Nissan 300ZX | Spotted – PistonHeads UK

For a company that produced so many high-profile sports cars and was once at the forefront of electrification, Nissan seems to have lost its way a bit lately. The Leaf isn’t the trailblazer it once was, the Ariya doesn’t really bring much new to the EV SUV class, and even in the markets where it’s been made available, the new Z hasn’t wowed anyone. The GT-R somehow continues with endless very small updates; what a shot in the arm that would be to confirm a proper refund. Or something exciting, really. At this rate, we’d almost take the new NISMO Juke.

So while the world and its many Nissan fans await better-sounding news, it’s all too easy to reminisce about the old icons. Usually it’ll be something in the shape of a Skyline, a beautifully restored 240Z or a beautifully preserved 350Z from the early 2000s, but here’s a forgotten Nissan Z’s 15 minutes of fame: 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 love Japanese cars. Conversely, reports from the early 1990s praised the 300 for being a proper 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 generation of the Z32 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 has finally hit the spot.

Officially, the 300ZX was the first car to be sold under the 280hp gentleman’s agreement from the Japanese manufacturers, although in reality it was always a 300hp car. “Drive Japan’s latest wonder car and you’ll be instantly captivated, seduced by its scorching power and brilliant handling,” reckoned Car magazine. It was a time when Japanese makers set out 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 a 928S4 rolled into one. “Porsche now has a serious rival that cannot match the price,” Car concluded the test drive.

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 1990s put sports cars – especially those with badges that had only been in the UK for a decade – way down the priority list. A shame considering how favorably Zed was received. UK sales ran for just four years from 1990 to 1994.

This Z32 is one of those UK supplied cars, a superbly preserved example that has been with its current owner for ten years and has covered just 42,000 miles. It has been cared for well beyond regular service and maintenance, with a range of preventative work and purchases , so that the 300 will be in service for a long time. This included fresh shocks from Nissan before they were recalled, an engine rebuild at 40,000 miles plus a new bottom seal application last year. Apparently, it is wanted for nothing, and the status corresponds to it. The interior is the most perfect 90s time machine you can imagine.

Everywhere you look, there’s more to admire with this vintage Nissan, from the unused original space saver to the factory-fitted stereo. It’s heartening to see so much love and attention given to a sports car that never had the biggest following here. Perhaps now that all other Nissans have reached unprecedented heights of popularity, the ZX can be appreciated with more love. Whether or not that will happen remains to be seen, but given where values ​​currently lie for the aforementioned Porsches and the better-known Nissans, £30,000 for a 300 this good doesn’t seem like crazy money at all.

Engine: 2,960 cc, V6, twin-turbo
Transmission: 5-speed manual, rear wheel drive
Power (hp): 300 at 6400 rpm
Torque (lb ft): 274 at 3600 rpm
MPG: C. 25
CO2: ON
Kilometers recorded: 42,423
First registration: 1992
Price new: C. 35 thousand pounds
Your for: £29,995