wheels are used to transport it, which Elvis claims is technically illegal.
The roof box mount is another unique feature of the car. It’s made of custom exhaust pipes that Elvis found in a 370Z. He recycled the exhaust pipes instead of throwing them away. He says that he was inspired by the Porsche 935 race cars of Group 5.
This custom 280ZX is powered by the non-turbocharged, 2.8-liter straight-6. It was rebuilt and now has turbo heads. The L28 is not expected to deliver a lot of power. In 1982, it produced 145 horsepower (108 Kilowatts) as well as 156 pound-feet (221 Newton-meters).
Marcus Vandenberg, Roads Untraveled host, noted that the suspension needs to be dialed-in and that the steering isn’t the best. Vandenberg stated that the car’s “outlaw” vibe makes it stand out. It’s not a car-rat rod or anything of the kind, but it’s something.
Why is Elvis so attached to this car? It’s his first car and he learned many things while fixing it up. It is listed for sale on the Youtube channel and can be yours at 18,500 Canadian dollars.