Sometimes, auto sports rules force automakers to sell certain cars to the public to fit their racing machines for competition. The results are generally cars that make enthusiasts’ hearts flutter, like the Porsche 911 GT1, Lancia Stratos and Dodge Charger Daytona. The pristine 1979 Datsun 280ZXR that Mecum is auctioning is a less well-known but still attractive car, aiming to ensure a specific finished work that is race-eligible. And you can own it.

The 280ZXR was only produced for the 1979 model year, and Datsun (now Nissan) produced between 1,001 and 1,009 examples, depending on your source. The company wanted a larger rear spoiler for the Z cars racing in IMSA and SCCA competition, but the product had to be offered on production vehicles for that to happen. The result is this limited run model.

Despite its modest appearance, the extended rear spoiler is said to have generated about 400 pounds of downforce at 100 miles per hour. This part helped keep the car on the track while racing. This division was active because the Electraмotiʋe team won 9 out of 15 races in the GTU class in 1979.

According to specialist parts seller Xenon Z Car, Z car fans can also purchase the spoiler from Datsun’s Competition Parts Catalog. It is part of a heavy-duty rear hatch strut kit.

All 280ZXRs appeared in Silʋer Mist with blue accents on the hood and flanks. The exterior and interior appear to be in pristine condition.

St. Yʋes Motor Sales of Berkley, Massachusetts, took delivery of this 280ZXR in the late 1970s, performed an inspection, but never sold it. Today, the odometer shows 15 miles. Sale includes a spare OEM accessory kit, original window sticker and dealer information sheet.

Under the hood is a 2.8-liter inline six-cylinder engine. Unfortunately, 1979 was still in rough shape, so the power plant only produced 135 horsepower and 144 pound-feet of torque. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a high-speed manual transmission. Since this car is over 40 years old, all those steering hoses may need a little attention if the new owner intends to dry this car out.

Mecum did not provide an auction estimate for this 280ZXR. However, the car is a no-reserve vehicle so someone could take it for granted.