Nissan 300ZX | Spotted – PistonHeads UK

For a company that has produced so many popular sports cars and once led the electrification charge, Nissan seems to have lost its way a bit of late. The Leaf is no longer the innovator it once was, the Ariya doesn’t bring much new to the EV SUV class, even in the markets it’s made available, the new Z hasn’t wowed anyone. The GT-R somehow continues with endless very minor updates; what might be a shot in the arm, confirming a proper replacement for this. Or anything exciting, really. We’d almost get a new NISMO Juke at this rate.

So while the world and its many Nissan fans wait for better news, it’s all too easy to reminisce about the old icons. Usually this will be something in the form of a skyline, a beautifully restored 240Z or a beautifully preserved 350Z from the early 2000s, but here are 15 minutes of fame for the forgotten Nissan Z car: the 300ZX.

Being a contemporary of the R32 Skyline GT-R, it’s easy to think that the ZX wasn’t very good because it didn’t turn touring car racing on its head or make an entire generation fall in love with Japanese cars. On the contrary, reports from the early 90s rated the 300 as a proper return to form for the Nissan Z car; the Z31 era from 1986 to 1990 hinted at some potential behind the lackluster 280ZX, but this Z32 generation is where things really started to pick up. The combination of power (from a twin-turbo V6), luxury, technology (including Super HICAS four-wheel steering) and style finally hit the spot.

Officially the 300ZX was the first car to be sold under the 280bhp gentlemen’s agreement by the Japanese manufacturers, although in reality this was always a 300bhp car. “Drive Japan’s latest wonder car and you’re instantly hooked, seduced by its scorching performance and superb handling,” reckoned Car magazine. This was the time when Japanese manufacturers decided to redefine what we could expect, from the Honda NSX to the Lexus LS400, and Nissan was more than eager to join the party. “The 300ZX really is like a Porsche 944 Turbo and 928S4 rolled into one. “Porsche now has a serious rival that can’t begin to match the price,” concluded the car test.

However, not many ZXs were sold in the UK. £35,000 was a lot of money back then, and the economic downturn of the early 90s put sports cars – especially those with UK-only badges for a decade – far down the list of priorities. A shame considering how favorably Zed has been received. UK sales ran for just four years from 1990-1994.

This Z32 is one of those UK supplied cars, a wonderfully preserved example that has been with its current owner for a decade and covered just 42,000 miles. His care has extended well beyond routine servicing and maintenance, too, with a host of preventive works and purchases undertaken to keep the 300 strong for a long time to come. This included fresh shocks from Nissan before they went off sale, an engine rebuild at 40,000 miles plus a new underseal application last year. Apparently wanted for nothing and the condition reflects that. The interior is the most perfect 90s time machine you could ever imagine.

Everywhere you look there’s more to marvel at in this vintage Nissan, from the unused original space saver to the factory-fit stereo. It’s heartening to see so much love and attention lavished on a sports car that never had the biggest following here. Perhaps now, with all the other Nissans reaching unprecedented heights of popularity, the ZX can be regarded more fondly. Whether or not that will happen remains to be seen, but given where values ​​are currently for the aforementioned Porsches and more popular Nissans, £30k for a 300 this good doesn’t seem like a lot of money at all. crazy.

Engine: 2960cc, V6, twin turbo
Transmission: 5 speed manual, rear wheel drive
Power (hp): 300@6400rpm
Torque (lb ft): 274@3600rpm
MPG: c. 25
CO2: N/A
mileage recorded: 42,423
Registered for the first time: 1992
New price: c. 35 thousand pounds
Yours for: £29,995