SOLD under the CCC Second Chance System 1988 Nissan 300ZX GLL Turbo 2+2 T-Tops

Overview

1988 Nissan 300ZX GLL Turbo 2+2 T-Tops

This is a 1988 Nissan 300ZX GLL Turbo 2+2 with T-Tops, an example of the Z31 body in the history of the Z-car that started with the 1970 Datsun 240Z. (CCC followers will recall our June Blog post, The Evolution of The Nissan Z-Car.) The third generation of Z-car was released for the 1984 model year and was the first to feature pop-up headlights.

It offered a 3.0 litre V6 in base form, this example boasts the turbocharged engine. It was considered superior to previous Z-cars in terms of handling and refinement. It also offered better acceleration, particularly in turbo form. In 1987, there were further refinements which this example enjoys. The tell-tale sign that this is a post-1986 Z31 appears in the rear in the form of the clean taillight design. Bumpers became more streamlined, headlights were also updated.

The example at hand is finished in a clean Super White. The car has been repainted in its original colour. The car features T-Tops, original storage pouches and sun shades remain with the car and are included with the sale. Seller reports that the T-tops are water-tight – while the car isn’t typically driven in rain, there are no leaks when the car is washed. Pop-up headlights are an iconic trait of the period, this car features headlight washers. The original 16” wheels remain on the car. W-rated Champiro UHP Radial GT tires are mounted, measuring 225/50 and with approximately 3,000 km of service according to the owner. Despite the repaint, badging is clean, correct and complete, including the Turbo decals affixed to the doors. Minor paint and finish flaws can be found on the car, they are illustrated in the photo gallery. In particular, seller notes a crack in the front spoiler at the right corner of the car. A close inspection of the photo gallery reveals that there are no windshield washer nozzles installed; seller reports that the washers are in working order and is including a set of nozzles with the sale.

The burgundy interior featured leather from the factory. The owner had the driver’s seat recovered, choosing vinyl for durability. Interior features show that this is a higher line 300ZX of the period, with digital dash, graphic equalizer and ahead-of-their-time steering wheel-mounted buttons to control audio and cruise control. The car is equipped with air conditioning but it does not currently blow cold; seller suspects a recharge is needed. The digital dash includes readouts for speed, RPM, fuel and temperature with a basic period trip computer. Six-digit odometer is analog and indicates 186,000 km travelled. The head unit is an AM/FM/cassette stereo, complemented by the aforementioned graphic equalizer. HVAC readouts are digital and this 300ZX Turbo 2+2 also has a centrally-mounted digital clock. A light lens is missing, for the passenger door-mounted courtesy light.

This 300ZX is one of the high-end models of the day, the 3.0L V6 engine working in concert with electronic fuel injection and a factory turbocharger. The car was factory-rated at 200 horsepower (5200 RPM), a 40 HP increase from the normally-aspirated 1988 model. Torque was rated at 223 lb.-ft, achieved at 3600 RPM. A rear-drive model, this car is equipped with a three-speed automatic transmission, with overdrive. This was standard fare for a 1988 Turbo 2+2. Another ahead-of-its-time feature is the adjustable suspension, controlled by a switch mounted on the centre console. Most recent service consisted of replacement of the rear shocks to a conventional set – this means that only the front suspension responds to the adjustable suspension controls. Other recent work beyond the re-paint includes brakes, belts, fluids and spark plugs. A note for Ontario bidders: seller believes the car will pass safety as it sits. There is a Carfax on file showing minor damage in 2002 – no other details. Carfax suggests that damage was cosmetic – dents and/or scratches on the right front.