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41k Genuine Miles: 1990 Nissan 300ZX GS

When the Z32 model of the Nissan 300ZX was introduced, its styling was markedly different from that of its predecessor. Shorter and wider, the styling was distinctly softer and more rounded. It was met with almost universal praise, and even today, its styling has held up fairly well. This 1990 300ZX is the 2-seater GS version, and after 20-years with the same family, the time has come for it to move on to a new owner. Located in Greenwich, Connecticut, it has been listed for sale here on eBay. Bidding has reached $5,925, and with the reserve now met, that move looks like it will be taking place fairly soon.

The owner admits that the Nissan isn’t perfect, but that it does present extremely well for a vehicle of its age. The Platinum Mist Metallic paint has a nice depth of shine to it and has avoided the matte look that silver paint of this era can be prone to developing. The owner says that the paint is virtually all original, with only a few, thumbnail-sized touch-ups having been performed during the car’s life. The glass appears to be in good condition, while the standard alloy wheels are free of pitting, staining, and curb strike. The 300ZX also comes equipped with a glass T-Top, and the owner says that not only have there never been any leaking issues with this, but the glass panels have not been removed once in the past 20-years.

In reality, the 300ZX was designed to be more of a luxury personal coupe than an out-and-out sports car, so the interior comes nicely appointed. You sink back into leather seats, while you find yourself pampered by the inclusion of air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power seats, and cruise control. Being the GS version, this 300ZX is strictly a 2-seater, and in that respect, it is trying to recapture the heritage of the original 240Z, albeit in a more luxurious package. The condition of the interior is really nice, with no major issues to report. One area of the interior trim that is prone to major deterioration is the cloth that wraps around the dash, sides of the console, and onto the door trims. This was an eye-catching feature when new, but has tended to show wear and tear over the years. In this particular car that remains in good condition, and that is a fair indication that this is a car that has been the recipient of careful ownership. One upgrade that has been performed is the replacement of the original stereo with a Pioneer Bluetooth CD player, although this does utilize the original Bose factory amplifier system. One feature that I really like is the fact that there is a manual shifter sticking up out of the console because while the automatic transmission is good for a vehicle of this era, it does sap the performance when compared to the manual unit.

Speaking of performance, this 300ZX is a normally-aspirated version, meaning that the 2,960cc quad-cam V6 engine produces 222hp, which is sent to the rear wheels via the 5-speed manual transmission. In addition, the Nissan comes equipped with power steering and 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes. Performance figures for the Z32 were a significant improvement over those of its predecessor, while a raft of changes in engine design paid dividends when it came to fuel consumption. The owner displays a lack of passion when describing this area of the car, stating that it’s mechanically sound and that it has always been dealer serviced. What the owner does say is that the Nissan has only covered a genuine 41,000 miles, and if it has always been dealer serviced, then confirming this claim should actually be pretty easy.

If this 1990 Nissan 300ZX was a turbocharged example, then I’m pretty sure that people would be jumping all over it. Once those turbos spooled-up, that was a model capable of pretty astounding performance. However, they also tended to be driven pretty hard, and the vast majority of them are now facing the prospects of some fairly expensive work to return them to their mechanical best. Normally-aspirated examples like this one don’t offer that brute performance, but they also aren’t slugs either. This one has an awful lot going for it, and even though it might not be as desirable as one of the original “Zed” cars, it remains a whole lot more affordable and refined. For the person who would like their sports car to come with a dash of luxury, this could be a car that is worth a look.

Comments

  1. Avatar Bakyrdhero

    Man I love these cars! I wonder if the glass roof having not been removed at all in the last twenty years is a good thing or a bad thing?

    Like 8
  2. Avatar davew833

    The design still looks fresh 30 years later. What other cars from the late ’80s can you even say that about?

    Like 6
  3. Avatar PDXBryan

    “Even today, it’s styling has held up fairly well”

    Of course it has! Looking good compared to modern styling is not, by and large, a big hurdle.

    Like 7
  4. Avatar Dallas

    Wonderful car. Looks like the new owner is gonna steal it.

    Like 1
  5. Avatar mpower

    In the early 2000s I was working at a Ford dealer and one of these came in on trade. It was a 2+2 and automatic but it had less than 30k miles on it. Sadly the cost of insurance on a sports car for a 21 year old with a few too many speeding tickets wouldn’t work.

    Like 2
  6. Avatar scottymac

    About the only Japanese car I’d consider parking in my garage.

    Like 3
  7. Avatar Joe Haska

    I know nothing about these cars, but I think this is a great buy!

    Like 1
  8. Avatar Scott Member

    One of my favorite Superbowl commercials!

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uXdFKcETEPg

    Like 5
  9. Avatar sparkster

    Scott, that’s still one of my favorite commercials. I often wonder why Nissan doesn’t bring it back for another 2019 car ? ? ?. The “CGI” we have today would kill it. Not many commercials today you watch from start to finish. I though maybe a grown up version with the husband and wife from this 300zx showing their teenage kids the new features of their 2019 Nissan.

    Like 1
  10. Avatar dab

    I wish I hadn’t seen this.

    Like 0
  11. Avatar Mr.BZ

    Love the 90-96 Zs, and many call them the best pure-driver in the family. Not a fan of any T-top, but this car is damn near perfect otherwise.

    Like 2

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