There’s an unquantifiable element in every successful build I come across, and this Nevada-based Datsun 280ZX of Ian Perri has it. It’s the one component you can’t buy, and the one I can only attempt to write about because you have to already possess it. It’s what makes a build stand out from others or just be so unique it grabs your attention for all the right reasons.
What is it? I guess the best way to describe what I’m talking about is ‘the touch’ – the ability to pull a random selection of parts together and create something very cool. Well, cool in somebody else’s opinion – you’re never going to please everybody after all. But if a few other people appreciate what you’ve done, then chances are you’re winning.
We threw a couple of pictures of Ian’s 280 up on our Instagram feed and they proved pretty popular. Of course, this Spotlight was shot by that stage so it’s all academic, as I knew a decent proportion of you would want to see the slammed coupe.
Ian picked it up on May 5th 2008, which I guess was a pretty memorable day! It’s been his daily driver since that time, so it had to be modified when it wasn’t being driven… And sometimes when it was! But essentially nothing could take it off the road or he’d be stranded. After a few different sets of wheels, Ian settled for these rebarreled Advan A3As, which have been increased from 6 inches wide all round to 9.5 inches with a -35 offset at the front and a frankly hilarious 10 inches wide at the back with a -41 offset. Finding any decent-width tyres in a 14-inch diameter these days would cost a pile of money, so the stretch means he can have this old school style and still afford rubber. Thinking about it, 15s would detract from the overall ride height – unless you fitted a low profile tyre, and that just wouldn’t work with the look for me. The width? Well, that’s just essential!
Ian’s the first to admit that the Datsun is a little bit past it’s best, but again that fact appeals to me. It’s the slightly less loved younger brother of the 240Z, but still a classic in its own right, so to see one modified like this is rare. An inconsiderate Ford Ranger sideswiped Ian a few years ago and when he damaged a fender shortly afterwards he figured he’d start another build rather than fix this one. Now, I’m not suggesting we all go out and intentionally damage our cars, but it looks kind of cool, right? Usually it would be fixed, but combined with the super-wide, shiny Advans it’s a proud battle scar and attitude statement in one.
The crazy-low ride height really accentuates the width and length of the Datsun. Looking closer, I asked Ian if he’d sprayed his headlamp blue? He just smiled and said yes. Of course he did – and why not? I think that’s part of the allure here. Although he quite clearly loves the Datsun, I envy his ability to just do what he wants. And whether you agree with the action or not, it’s a sense of freedom that many of us lack.
As well as everyday duties, Ian has drifted the Datsun around for a few years now too. It’s not a body style that you’d usually associate with the pastime, but it looks great pitched sideways, don’t you think?
The only mods to the otherwise internally stock engine are triple 45mm OER carbs, an aftermarket exhaust manifold/header for added ground clearance and an MSD ignition module. Ian has never had to open it up and thinks the mileage may well be knocking on the 300k door!
There are two other things that really work for me here – the rear spoiler being one. Imagine the shape without it, or cover it with your finger on the screen. The Datsun just doesn’t look good without it. On its own it might have seemed too big, but mounted on the car it makes total sense to me, and again accentuates the length. With the simple graphics added, is it just me or does Ian’s 280 look like something you’d see in Japan?
Then there are the red-taped marker lines on the wheels. It’s the obscure touches like that which intrigue me – like any good modified car does. It makes you want to look again and see what else is going on. So that’s what I did, and here it is for you to see too. That element that I was hinting at back the start? That’s the individuality that somebody brings to a project, coupled with perfectly observing what works on its own and putting it all together regardless of what other people might think and say.
Ian is currently building another 280ZX up from a good shell, but I’m guessing this one will always have something extra – whether he knows exactly how it got it, or not…
Bryn Musselwhite
bryn@speedhunters.com
Instagram: Speedhunterbryn
OFFICIAL SPEEDHUNTERS SUPPLIERS
This car grabbed my attention as soon as it drove in to the post-SEMA VIP meet. Badass car! Kudos to Ian!
