Cure Boredom with Preparation ‘ZX’: One-Owner 1986 Nissan 300ZX Turbo 5-Speed
- December 08, 2020
After revolutionizing the sports and GT car genres throughout the 1970s and early 1980s, the Nissan/Datsun ‘Z’ car series was succeeded by the all-new 300ZX in late 1983 as a 1984 model. Internally designated ‘Z31’, the 300ZX was the brand’s third generation of the beloved Z-car, featuring improved aerodynamics and delivering a welcome power boost over its predecessor. Named in recognition of its VG30 3.0-liter V6 engine – the first to be mass-produced by a Japanese manufacturer – the 300ZX was available in naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions. In keeping with its sophisticated Grand Touring nature, the cars featured a luxurious, yet sporty interior treatment and wide array of standard and optional comfort and convenience features. The Z31 300ZX was quite popular with buyers and production continued through 1988 until the advent of the next 300ZX generation.
Fresh to market with just 67,048 seller-stated miles at the time of posting, this Z31-series 1986 Nissan 300ZX is a highly desirable 200hp Turbo model with a driver-preferred 5-speed manual transmission. Best of all, it’s a California car with just one owner from new! Maintained in original condition and very well equipped, this 300ZX also features the versatile T-Top roof option with smoked glass panels and the whole car looks extremely clean in the photos. It’s accompanied by factory issued books and manuals and looks ready to provide the new owner an abundance of fast and comfortable motoring pleasure, likely for many, many more years to come.
Just like the 240/260/280 ZX cars before it, the Z31-generation 300ZX was a big success for Nissan. While frontal styling was slightly controversial with partially covered “popup” headlights when new, nobody quibbled about the car’s excellent engineering, satisfying performance, quality and reliability. Unlike many of its contemporaries, 300ZX styling has aged very well over the years and today’s collectors and enthusiasts rightly celebrate high-quality examples as they occasionally become available. According to Hagerty’s price guide, a 1986 Nissan 300ZX Turbo should range from $4.2k for a #4 with some issues to $6.7k for a “good” #3, $11.8 for an excellent #2, and $16.8k for a #1 concours example, with all representing great value for the money. Pricing of this rare and highly optioned, one-owner Turbo is just above the suggested number for a #2 car and this one seems better than that tag might suggest. We think this one is well bought at or near the seller’s reasonable asking price.
