DATSUN · DATSUN 280 · Cars
DATSUN 280 Rare
As of 2026 Q2, 227 DATSUN 280s remain registered in the UK — a genuinely rare sight on today's roads. Numbers are at their highest recorded level since the model first appeared in our data in 2014 Q3. Unusually, the numbers are actually rising — up 7 (3.2%) over the past year, as imports and barn-finds rejoin the register faster than cars leave it. Tellingly, 57% are declared SORN — kept off the road in garages and barns rather than driven, the signature of a car being looked after rather than used up. In all, the DATSUN 280 is rarer than 51% of the 2,315 UK car models we track.
Survivors over time
How rare is it?
Rare — fewer than 1,000 remain (227 in the latest data).
Rarer than 51% of the 2,315 UK car models we track.
Trend
About the 280
Datsun 280 may refer to: Datsun 280C, sedan car produced between 1979 and 1983 Datsun 280Z, coupé produced between 1975 and 1978 Datsun 280ZX, coupé produced between 1978 and 1983 Datsun 280 ZZZAP, 1976 arcade game
DATSUN 280 — questions & answers
How many DATSUN 280 are left in the UK?
As of 2026 Q2, 227 DATSUN 280 were still registered in the UK — 97 licensed and on the road, plus 130 declared SORN (off-road). The figures come from official DVLA vehicle licensing data.
Is the DATSUN 280 rare?
The DATSUN 280 is rare — fewer than 1,000 remain (227), making it rarer than 51% of the 2,315 UK car models we track.
Is the DATSUN 280 increasing or decreasing?
Over the last year the number of DATSUN 280 on UK roads rose by 7 (3.2%).
What fuel do most DATSUN 280 use?
Most DATSUN 280 run on petrol — about 100% of those still registered.
When did the DATSUN 280 peak?
The DATSUN 280 peaked at 227 registered in 2023 Q4, and was first recorded in the data in 2014 Q3.