Adam Carolla’s historic L28-powered Datsun 260Z, built by Bob Sharp Racing, sells for $80,000. A true piece of IMSA history.
Adam Carolla’s iconic L28-powered Datsun 260Z, a piece of IMSA racing history, recently sold for $80,000 in Glendale, California. Originally built in the mid-1970s by Bob Sharp Racing as a promotional pace car for the GTU class, this car has a storied past, including its sponsorship by the R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company. The vehicle’s fiberglass G-nose bodywork and period Camel GT livery, complete with yellow, red, and brown stripes, pay homage to its roots in motorsport.
The 260Z underwent extensive modifications to prepare it for racing. Power comes from a 2.8-liter inline-six engine, fitted with triple Mikuni side-draft carburetors, delivering exceptional performance. Paired with a Nissan Competition “Option 2” five-speed manual transmission, this setup ensures precise, track-ready gear shifts. The vehicle sits on 15” BBS three-piece wheels, shod in Avon racing slicks for optimal grip.
The race-focused cockpit features a single bucket seat with a Simpson multi-point harness, providing secure support for the driver during high-speed maneuvers. Safety is paramount, with a welded roll cage complete with padded door bars, a fire suppression system, and a fuel cell in the trunk. A Tilton brake-bias adjuster and MSD ignition box further enhance performance control.
Additional vintage racing details include front and rear spoilers, headlight covers, a black tail panel, gold dual exhaust outlets, and an external kill switch for quick power-off functionality. The interior boasts a quick-release steering wheel and column-mounted tachometer, with Stewart Warner auxiliary gauges providing essential performance metrics. Absent are a speedometer and odometer, keeping the focus on pure racing utility.
This historic Datsun 260Z, meticulously maintained and race-prepped, represents an era when racing was raw and visceral. Its sale marks the end of another chapter in the car’s illustrious life and offers its new owner a chance to own a piece of IMSA’s vintage racing legacy.
