In the 1980s and 1990s, hot hatches – small, front engine and front drive hatchbacks with excellent handling and plenty of pep – were all the rage. While the U.S. received plenty of fantastic hot hatch models, many never made it to U.S. shores, such as this 1988 Nissan Sunny GTI, which is available here on eBay in Portugal with a Buy it Now price of $7,500 USD.
This Sunny GTI was the range-topping model for the European market at the time. The seller, who is the second owner of the hatchback, claims that this example is in original condition with no rust or rot present, but it is also noted within the advertisement that the vehicle recently received new paint.
The interior of this Sunny is in fantastic shape, with no rips or tears shown in the pictures. Though it’s layout and the materials used are both extremely no-frills, the simplicity of the cabin is something to behold. Additionally, the seller claims this example received various extras that are all functioning, such as power steering, air conditioning, power windows (including sunroof), and electric mirrors.
Under the hood, you’ll find Nissan’s CA16DE engine – a dual-cam, inline-four cylinder mill that delivers 110 horsepower to the front wheels. During its lifetime, this hatchback has logged 102,000 km– which translates to approximately 63,375 miles.
The seller claims the vehicle is ready for export and offers worldwide shipping. This is a very well kept example of a car that never made it to the states, but the $7,500 asking price becomes harder to justify when considering the shipping and importation fees. Would you want to have many Sunny days, or would you rather save your cash?
On my side of the pond. But a Golf GTI, Peugeot 205 GTI (1.6 or 1.9L) and the such were much better hot hatchs…
$2500.00 to $3000.00 Max for this car, just another econo box which happens to be 31 years old.
I won’t deny it’s in impeccable shape cause it is, but to me it’s just a twin cam version of a tired Nissan commuter from when I was a teen. Un-inspiring design and so-so sheetmetal quality. Guess that means I’m becoming an old and dull fart.
Having spent it’s life in Portugal would mostly mean it was saved from exposure to humid surroundings (well, maybe apart from the Atlantic) and salty roads common in Central and Northern Europe,wouldn’t be many of this era Sunnys left there now. Its license plate proves its Portuguese background, as the black base/white fonts plates were disbanded after 1991. So if you’re ABSOLUTELY interested in owning such a Sunny, this might be of the best left…to me it’s just a big yawn…