Perhaps it is a sign of aging, but the thirty-five years since 1990 seem to have passed in a flash. That is when this Nissan 300ZX rolled off the line. Time has treated it incredibly kindly, although the fact that it has only accumulated 11,000 miles on its odometer has undoubtedly helped its cause. Faulting its condition is seemingly impossible, while the twin-turbo V6 under the hood guarantees an exhilarating driving experience. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting this 300ZX listed here on eBay in Lisle, Illinois. The seller set their price for this Japanese classic at $38,800.

Nissan launched the Second Generation 300ZX, designated the Z32, in 1990. Unlike its predecessor, it carried virtually no styling cues from earlier Z-Cars. The first owner’s decision to order this first-year 300ZX in dazzling Yellow Pearlglow guaranteed that the car would turn heads wherever it went. This remains true today, because this Nissan presents superbly. Its history isn’t stated, but the indications are that it has been garage-kept throughout its life. The paint shines beautifully, with no evidence of deterioration or UV damage. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and the underside shots confirm that the car is rust-free. The glass T-Top provides a wonderful wind-in-the-hair motoring experience, and the original alloy wheels are free from stains and physical damage.

Nissan loaded the 300ZX interior with plenty of toys, ensuring a comfortable motoring experience. Air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power seats, power mirrors, cruise control, a tilt wheel, and a premium Bose radio/cassette player were all standard equipment. This car features Gray cloth trim, and its condition is consistent with the odometer reading, with the outer seat edges being the giveaway. This area is prone to wear due to the heavy side bolsters and the car’s inherently low stance. Sliding along the outer edge is almost unavoidable when entering or exiting a 300ZX, resulting in wear and holes over time and with ongoing use. This 300ZX has avoided those issues, with the rest of the interior equally impressive. This interior is as close to being in as-new condition as you are likely to find today.

The weight best demonstrates the change in design philosophy between early Z-Cars and this 300ZX. A 1970 Datsun 240Z weighed around 2,300 lbs. This 300ZX tips the scales at approximately 3,580lbs. However, the powerplant hiding under the hood improves the story markedly. Nissan selected the 3.0-liter VG30DETT multi-cam V6, which benefits from a pair of Garrett AiResearch turbochargers, to produce a very healthy factory-quoted 283hp. Sadly, the first owner paired the V6 with a four-speed automatic transmission rather than the more desirable five-speed manual. Power steering and four-wheel disc brakes were standard equipment. The seller doesn’t mention verifying evidence for the mileage claim, but confirms that the car recently received a service and a new timing belt from a Nissan dealer. It appears to be a turnkey proposition for its next owner.

The original 240Z was a genuine sports car, but this 1990 Nissan 300ZX fits the mold of a grand tourer more readily. Its condition is exceptional, although some readers may lament the automatic transmission. However, with no apparent needs, the seller’s price looks appropriate for a car of this caliber. The listing statistics are, to be diplomatic, very modest. That suggests that this Nissan hasn’t struck a chord with potential buyers. Do you think that the transmission is the culprit, or are there other factors at play?