1991 Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo

After a period of relative ubiquity, Nissan Z cars seemed to have mostly disappeared in the past 20 years.  Seeing one on the street, anything from a 240 to a 370, is a special event.  Z cars have a fervent following; a loyal and knowledgeable fan base that maintains performance and historical information.  Once simply sporty daily drivers are now highly desirable Japanese performance cars, each generation with its unique shape and notable attributes.

For consignment, the top of the “Z32” generation food chain!  Outside of the rare, (and later), STZ, this is the 300ZX everyone wants.  A 1991 5-speed twin turbo with twin intercoolers and pumping out 300 horsepower from a 3.0 liter V6.  A well-maintained, 27,753 low-mileage, unmolested example that is becoming more rare with each passing year.   A tick under 28,000 miles means this has been more of a garage queen than road king…and now it's up for grabs!

Exterior
The Cherry Red Pearl is nearly flawless on this car and monochromatic coverage creates clean lines on what can be described as a rounded wedge design.  A body that will likely still look modern and fresh 20 years from now.  Integrated fog lights and side markers flow seamlessly on the front bumper over a grated front spoiler and intake that's aggressive without being over-the-top.  Covered headlights mimic the rake of the windshield, which is sharp, wide, and dramatic.   The standard T-tops break up the red for a moment, then the hatch picks it up with wide, hinged C-pillars and trailing wing.  Looking at the smooth plexi-encased tail lights, it's evident that the newest Z-car gained inspiration from this model, because the design is that good.  A smooth red rear bumper cover flows like water, ending to reveal dual exhaust with twin tips on each side.  The wheels, ever so slight in their angled design, are in beautiful condition, save for a few small curb rashes.  Overall, the exterior is simple with no wasted material, extra vents, or outlandish wings.  Clean, Japanese design.

Interior
More simplicity and freshness here with shades of black and gray dominating.  The seats are black leather and look barely used.  The lower half of the dash, side of center console, armrest, and door cards are lined with a gray tweed-like material, something not seen in many cars.  The side pods flanking the near-pristine steering wheel control things like cruise control, lights, A/C, and wipers.  These controls are all close to the steering wheel.  That leaves the center of the dash free of busy buttons and it holds only the Bose AM/FMradio, CD player, clock, and vents in a smooth, straight tower.  The short shifter accompanies some switches in the center console including a suspension toggle for sport and touring, the side mirror controls, and a defog switch.  The seatbelts are mounted on the door and once closed, you pull up from the bottom and over your waist…another interesting design choice that just seems to work.  The rear storage is carpeted and flanked by the rear speakers and is spotless and fresh.

Drivetrain
Open the hood to reveal a packed engine bay…every inch is occupied with the 3.0 liter and turbo piping which reaches down like the giant tentacles of a monster octopus forcing air into a cross flowing intake and aluminum heads.  Hidden below are two Garrett AiResearch TB02/22 turbocharges working as twins, rather than sequentially, each fed by, (and feeding), three cylinders at the same time.  Electronic fuel injection delivers the vapor and the movement is accelerated through a five-speed manual transmission which spins the rear wheels.  This Z has the desirable 4-wheel steering which improves the grip and turning radius.  The car had a major service at about 26,000 miles including the timing belt, so you enjoy this car with the confidence that it's been well-maintained.

Undercarriage
Gleaming stainless steel cat-back exhaust and chrome tips absolutely pop on the otherwise standard underside.  Much of the bottom is noticeably flat and flush with the exhaust, no doubt helping with aerodynamics.  Independent multi-link suspension looks to be in great shape and the CV boots show no wear.  Disc brakes occupy every wheel and while there's some dust, everything looks as you'd expect a car with less than 30,000 miles.  There are few spots where the undercoating has peeled but nothing else underside could be considered a flaw.

Drive-ability
After driving a myriad of muscle cars, the cockpit of this car offers a relatively quiet respite but still provides an exciting experience.  In true sports car fashion, the ride is more horizontal and the ergonomics are just right.  Gauges are right there for the reading and controls are contained within the width of the driver's shoulders.  The turbos spool up quickly and it's off to the races!  Handling is just excellent; the size and weight of the car, (3,570), keep this car toss-able but also planted.  The 4-wheel steering system is subtle but noticeable and absolutely improves turn-in.  Braking is well-tuned and crisp.  This is one you can enjoy every day or put it back in the garage for weekend jaunts.

In recent years, Z cars have come into their own in terms of appeal and desirability.  What we have here is a fine example with a record of recent maintenance that provides a turn-key experience for the next lucky owner.  When Car and Driver compared a turbo 300zx to a Stealth R/T back in August of 1991, the Z came out the clear winner and Car and Driver raved about the car.  In 2024, it's still a great automobile.

JN1CZ24HXMX502576

J-Japan
N-Nissan
1-Passenger Car
C-VG30DETT Engine
Z2-300ZX (Z32)
4-Coupe
H-Manual Belts, Driver Airbag
X-Check Digit
M-1991
X-Nissan Shatai Assy Plant
502576-Sequential Unit Number

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