Yeah I personally find this horrid. Buckled panels, missing paint, bone-stock interior and stretched tyres. If the owner likes it then good for him - I find it disgusting.
No offence to the owner-it is what it is, but questioning the judgement of SH to feature a car of this standard.
@Mike If you have been a long time SH reader, you would know that this is something that is a small part of the speedhunters concept. I personally love articles like this. A feature of this kind is like a breath of fresh air, it's what makes SH fun, cool, and grounded to readers of all socio-economic backgrounds. Your idea of what SH standards should be is exactly what makes their competition boring and blah.
@Mike Not a full feature, just a spotlight for this car. It's not that often we get the opportunity to show the 280ZX some love!
Now that's an attention-getter right there!
Extra points on keeping the original L-series engine in there. Awesome post yet again.
I love that SH have done a feature with a car like this. I mean my daily driver is a modified mk1 mx5 and although it's old and looks kinda rough I still love it. It's not always about how other people will see you're car. I'm sure most passers by will look at mine and think 'that needs to be scrapped' but if they understood the love that has gone into it and the passion I have for my car I'm sure they'd have a different perspective. A car shouldn't have to appeal to anyone other than the person that drives it and loves it.
Oh man, I remember watching the start of this build over on Ratsun,
The Evil Twin of the 240! Everything that car needs more is the exhaust pipes of the kaido racers!
amazing.
amazingly crap, seriously.
I like it.... simple, looks good, fun slider
there has to be a line somewhere between constantly showing the same RB / LB / air-ride etc crap and this ah...... thing. Couple that with the fact when people express their dislike with the content (to be fair as was said you are never going to please everyone) one or more of the other SH staffers comes in to back the OP up, its on literally every post. SURELY YOU CANT LIKE EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!
I don't usually dislike content and i really like this car and what it's about but is it really feature worthy? IMO this hasn't been kept in the way a car on this site should be kept, if it was in better condition and the interior had a bit of work fine but it looks run down and old... If this was a fox body 'stang it wouldn't get anywhere near the attention... In other words I really like this car and what it is used for and maybe I'm picky but is this really SH? Geez I sound harsh and typically internet troll like.... I don't mean to offend.
I don't usually dislike content and i really like this car and what it's about but is it really feature worthy? IMO this hasn't been kept in the way a car on this site should be kept, if it was in better condition and the interior had a bit of work fine but it looks run down and old... If this was a fox body 'stang it wouldn't get anywhere near the attention... In other words I really like this car and what it is used for and maybe I'm picky but is this really SH? Geez I sound harsh and typically internet troll like.... I don't mean to offend.
I love every pretty much all details of this car, just don't understand why it has to be that low, and with these stretched tires. It's not only undrivable, but to me it doesn't look good either.
kamenkachev It's just personal preference. Also, the owner drives it as a daily and gets it sideways. It's not meant to be perfect, it's just a car for having a bit of fun in. Gets my approval
Taryn Croucher kamenkachev Off course it is personal preference. Everyone can do whatever he wants to his car, I am just sharing personal opinion.
Perhaps you also have better roads there. In my country even if this car was 5 cm ~ 2 inches higher, it will still have some difficulties running around. Nevertheless it is still very nicely build...
Well I like it !
Well I like it !
Why would you feature this?! It looks like a piece of jumk rescued from a scrap yard with alloys thrown on and then somehow gets featured here. I get the rat look thing but this doesnt have any modification that makes it stand out, there isn`t even an RB or 1JZ conversion. The only thing I can see done is it`s lowered, and the whole stance thing is stupid in my opinion. I don`t see the point of having a car so low you break a bumper or splitter every time you drive it. Airbags unless they have changed are just horrendus to drive on. Then stretched tires on oversized wheels and idiotic camber, everything just goes against performance and reliability.
