When it launched 1990, the “Z32”-chassis Nissan 300ZX was admired by journalists and motorists alike for its aerodynamic wind-cutting shape – and it had the performance to back up that sexy silhouette. Car and Driver said, “We can think of no other car that offers more style and sculptured, buttoned-down beauty for the money. The established automotive objects d’art – the Italian exotics – start at twice the price.”
The Pick of the Day is a 1991 Nissan 300ZX listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Fairfax, Virginia. Click here to view the listing.
The car’s Charcoal Pearl body is unique in the sense that it has a “slicktop” roof design – in other words, it does not have removable Targa T-tops seen frequently on this model. The seller says that the paint finish was recently ceramic-coated for protection. Based on the walk-around video, the exterior is clean as a whistle for being 34 years old. Noteworthy features include integrated fog lamps, color-matched side mirrors, a power antenna, a rear window wiper and quad exhaust outlets.
The two-seat cockpit is upholstered in patterned gray fabric and appears to remain unmodified with exception of the installation of a JVC Bluetooth-enabled sound system. The embroidered letter Z on each floor mat reflected just how proud Nissan was of the car’s identity. In fact, “Z” even showed up marketing materials: A magazine ad for the Z said, “In the history of the world’s greatest sports cars, success has most often resulted from adherence to the following principle: When everyone zigs… Zag.”
Dubbed the Fairlady Z in other markets, the Z32 launched in 1990 in North America with two available 3.0-liter VG30DE DOHC engines. The more powerful of the two was twin-turbocharged. A lower-output, naturally aspirated version, as seen in this car, was rated at 222 horsepower and 198 lb-ft of torque when new. A five-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip axle send the power rearward.
The listing outlines highlights of recent maintenance history: The driveshaft, power steering system, fluids and lighting all received attention in late 2024. In 2021, the car received a new timing belt, clutch, master cylinder and shifter bushings. “Fully functional, runs and operates perfectly,” the listing says. The grippy Michelin Pilot Sport Z-rated all-season tires on the car are newer, too, so there’s plenty of peace of mind with regard to roadworthiness.
The asking price is $19,997 or best offer, and the asking price will include an extra set of floor mats, a set of uninstalled exhaust tips, three keys and a car cover.
The 300ZX is one of many vehicles from the 1990s that are seeing a resurgence in popularity with the “future collector” movement – and it is getting tougher every day to find unmodified, original examples. Luckily for you, we just hand-picked it.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
