Here’s one that I would never have expected to find in the Barn Finds mix, it is a sort of Professor Gadget of small cars, a Nissan Pulsar NX Sportbak. It is unusual and rarely seen, at least anymore, but this example has some very nice features. Let’s check it out, it is located in Smithtown, New York and is available here on craigslist for $8,500. Thanks to Mitchell G. for this tip!
The Nissan Pulsar EXA was introduced in 1983 and went through a revision for 1986 and was rechristened as the Pulsar NX. In 1987, the Sportbak option was added which consists of T-top panels as well as a removable rear canopy structure. Offered in ’87 and ’88, auto journalists at the time referred to it as a “convertible shooting brake”. By 1990 the Sportbak, and the Pulsar NX as well, were gone, having been replaced by the Nissan NX.
Here’s a shot with the coupe hatch in place. With 145K miles on its clock, this Sportbak looks good, the years and mileage appear to have had no adverse effect though the finish is a 2017 repaint. Still, it was a professionally applied respray and the original style stripes have been reapplied too. And being an originally domiciled California vehicle has helped keep the corrosion factor at bay. Capping off the exterior presentation are the 16″ Moda wheels – a very nice touch. Of note, the seller as an extra pair of T-tops included in the sale.
Power is courtesy of a 1.6 liter, DOHC, in-line four-cylinder engine, good for 122 net HP. The seller claims, “The motor and transmission are original with both in perfect health”. Additionally, new plugs, an air filter, starter, Magnaflow muffler, and transmission mounts have been installed. As is usually the case, a five-speed manual transaxle gets the power to the pavement.
The interior appears as new. I chose this image as it presents a view of the commodious interior that facilitates this Sportbak’s functionality but the image of the driver’s seat shows clean and unworn upholstery – amazing considering this Nissan’s usage and age. The seller advises that the R12 A/C system needs a recharge. Prior experience would lead one to believe that either it hasn’t been recharged due to R12’s scarcity or the system has a problem retaining its refrigerant – something to consider.
While an unusual little car, to say the least, there is more than likely a target market for it but there is no telling how large that market may be. The seller advises that this Sportbak is a former RADWOOD award winner which, according to their website, is the premier automotive lifestyle event celebrating the ’80s and ’90s so that may be a starting place to find a prospective buyer. But even with that, and based on current trading prices, this Sportbak is rich, especially considering its mileage. It’s nice, no doubt, and appears to have been well cared for but…What do you think about the appeal for this unique design today, who would be the most likely type of buyer?
Personally, I wouldn’t touch it with a 10 foot pole, but I always did think that removable rear section was a great idea. Too bad the public didn’t think so. Saw one, maybe.
Cool little car. My girlfriend had one in high school although everyone else wanted or had the Honda Civic hatchback.
I had one of these in the mid 90s. When these were purchased new, they all came standard with the coup hatch, the sport back option was purchased through the dealership, IIRC, and all pulsar nx’s came standard with t-tops. Considering the milage, it’s evident this was a well loved, cared for car. They were awesome little commuters, and ran forever, unfortunately here in the midwest, they were a popular cuisine for the tin worm. I think it’s a little optimistic on the price, but where are you going to find another one in this condition? Good luck with the sale!
The Aztek of Japanese imports.
I’ve never seen this before and I hope I never see one again! 😂
Professor Gadget?
..or were you thinking Inspector.
ah yeah, yeah, that’s the ticket.
$4000 seems Legit. Its a Niche car, even at that amount, it will be Someone who just has a passion for odd and under appreciated. $8500 is a lot too much, however. 145k is pretty decent miles, but not crazy low. I think we all know its never a simple recharge. An 80’s car AC will need to be completely redone, and thats silly to do.
$4000 seems Legit. Its a Niche car, even at that amount, it will be Someone who just has a passion for odd and under appreciated. $8500 is a lot too much, however. 145k is pretty decent miles, but not crazy low. I think we all know its never a simple recharge. An 80’s car AC will need to be completely redone, and thats silly to do.
Spectacular condition, pop-up headlights, 5-speed and exclusivity. Better than most of the junk that alit is readers on here lose their minds over….
These were called a “Smurf Hearse” when they were new.
Take it to Radwood and steal the show
I wonder how long it took the assembly-line folks to figure out how to put the first few together?
I had one , same color , but with put the Smurf hurst sport back. Drove the snot out of it. Only put the tops in if it was raining or snowing. Fith gear went out , ok drove it like a 4spd. Then she threw a Rod , let it go. Was just a well used car at the time. If I had the cash and it was in the area , I’d buy it, although the price seems steep. But not seen one in at least 10 years.
Very cool. The tail light treatment was frequently copied by 80’s teenagers using vinyl pin strip tape.
I wanted one just for the fun of swapping the back.
Has anybody ever gotten $8500.00 for one of these?
I could see myself cruising this around with no tops or hatch on. Get as close to a convertible as possible. I like it. The price is nuts to me. I feel this is a $3,000 car.
$3000 is Plenty
price is ok with me. these are very hard to find. you see a few with the hatch rear, but no canopy backs. i have two. one 5-speed not running. i keep it around for maybe someday!!! but i also have a one owner mint original with both tops. purchased from a 94 year old woman that bought her new. it just turned 30040 orig miles. 100% orig as sold new. everything works including the orig AC etc. it just seems a one of a kind find. shes an automatic. always garaged. everyone will think im nuts. but id be hard pressed to sell mine as a pair for $20K!!!!! so his is cheap.