@LiL SmurF We celebrate all types of car culture, not everybody can drive around in a 1000bhp,engine swapped monster and you know what? We like that and acknowledge it too. Performance and reliability? It's been a daily driver for four years and has nearly 300K miles on it. Witness the picture of it drifting... I'm not going to say anything more.
atomman Nothing wrong with that
Lachys114 No offence taken, we publish upwards of 80+ stories a month so they're not all going to appeal. I'd like to see a Fox body treated in a similar way, and I'd shoot that for a Spotlight too!
ae70 You're right, you can't like everything and we as a team certainly have our own genres of interest. That line you talk of? 15 stories on the home page, one RB content, one beater daily... The rest are show content, an interview with a legend, a street freak, some genuine Japanese night action and three dedicated motorsport/mix track action stories. The line is there, big and thick for all to see.
Nico Leone You got it.
@Frozenstar Don't worry, we won't make you have fun driving it
OllieGuy Exactly, we like to cover the whole range of car ownership. We got off on this, somebody having fun with what they've got, simple as.
dovvv I think you need to look a little closer, the buckled panels were done by a hit and run driver, the interior isn't bone stock and the stretched tyres mean Ian can run his wheels of choice. This isn't a contrived attempt either, everything here is because the Datsun is used, the look is a result of that.
Speedhunters_Bryn I accept that not everyone can have 100bhp monsters but this thing is horrid. Witht rat look cars you can tell time and effort went into making them. The 280 looks like scrap. If you seen that in a junkyard you`d walk past it as there isn`t anything worth salvaging. The camber and wheels on this aren`t too bad, but I meant the whole stance thing in general at the moment.
It was me going on a rant and off topic. I still don`t see why you`d feature this, basically standard, looking like s**t with all that damage, but it`s low, has shiney wheels and goes sideways, so that makes it feature worthy? Damn you should have seen the scrap I drove for my first few cars, they would all have been feature worthy given this.
JockThatCamel The whole car looked much better before he started working on it.
I actually think it's pretty cool that Ian has kept the damage on his Datsun - I wouldn't personally, but it's nice to see something different every now and then. Isn't that what car communities are about - being different? It would be pretty boring if everyone had a RB kitted, LS swapped, SEMA quality ride, yeah? That's what's drawing me into having a soft-spot for this thing... Plus I love the wheels and I think the ride height is quite impressive, considering it's a daily... Just my thoughts!
A kinda modded rat look maybe a new genre??
Good to see as i love the shape of the old Z cars but i would have to bufty it up if it were mine.
A london cabbie would be jealous of the turning circle!!!!!!!!!
@LiL SmurF Speedhunters_Bryn Free website. No cry please. U dont like, hit BACK!!!
Do i like? not rly
Do i cry? NO!!! Show respect young trout!!!
Sorry for any english!!! Obey!
This not an S30 chassis (240Z/260Z/280Z) Zed, its a S130 280ZX even says on the back of it, very different cars besides the engines.
This not an S30 chassis (240Z/260Z/280Z) Zed, its a S130 280ZX even says on the back of it, very different cars besides the engines.
It reminds me a lot of my 240 style wise, aside from the fender. It's almost even the same color too, I love it.
It reminds me a lot of my 240 style wise, aside from the fender. It's almost even the same color too, I love it.
I normally never comment on these articles but some of the other comments have made me feel like sharing some input on a few topics.
1. Not everyone builds a car with the intention of having a specific style such as stance or rat rod look.
2. One of the reasons people daily drive a car like this is because they like the simplicity of making the car look cool while not having a huge outlay. Low, wide and used are the reasons a car like this is featured on speed hunters, it may not be as fast, fuel efficient or neat as what many use as a daily but it would make up for it all by being a extremely fun drive.
3.those that noted the almost stock interior as a flaw have probably never enjoyed an old car for what it is, an old car!
