After watching the Chump Car race today, my father in-law mentioned his cousin had an old Maxima sitting in his yard. We went down and paid a visit, and I looked the car over.
It is a 1984 Datsun/Nissan Maxima 5 speed with an inline six. If I recall correctly, the engine, transmission and suspension on these are identical to those in 280z. On a lark, I asked him how much he wanted for it, and he said, "Well, it wasn't really for sale, city boy, but since you made good and married Misty, I'll let it go for $500."
Wait... city boy? I think he was joking.
The scary facts: 1. It is a North Carolina car so it is mostly rust free. However, there is some surface rust near the rear bumper, but a quick poke check seems to indicate it is just surface rust. 2. There is evidence of rodent activity in the engine compartment. 3. The early fuel injection scares me a little 4. Antecdotal evidence leads me to beleive that he didn't do regular maintenance on the car 5. Its been sitting for at least 10 years 6. I've not seen one of these on the road in the last 10 years or so.
If it shares enough parts with the 280z, it shouldn't be too hard to get operational, but I think this might be a big project overall.
What should I know about the car if I decide to jump on it?
