This 300ZX was purchased in 2001 from a doctor in Tennessee and is owned by a seventy year old Florida retiree.For the collector wanting a solid clean factory original, with modest upgrades, this vehicle is a great starting point.
The black leather interior and silver metallic paint are in excellent shape. The exterior is factory original with cosmetic enhancements including, 17” AVS wheels, HID headlights, later model taillights, clear parking light lenses, and a custom Plexiglas license plate cover. All modifications can be easily undone and returned to stock. Most of the original takeoff parts are included in the sale including OEM wheels in perfect condition, stock catalytic converters, lights, etc. The buyer is responsible for any extra shipping of these items. Bring a trailer and you can take everything.
Carefully selected mechanical improvements have been made to increase performance while keeping the focus on a comfortable compliant ride and maximum touring comfort. Additional sound insulation and heat shielding has been added to enhance cabin environment. This is a very smooth, powerful, and solid driving automobile.
The car has been stored from new in climate controlled environments. There have been no winters, and only an occasional drive in the wet. The car isfastidiously inspected and maintained with the utmost care by an owner who has the financial resources, the technical knowledge and the mechanical skills to keep it in outstanding condition.
Panel fit is excellent. All glass is original and VIN etched. The paint is also original, except for a 2005 front fascia respray to fix stone chips. There are a few imperfections and one very tiny ding if you know where to look for it. The powder coated wheels also have a few chips, but no curbing. However, the overall condition and appearance of this car is outstanding; and it was sharp enough to have captured Third Place at the 2011 National Z Car Club of America car show, Street Modified category, where over 300 Z cars competed. On a twenty three year old car, these imperfections are honest wear; and they were judged that way.
The original interior is in excellent condition. Regular leather care has kept the interior surfaces soft and supple and free of cracks. There is only the slightest wear on the driver’s bolster with everything else in near perfect condition. Aftermarket gauges include turbo boost pressure, oil and fuel pressure, and intake temperature. An electronic OBD-II reader compliments the dash gauges with twelve real-time data point displays of everything from O2 sensors to oil temperature. The sound system lacks a head unit, but has an auxiliary power amp under the passenger seat with a iPod connection and upgraded speakers.
Engine modifications were carefully selected to preserve factory reliability, drivability, and well-mannered street performance. The car retains its stock turbos, but has upgraded fuel and breathing modifications including larger 740 cc fuel injectors, a Selin dual intake, larger side mount intercoolers, aftermarket (SZ) down pipes, and a Borla exhaust. The engine management system has been carefully [and safely]reprogrammedto raise maximum boost from9.5 to 14.0 psi.; raising engine power from the stock 300 hp. to approximately 380 hp.
A new ‘97+ 5-speed transmission was installed in 2010 (@35K miles) to replace the original box which have a known defect of weaker synchronizer rings. A short throw shifter, and a [vacuum boosted] performance clutch needed to handle the additional torque, was added at the time.
The OEM selectable sport/tour shock absorbers are relatively new and function properly; as does the factory HICAS rear-wheel steering. Some suspension pieces have been upgraded, however, all parts retain their OEM rubber bushings to insure a firm ride without excessive road vibrations and/or harshness traveling into the cabin. For those wishing a slightly more stable ride, a set of aftermarket ST front and rear sway bars with polyurethane bushings are part of the sale.
Extensive record keeping has been kept from 1997 to the present. A log book of repairs, receipts, part numbers, dates and mileage comes with the car. This is a very well documented vehicle which includes photos and text.
All accessories like the T-Top bags and covers, spare tire, jacks, owner’s manual, window sticker, ad infinitum, are included. Also the original titanium key, with spare and valet key. There is an additional box of spares, including NOS wear-parts like shocks, brake master cylinder, rubber parts, sensors, etc., estimated value of extras: $1000.
This is not your everyday Nissan 300ZX; nor is it a beat-up riced-out kid’s car. My goal was to take an already great car and rebuild it into a gentleman’s sport tourer. It is a quiet, comfortable, and very powerful. The doors thud solid when closed, and that says it all for me.