By featuring cars like this, speed hunters is moving away from "who has the most money" type builds and back to "who has the most fun with what they have" style, and I can think of nothing better..... except for more grassroots/back to basic style drifting to be included!
I normally never comment on these articles but some of the other comments have made me feel like sharing some input on a few topics.
1. Not everyone builds a car with the intention of having a specific style such as stance or rat rod look.
2. One of the reasons people daily drive a car like this is because they like the simplicity of making the car look cool while not having a huge outlay. Low, wide and used are the reasons a car like this is featured on speed hunters, it may not be as fast, fuel efficient or neat as what many use as a daily but it would make up for it all by being a extremely fun drive.
3.those that noted the almost stock interior as a flaw have probably never enjoyed an old car for what it is, an old car!
By featuring cars like this, speed hunters is moving away from "who has the most money" type builds and back to "who has the most fun with what they have" style, and I can think of nothing better..... except for more grassroots/back to basic style drifting to be included!
beautiful car, great post.
i am starting to notice the increasing number of negative comments on sh and its pissing me off.
i mean its ok to have an opinion but its not ok to go around hardly bashing every car that doesn't suit your preference on every god damn post.
btw does anyone know where i can find more pics of the lovely red gs from sema?????
@LiL SmurF ummm...one sec this is YOUR car right...? no?.. then stop hating!
my first post here and I really can't believe that I enjoy this.....maybe it's the stacks, and of course the writing makes the most of the pics.
Well, keep 'em coming and keep surprising us.
Lewis Jones
my first post here and I really can't believe that I enjoy this.....maybe it's the stacks, and of course the writing makes the most of the pics.
Well, keep 'em coming and keep surprising us.
Lewis Jones
Speedhunters_Bryn Lachys114 Yeah, with so many stories, usually only Bryn suck. Nothing wrong with the car, don't get me wrong. But I don't get it, the story I mean. Ok, the car exist. After that? He took pictures. And the guys are feeling awesome about it. Ok? And is cool. Mmmmm....So cold
Lachys114 the way I see it is this. It is an average car with nice wheels, but its got some great photography going on. It's kind of a staple of SH to shine a light on some cars that could easily be overlooked.
I actually like the car but like many others I'd raise it and repair it if only to give the car a longer life. So its not that I hate the car I just want to see it last rather then die a drift beater like so many S13's etc.
Nice to see some love for the S130. it's become a forgotten child in the Z family and IMO done right it can be quite a good looking car.
I just wish this was in better condition. Yeah I know Drift car but when they can qualify as classics I kinda wish people would not use them in a sport that is know to be a bit of a meat grinder for nice cars.
I guess I dont hate the car for what it is I just worry that in 4 months I'm going to see this posted again but with it being wrapped around a tree and with sooo few remaining I'd rather a restorer get it when this guy moves onto something new.
Nice to see some love for the S130. it's become a forgotten child in the Z family and IMO done right it can be quite a good looking car.
I just wish this was in better condition. Yeah I know Drift car but when they can qualify as classics I kinda wish people would not use them in a sport that is know to be a bit of a meat grinder for nice cars.
I guess I dont hate the car for what it is I just worry that in 4 months I'm going to see this posted again but with it being wrapped around a tree and with sooo few remaining I'd rather a restorer get it when this guy moves onto something new.
LavarBowers it`s called an opinion. Just saying why I dislike the car/feature, if my opinion offends anyone, then sorry, but a standard car that`s been banged more than a porn star isn`t my thing.
This is great! Loads of character!
This is great! Loads of character!
M
Hey Speedhunters, you should go back to all those that forget to celebrate and just always hate and invite them to show there stuff...but the cars have to be purchased with there own money, not mommies, and be something they have turned a wrench on. See who shows up to the party.
The Z is effing awesome!!!
Hey Speedhunters, you should go back to all those that forget to celebrate and just always hate and invite them to show there stuff...but the cars have to be purchased with there own money, not mommies, and be something they have turned a wrench on. See who shows up to the party.
