If you squint at this car, can you see a Datsun 310? No? Me neither, but in fact, Nissan launched the N10 Pulsar line in 1978 – a subcompact available as a hatchback, a fastback sedan, and a station wagon – and as many body styles as there were, so were there as many model names, including, in the US, the Datsun 310. The N10 was produced until 1982, when the N12 was introduced. The N12 was sold all over the world, but for the US, it was redesigned into the NX. Its front end was kept angular, and its rear was reformed into a coupe. When the N13 arrived in 1986, another evolution produced the world’s first modular car when the Sportbak, with its interchangeable rear canopy, was introduced. Here on craigslist is this 1988 Pulsar NX SE – the top of the line model – located in Spokane, Washington. The car has 93,000 miles, and the seller is asking $7500. Tony Primo sent us this unusual finding – thanks!
The NX was available in two trim levels, the base XE and the SE. Against a backdrop of a 2400 lb curb weight, the XE came with an anemic 70 hp, fuel-injected, single-cam 1.6-liter four-cylinder. The 1988 SE, though, was equipped with a 130 hp 1.8-liter DOHC, multi-valve four-cylinder. This car is fitted with an automatic overdrive transmission, which means its zero to sixty time was still on the lackadaisical side, at about 10 seconds. This example has a new fuel pump and thermostat, and it rides on fresh Hankook Kinergy all-season radials. That said, the car leaks oil and power steering fluid.
Nissan delivered the same cloth-upholstery/plastic-dash cabin decor that was ubiquitous in the 1980s. The bucket seats look supportive, with minimal deformation of the driver’s bolster. In fact, this entire interior is in decent condition, though I’d clean those carpets to bring it up a notch. This example has removable T-tops.
The rear bumper has suffered a knock, but the paint shines nicely – a credit to the car’s prior owners, as it’s not easy to keep a black car looking this good over the years. The Pulsar has distinctive taillights, and with the right tools, that back hatch can be removed in favor of the sportbak canopy. Nice Pulsar NXs will sell for $10k to $20k, making this one a bit of a bargain despite its warts. Have you ever owned a Pulsar?
Wow! No comments yet on this?
I remember these. The description of anemic is apt as I seem to recall. A lot of us were rolling around in old American cars at the time these came out. Seemed like they were all show and no go. That said, this seems like kind of a bargain compared to a lot of Japanese cars from the era and the removable tops at least look cool, even if they leak and rattle
Had a pal with one of these, had both of the back sections. I don’t think he ever once put the “sportback” on, it was just more effort to swap than it was worth. Car always felt a bit flimsy to me, but seemed to run without any drama, was economical as I recall.
no never owned but this was one I watched closely (same era Stanza too. @ 1 time I thought I needed 1 of each – utility/pleasure).
I think this car can change into 3 or 4 “different vehicles”. Wonder if he has the exchange panels? (lets C: vert, sedan, wagon, um… er… ah, guess that;s it, only 3). ‘Much-a-go Monday’ for me here. lol .
Thnx~
One on my sister’s friends bought on of these new. She drove it around with the t tops off anf the rear hatch off so it acted like a convertible. I was just a new licensed driver at the time and she let me drive it once and, yes, it was a dog.
I had a ’90 Pulsar NX, the 5-speed with the SOHC 1.6L engine, for a number of years. Loved it! Had storage bags for the T-Tops (which never leaked). Wish I still had it, and its companion Sportbak roof, too! The NX XE, with the DOHC 1.8L, was the one to have.
Oops, NX SE.
Somewhere along the line I remember sidling up next to an attractive young lady sitting at a bar and started chatting her up. Within two minutes she was prattling on in this strange squeaky, crackly voice about her ‘brand new Pulsar’ like it was Enzo’s personal 412. I took a couple of minutes of this before moving on down the line to a rather rotund Farrah-haired single mom. She and I talked for a couple of hours about movies and music and such and had a real nice time.
Anyway, that’s about all I know about Pulsars.