Cars for Homes Story: My First Baby – My 280Z

We recently received this wonderful story from someone who donated their car to Habitat’s Cars for Homes program. Check out the story below…

My First Baby – My 280Z

My first car choice when I could finally purchase a car 1972 was a Datsun 240Z. It was, to me, the coolest car in the world and I wanted one. Having worked and saved for 4 years at UC Berkeley and received my BA, I felt I deserved a 240Z. However, I came from a family that had never been able to afford a car while I was growing up. I had watched my Mom lug groceries, laundry, my siblings and other heavy items all her life. How could I be so selfish as to buy a little two-seater when we were a family of 6? So I bought a Dodge Colt instead.

When she was old enough, I gave my youngest sister the Colt and headed to the Datsun dealership in August of 1978. The 240s were long gone, as were the 260s. And 1978 would be the last year for the 280Z. I was in a panic. None were available in Northern California, but I was told that the new 280 Z 2+2 was available. I hated that car and my heart remained set on the classic and beautiful 280Z. I called every dealership in the Bay Area and beyond. Same answer – none in stock.

I then got a call from the dealership in San Rafael CA. The buyers of a 280Z, which they had had customized, had changed their mind, and the car was available if I was interested, and I would not be charged for the upgrades. I screamed. I said I would call a friend and get there ASAP. Then he said, “Oh, one last thing, it’s a stick”. This time, instead of a scream of joy I moaned in anguish. I did not know how to drive a stick. My heart sank as I told him I would not be buying the last available 280Z in Northern CA. He said, “No problem, I will teach you in a day.” I had driven in cars with sticks, and I was always amazed by the driver’s fast hand and footwork. I could not do it. He assured me I could. He had taught many “newbies” just like me. He said he would hold the car for me for a day if I wanted it.

I showed up the next day. I was not losing the chance of getting “my car”. He drove. I jerked. He was patient. I was scared. But, after a couple of hours, I got the hang of it. I did not jerk. I learned how to balance the pedals when the car was stopped. I got the shifting right. He said I was ready. My friend said I was ready. I knew I wasn’t ready. I went into the showroom and completed the paperwork. He handed over the keys, shook my hand, and walked me to “my car”.  I was terrified. I had to drive my car home via a couple of bridges!! I was going to die!!

Well, it is obvious since I am here writing my story, that I survived that drive and have now had my “First Bay” for 47 years. Like me, she has endured some ups and downs, but we remained on the road for 42 of those years. As parts became scarce, technology far more advanced, and mechanics who could or would work on her became scarce, she finally gave out, and I gave up, as costs for repairs and parts grew increasingly expensive, and the work did not keep her on the road.

Now, after much discussion with the heir apparent of the car, my son, who loves the car as much as I do, we have decided to let her carry on in some worthy fashion, as a donation to Habitat Humanity, an organization we both greatly admire. I have cried at the thought of her leaving but I know it is time, so I make this donation, in honor of my Mother, Everette Sammie Calhoun, and for all of the days, she lugged whatever she had to, to take care of her family.

– Gay Calhoun, Original Owner of a 1978 Datsun 280Z

Thank you Gay for learning how to drive stick, for cherishing your 280Z for many decades, and for donating it to Habitat and sharing this story with us!