The Z is effing awesome!!!
Be great to see automotive journalists distinguish between the 280Z and the 280ZX (S30 vs S130), which this car is. Yes, same basic concept but two uniquely and generationally different cars and, more importantly, two distinct model designations. Who gives a crap? Hopefully people who are into cars enough to follow sites like this. Wikipedia can tell you the difference. THIS sled is not a 280Z.
I have this same car. It used to have nearly identical body damage, and I paid a guy to replace the quarter panel. It was the worst money I have ever spent, because the car is in full on drift mode now.
Keep rocking that car the way it is dude. Looks great!
@LiL SmurF LavarBowers Cool story bro. Your fail occurred when you assumed anybody gave any f**ks about your opinion.
Thanks for the updated text, Bryn!
Oooooooh just gotta love this. Real cars, by real people. And that wing and body kit must be ultra rare.
S130's are such an unloved beauties. Please "hunt" more of them.
Find this one too:
@LiL SmurF Airbags have changed considerably.
DaveT This car is not on airbags anyway, its on modified S13 coilovers. Most of the stance guys dont run bags. Thats more a low rider thing.
DerekBros DaveT I'm aware that it isn't bagged. He just brought it up for some reason.
I wouldn't say most of the stance guys don't run bags, otherwise air vs static wouldn't be the huge debate that it is.
This guy is having loads of fun, and I love that. Awesome car, awesome story. I've followed this project on Ratsun the past few years and enjoyed seeing it progress to what it is now!
DerekBros LavarBowers and what is this dear friend, oh it`s an opinion... the fail here belongs to you sir, now hop back to leddit with your le epic memes and other braindead nonsence
earmenau You can see cars like this on any given sunday at the local car hang out. I can't afford a Liberty Walk Porsche either but doesn't mean I can't appreciate or aspire to one so I don't get what you are saying about "socio-economic".
My idea of what SH standards should be is not mega-buck cars, but simply cars that have some effort and PRIDE, not driving around with the body looking like that.
Taryn Croucher I find it hard to believe you can't find a better S130 than this. Calling all S130 owners,please contact SH!
PS, love your zed!
Articles like this make me miss my old z cars. Cheap, fun, and badass. Also, does anyone know what kind of spoiler that is?
greenroadster I literally have no idea what you're on about.
lol!! Where can i get the t-shirt that says, "Sorry for any english. Obey!"?
I'm gonna go against the negative opinions here and say that even though I'm not a fan of the car, I like the story and stuff like this is why I come to speedhunters. The whole point of the car culture is for every individual to join in and be a part of it in their own way, whatever way that is, and these random cars owned by random dudes highlight that better than any SEMA coverage or LB car possibly could. "My way" would be different but that's the entire point of what car culture is built upon.
I liked it back then because it was different. This style is becoming a lot more commonplace now than it was when he started building it.
bhhrd I wish they were cheap here! can't even get a rusty one for £5k.
@LiL SmurF Speedhunters_Bryn Smurf just to touch on one of your points only. If I (or many of my friends) saw this in a junkyard we'd try buy it and repair on the spot to drive it out. Different people man, if you're not into something try moving on or even better, save the rant time to just soak up someone elses work and take on a different perspective, grow a bit.
@LiL SmurF Speedhunters_Bryn Smurf just to touch on one of your points only. If I (or many of my friends) saw this in a junkyard we'd try buy it and repair on the spot to drive it out. Different people man, if you're not into something try moving on or even better, save the rant time to just soak up someone elses work and take on a different perspective, grow a bit.
this article makes me miss the 82 280zx I had in high school even more.
what's funny is it could keep up with C3 Corvettes and early "Vanilla Ice" Mustangs pretty easily.
ah, the early 90s in Florida...
