Nissan 300ZX | Spotted

For a company that has produced so many noteworthy sports cars and was once at the forefront of electrification, Nissan seems to have lost its way lately. The Leaf is no longer the game changer it once was, the Ariya doesn’t really bring much new to the EV SUV class, and even in the markets where it was launched, the new Z hasn’t blown anyone away. The GT-R somehow continues with endless, very minor updates; which could be a shot in the arm as confirmation of a good replacement for it. Or actually something exciting. At this rate we’d almost get a new NISMO Juke.

So while the world and its many Nissan fans wait for better-sounding news, it’s all too easy to reminisce about the old icons. Typically that will be something Skyline-shaped, a beautifully restored 240Z or a beautifully preserved 350Z from the early 2000s, but here’s 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 revolutionize touring car racing and didn’t like Japanese cars for an entire generation. On the contrary, early 1990s reports praised the 300 for being a good return to form for the Nissan Z car; the Z31 era from 1986 to 1990 hinted at some potential after the lackluster 280ZX, but this Z32 generation is where things really started to get good. The combination of power (from a twin-turbo V6), luxury, technology (including Super HICAS four-wheel steering) and style was ultimately a hit.

Officially, the 300ZX was the first car sold under the Japanese manufacturers’ 280hp Gentleman’s Agreement, but in reality this was always a 300hp car. “Drive Japan’s newest wonder car and you’ll be instantly hooked, seduced by its searing performance and brilliant handling,” says Car magazine. This was when Japanese makers started redefining what we could expect, from Honda NSX to Lexus LS400, and Nissan was eager to join the party. “The 300ZX is actually a Porsche 944 Turbo and 928S4 in one. Porsche now has a serious rival that cannot match it in terms of price,” the car test drive concludes.

However, not many ZXs were sold in Britain. £35,000 was a lot of money at the time, and the economic downturn of the early 1990s pushed sports cars (particularly those with badges that had only been around for a decade in Britain) high up the priority list. A shame, given the positive reception of the Zed. Sales in the United Kingdom lasted only four years, from 1990 to 1994.

This Z32 is one of those British-delivered cars, a beautifully preserved example that has been with the current owner for ten years and has driven only 42,000 miles. The care goes well beyond the usual maintenance and upkeep, with a whole range of preventive work and purchases undertaken to keep the 300 running smoothly for a while longer. That included new dampers from Nissan before they were discontinued, an engine overhaul at 40,000 miles plus a new application of underseal last year. It is seemingly 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 is more to admire with this old Nissan, from the unused original space saver to the factory installed stereo. It’s encouraging to see so much love and attention being put into a sports car that has never had such a strong following here. Perhaps now that all other Nissans have achieved unprecedented popularity, the ZX can be appreciated more highly. Whether that happens or not remains to be seen, but given current values ​​for the aforementioned Porsches and better-known Nissans, £30,000 for a 300 doesn’t look bad at all.

Engine: 2,960cc, V6, twin turbo
Transfer: Five-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 300 at 6,400 rpm
Torque (lb⋅ft): 274 at 3,600 rpm
MPG: C.25
CO2: N/A
Registered mileage: 42,423
First registered: 1992
Price new: C. £35k
Yours for: £29,995