FYI: "Editor Janne Uskali of Bomber Magazine revitalizes a classic Datsun 280ZX, turning it into a street drag car that roams Finland’s roads and tracks."
Resurrecting the Zombie: The Revival of Janne Uskali’s Drag-Spec Datsun 280ZX
Janne Uskali, the editor of Bomber Magazine, a publication dedicated to Finland’s custom bike culture, harbors an equally fervent passion for high-powered four-wheeled machines. With roots in stunt riding and boasting Finland’s fastest street car—a Buick Grand National that tears through the quarter-mile in under eight seconds—Janne is no stranger to the thrill of speed. When he gets behind the wheel of his drag-spec 1979 Datsun 280ZX, he embodies the perfect image of a high-octane hobbyist.
A Fortuitous Find
In 2022, while prepping for the Sick Week Drag & Drive event in Florida, Uskali came across a listing for a tubed Datsun 280ZX equipped with a small-block V8 engine. The car was listed by Swedish drag racer Adam Flamholk, based in Florida. Despite its murky past—modified for drag racing pre-2000 and donning an Alabama license plate that read "Z 1979"—the car’s potential was undeniable. This mysterious history earned it the nickname "Zombie."
Restoration Journey
The Datsun needed extensive repairs to its chassis, body, and engine, but Janne envisioned a unique street drag car. He towed the Datsun 1,600 miles to the event, where its raw and unfinished state captivated the interest of many, including Mike Finnegan of "Roadkill" and "Faster with Finnegan." In the spring of 2022, the Datsun was shipped to Finland for a comprehensive restoration.
Mechanical Overhaul
Over two years, Janne meticulously worked on the car. He refreshed its mechanics, enhancing the suspension, and replacing parts like tires, fuel lines, and the carburetor. The exterior received a fresh coat of white paint, while the interior was revamped with a mix of OEM and aftermarket parts, including Jaz drag racing seats. The car’s new look drew inspiration from Paul Newman’s Bob Sharp Racing Datsun Z, adopting a red, white, and blue color scheme with a bold "33" race number.
Distinctive Features
Notable modifications included 14-inch-wide rear wheels and custom "Datsun" lettering encircling the wheel barrels, emphasizing the car’s aggressive stance. The engine, a Chevy small block of indeterminate displacement, roars with a distinctive idle note courtesy of an aggressive cam profile and custom side pipes with NASCAR-style RST boom tubes. Generating around 400 horsepower, the naturally aspirated engine pairs with a two-speed Powerglide transmission featuring a transbrake and two-stage launch system. A Ford 9-inch differential with 4.88 gears ensures rapid acceleration.
Light Yet Mighty
Weighing a mere 1,200 kg (2,645 lbs), the Datsun is equipped with a roll cage, making it certified for an impressive 8.5-second quarter-mile run. Uskali fitted it with 15×4.5-inch front wheels with 195-section tires and colossal 15×14-inch rear wheels with 16.5-inch-wide road-legal Hoosier slicks.
A Project, Nearly Complete
Now road-legal in Finland, the Datsun Zombie is considered nearly finished by Janne. Minor tasks like engine bay tidying and dashboard repair remain. The car’s menacing presence on the streets, leaving long black lines on the asphalt, constantly draws the attention of car enthusiasts. "Every time I start the engine, older people come up and tell me their old ‘Datsun stories,’" Janne shares.
Zombie’s Future
Currently part of Janne’s collection, the 280ZX may find a new owner once it’s fully completed. Until then, the Zombie Datsun will continue to prowl the roads and tracks of Finland, turning heads with its unique look, sound, and performance.
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Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