That's just plain cool. If it were mine I might want to put a cheap 2j for some more power, but somehow I feel that would ruin the car.
greenroadster Speedhunters_Bryn Lachys114 Fair point Bryn, and i have no idea what he's saying either..
More & more I like these 'done up but not showroom' 80's cars...makes me feel better about my own current project
She has rust, body holes, dents & faded paint, but runs perfectly, has a done up interior & soon will get some typical 80's racing dish wheels. It's my daily work drive.
jamescox1985 At least in America, these cars aren't rare. There's always 5 or 6 of them at a time on craigslist it seems.
@LiL SmurF Is clearly butthurt that he doesn't know how to have fun
EthanT
And this here is exactly what its about.
Speedhunters_Bryn ae70
Keep doing what you're doing Speedhunters =]
Ujean so much gold on HTF
Anthraxxx Good work man, the 'real world' car culture is what supports the dream stuff. Keep it up!
Michael Atwell There's always something else you could do right? It's why Ian has started another fresh shell 280ZX build, leaving this one as it is and rightly concentrating his funds on the new one.
Omer (beercoozie) Sounds like a great place! All big coupes, big hair and neon clothing.
cutterjones13 Thank you, greatly appreciated.
hash the toyota man Don't worry about the negativity, they are a tiny minority and as ever you can't please everybody. We'd be doing something wrong if it was all positive! I think Larry is shooting that red GS, if it's the one in my Vegas by night story
280Z is so under-rated. We need more of these.
Speedhunters_Bryn hash the toyota man guess so, looking forward to seeing the gs shoot
iamcollin jamescox1985 right now I can only find 1 and its auto.
well at least I can easily find the Z32 and Z33... I guess.
This article gives me motivation to work on my RX-7
@LiL SmurF living in ohio, i'd praise that car because we have no car scene rather than a few beat up hondas that think they're fast, so really its all retrospect on where you come from, i loved this car until i seen the beat up quarter panel but thats just it, i hate rust and beat up stuff but sometimes it adds to the effect but here in ohio, its everywhere because no one cares about their cars, i seen a 240sx pignose that had the wing shopped off and bondoed over and the dude said that it was a pos but in my opinion its more than just a car. Thats what he thinks, its more than just a 280zx, its his pride and joy.
@LiL SmurF living in ohio, i'd praise that car because we have no car scene rather than a few beat up hondas that think they're fast, so really its all retrospect on where you come from, i loved this car until i seen the beat up quarter panel but thats just it, i hate rust and beat up stuff but sometimes it adds to the effect but here in ohio, its everywhere because no one cares about their cars, i seen a 240sx pignose that had the wing shopped off and bondoed over and the dude said that it was a pos but in my opinion its more than just a car. Thats what he thinks, its more than just a 280zx, its his pride and joy.
I follow this guy on Instagram love this car!!!! And the hello miata ive seen dancing around with it!!!
This car should have been featured AFTER he fixed his quarter panels... neglecting to repair your car after substantial damage like that isnt cool.
http://www.stancenation.com/2011/01/06/what-happens-in-vegas/
Lots have changed
ratsun.net represent!
DaveT You got that right!
Just ask Speedhunters_Bryn !
Very cool, very unique. Love seeing people doing something different!
I think another way to describe a well-loved car like this is with "Character".
Now that's what I'm talking about! Nice to see something that doesn't have a Rocket Bunny kit on it. Jus' saying...
I really dig this. It's honest and fun.
Rather it's a show car, track car, drift car or your Daily driver everyone deserves some shine.
Oldboygarage Both builds are on Slamburglars.com
The Yellow Miata is owned by a guy named Kevin who goes by kfed on the forums.
AlexLobanov The guy's working on a new one for a fresh start. That IS cool.
That is an awesome looking car. Way to rock that auto body damage with pride. The rest of the body work looks impeccable though. I wonder if he will ever do auto body repair work on it later on.
http://www.whitesellcollisionandauto.com/services