The Z-Car Legacy
When Nissan introduced the 300ZX (Z31) in late 1983, it marked an important evolution in the celebrated Z-car lineage. As the third generation of Nissan’s sports car family, the 300ZX brought several significant advances, including Japan’s first mass-produced V6 engine – the VG30 3.0-liter powerplant.
The Z31 generation combined Grand Touring luxury with sports car performance and agile handling, featuring distinctive partially-covered pop-up headlights and improved aerodynamics. Production continued through 1988, with these final-year models representing the culmination of this generation’s development.
The Vehicle Currently offered in London, Ontario is a 1988 Nissan 300ZX, representing the final year of Z31 production. According to the seller, this example features:
• Original white exterior finish
• Burgundy interior
• Manual transmission
• 101,000 kilometers reported
• Recent professional appraisal
• Currently in storage
Condition & Equipment
According to the seller:
• Minimal rust present
• Minor cosmetic issues reported
• Running and driving example
• Will require new tires
• Fluid services needed
• Recent appraisal values car at CAD$17,500
Market Position
At CAD$12,000 (approximately USD$8,850), this 300ZX represents an interesting entry point into Z-car collecting.
Recent Market Comparables:
• March 2024: 1988 300ZX – USD$11,500 (Bring a Trailer, including fees)
• February 2024: 1987 300ZX – CAD$14,500 (Facebook Marketplace, Ontario)
• January 2024: 1988 300ZX Turbo – USD$15,750 (Cars & Bids, including fees)
• December 2023: 1988 300ZX – CAD$10,800 (Kijiji Auto, Quebec)
Value Considerations:
• Final-year Z31 production
• Manual transmission specification
• Relatively low kilometer reading
• Original color combination
• Professional appraisal documentation
• Limited rust reported
Ownership Considerations
Maintenance Profile:
• Well-documented service requirements
• Strong parts availability network
• Established specialist community
• Regular fluid changes recommended
• Timing belt service intervals critical
• Electronics generally reliable for era
Support Network:
• Active Z-car clubs throughout North America
• Online forums provide technical resources
• Specialty parts suppliers well-established
• Local Japanese car specialists available
• Strong enthusiast community support
Investment Potential
Market Factors:
• Growing interest in 1980s Japanese cars
• Z31 values showing steady appreciation
• Manual transmission cars particularly desirable
• Original, unmodified examples increasingly scarce
• Strong following among younger collectors
Value Drivers:
• Final year Z31 production
• Limited rust reported
• Original specification
• Manual transmission
• Documented appraisal
• Relatively low mileage
Future Considerations:
• Rising collector interest in 1980s Japanese sports cars
• Preservation of original examples becoming priority
• Manual transmission premium likely to increase
• Growing recognition of Z31 design
• Strong parts and support network maintains usability
The seller welcomes inquiries and viewing arrangements once the vehicle is removed from storage. As always, all specifications are subject to verification upon inspection.
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