1993 Nissan 300ZX

Description

In the early '90s, Japanese automakers pulled out all the stops and built some of the most impressive sports cars of the period. Near the top of the list was the Nissan 300ZX, whose shark-like looks, impressive handling, and user-friendly nature make it a great choice for affordable fun today. This 1993 convertible with just two owners from new is a fine example in original condition, so it's ready for top-down fun this summer.

The 300ZX looks even better as a convertible than as a hatchback, and the rock-solid platform doesn't seem to mind being topless one bit. Pearl White paint makes the sporty ragtop look like a million bucks, emphasizing the long, low shape and with just 43,726 original miles, this one is remarkably well preserved. Nissan's paint quality was quite good and it's held up well over the past two decades, showing the care of people who understand that cars like this Z are worthy of respect. Even the chin spoiler and rockers are in good shape without excessive road rash or damage from steep driveway aprons. The headlights, which are one of the Z's most distinctive features, remain clear and bright, and the flush-fitting tonneau cover gives it a sleek profile when the top's down.

There's little doubt that this car was built by and for drivers when you climb inside. The black leather buckets are firm and grippy, holding you in place during spirited driving but remaining comfortable for long-distance hauls, too. The dash is low, giving excellent sight lines and in typical Japanese fashion, all the controls are at your fingertips on short stalks or pods that line the outer edges of the instrument panel. Entertainment and HVAC sweep down the center stack and end in the shiny shifter for the 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission. As Nissan's flagship, everything was standard in the Z, particularly the convertible, including A/C, power windows and locks, and a great-sounding AM/FM/cassette stereo system. The leather's in excellent shape, with only the driver's seat showing any notable wear, the carpets are extremely nice.. A black canvas top has an impressive fit with great weather seals that make this convertible close up like a coupe. The trunk's not huge, but it's nicely finished and hardly used.

The naturally-aspirated 3.0-liter DOHC V6 was the mid-level engine in the 300ZX, and the only one available in the convertible. With 222 horsepower on tap, performance is energetic, even today, and it makes a wonderful guttural growl at full throttle. These engines proved to be virtually indestructible in the real world, and while they respond well to modifications, this one is completely stock. It starts quickly and easily, just as you'd expect from Nissan, idles perfectly, and actually pulls down decent fuel economy as long as you're not stomping on the loud pedal all the time. Handling is agile, but they gave the convertible a softer edge, so it's more of a grand touring machine, albeit with powerful brakes with bright red multi-piston calipers. Slick 17-inch Enkei wheels update the look a bit and wear 225/50/17 Goodyear Eagle RS-A radials.

A fast, fun, reliable convertible that you don't see very often and still ready to be your daily driver. Call today!