Taking a page from the book of Studebaker, Nissan named its high-rolling luxury sedan the President, suggesting the vehicle compliments those governing a company or sovereign nation. This 1994 Nissan President JS in New Baltimore, Michigan offers exclusivity of the highest order, especially in a state synonymous with and largely populated by American vehicles manufactured there. It comes to market here on eBay where at least 16 bidders have elevated the stately sedan’s stock above, well, $4500 so far.
I’m embarrassed to say I paid over $15,000 for a new 1991 Nissan Sentra SE-R including nearly $900 for its sunroof. The good news is that I never spent that much on a vehicle again until buying a used 2013 Lexus GS450h in 2021. I mention this because the dash and controls recall the Sentra, but not in a cheap way, and the President features wood trim and more gadgets, including “power curtains” according to the seller. I fondly recall white mist flowing out the Sentra’s AC vents under hard acceleration. Driving RHD in America comes with drawbacks including a dangerously limited site line on right-hand corners and difficulties entering traffic from street parking. Maintain a Presidential pace on twisty roadways and make good use of mirrors, and your President’s fenders should remain no more vulnerable than the panels of any car in a world where drivers watch their number of “Likes” instead of the road ahead.
The 4.5L VH45DE V8 made about 300 HP, comparable to Cadillac’s similarly transverse FWD V8s of the day. While this President shows the equivalent of 72,000 miles on the odometer, the engine compartment could have been inaugurated yesterday.
Astute readers might notice a family resemblance to the shorter-wheelbase version of the same car that America received as the Infinity Q45, one of the first serious upscale Japanese offerings imported to the land of the Stars and Stripes.
I’m not sure Abraham Lincoln would find room for his long legs and top hat in the rear of this President, but powerful leaders of average build should have plenty of room to relax and shuffle papers back here. Richly upholstered lounge chairs make an acceptable substitute for supple leather, though you might prefer liquid-shedding hides when your careless chauffeur hits the same pothole every morning, repeatedly spilling your grande half-caff soy milk frappuccino. The life of a President may be all fun and games or just another day at the office, but when the weight of the world or your company weighs on your shoulders, escape to your Nissan President, a car that understands your burdens and ushers you home in quiet style. What President of nation or industry do you picture in this luxury-minded Nissan?
This was Nissans answer to the Toyota Century
Both used to ferry royalty and heads of state here in the mother country.
Thought the intake gives the appearance of the engine being transverse it is not, it is a normal front engine rear drive body on frame construction float down the highway car.
These like the century were not a car most u=people would use they more often used by ferry the bosses around as well as diplomats etc…..
Considering they were close to or slightly higher than $100K new this price seems reasonable at the current bid.
RHD is easy to assimilate too and as long as you have your mirrors aimed correctly the hardest thing to do will be drive through windows. I’ve driven many LHD vehickles in a RHD country and found it to be the same.
Thanks, Gerry, for pointing out the engine layout and RWD. I knew (at one time anyway) the Q45 was RWD but I got snookered by the sideways-looking intake as you suggested. I’ve fixed it with strikeout above so my original gaff can live on into eternity. Thanks again and happy motoring!
Perfect for mail delivery.
Have your mail delivered by the President.
It could be a Studebaker Dictator.
Nice one, Todd! That’s one imposing, impressive ride. If the 16th president could wear his stovepipe hat in the back seat that would be quite an endorsement of the headroom.
Never be embarrassed for what you did in the past, my friend, including spending $15k for a Sentra. Well, ok maybe that one but nothing else. Ha, I’m kidding, of course. They’re pretty sought after today, maybe much more so than this beautiful Nissan President would be.
Hey Scotty – you are too kind, Sir. One of our readers said his father had money but refused to spend more than $1000 on a car. I aspire to be “that guy,” pursuing interesting cars on a pauper’s budget, but only interesting ones. Life’s too short for boring cars.
similar being produced (not for export) by toyota.
No RHD for me, thanx
What is the buzz with people paying large money for Japanese domestic rides? Why would I buy this over an M or Q45 of 2003 vintage? With the steering on the correct side (right).
Just buy a US-market Infiniti Q45 and save yourself a lot of headaches. The President was the basis for the first-generation Q45, and while you’ll miss out on some of the unique JDM luxury features, you’ll have a much more pleasant driving experience when you aren’t throwing cash at a toll booth attendant from the driver’s seat.
Part Lexus, part Jaguar, part Bentley. And parts are hard to find.
My son bought a very used Sentra for $1, thereafter known as the “Dollar Car”, it had many faults but he and buddy, now both up there as engineers at a major aircraft company, fixed it in the back yard, and he drove it, mostly in the city, for more than a year. And I owned a right hand drive MG for several years (as a toy) and now with automatic tolling – there is no way to pay cash in MA for example – that would not be an issue. Yes, getting out of a parallel parking spot is more diffiult, but getting in is easier. And, I thought I knew my cars, but I never heard of this one, let alone have seen one, so at cars and coffee you would be the only one! And if it drives like the contemporary Q 45 or big Lexus it would be great on the highways.
Pretty cool, has 3 other vehicles listed, all are No Reserve.
still No RHD cept in that country, for me.
Not hard to get comfortable/familiar but weather
rural, urban or suburban – a hassel…
I’m with everybody on the hardly worthwhile when you could just find a nice Q45. Unless this was bought for some ridiculously low price, the ROI only seems so so after shipping etc.
Friend of mine had a ‘96 Q45 in an iridescent, pearl purple. It looked black until the light hit it. Offered it to me for $3000 ten years or so ago. He was the only owner and it was garaged and loved. I passed. Seemed like expensive maintenance loomed ahead. Some scalper got it and tried forever to flip it for a fat profit.
Might this be known as the “Q46”???
Not very plush for any Presidental edition. I had an old 5th Ave more fancy than this.
With toll roads here around Richmond VA, it would be very tough to have to try to toss coins from the “passenger side”!
I don’t care what anyone says this car is awesome! I got to drive one and it was a great experience. This car looks to be perfect. If it goes anywhere near $10,000 someone is getting a bargain.