Another Cheap Z-Car Project! 1990 Nissan 300ZX

We see an enormous variety of classics at Barn Finds, but having two Z-Car projects crossing our desks in quick succession is relatively rare. We recently featured this 1973 Datsun 240Z, and now we get a chance to examine the potential locked away in this 1990 Nissan 300ZX. What makes the pair interesting is that while they are both from the same genre, they represent different development and marketing philosophies. They share one important trait that might spark your interest, so if the older car doesn’t tick the boxes for you, maybe this solid newer example will be more to your liking. Why not take a look and see what you think?

The history of this 300ZX is unclear, but it is a project build that appears to be solid and essentially unmolested. The seller has been forced to part with it following a loss of storage space, meaning that someone could benefit from their misfortune. The car makes a positive first impression. Its Gold paint holds a pleasant shine, with no significant scratches or chips. The panels are as straight as an arrow, with no evidence of accident damage, repairs, or rust. The wheels are free from physical damage, and this car will score points with some courtesy of the removable glass roof panels. The listing images reveal a crack in the lower front spoiler that could be repaired by a plastic welding company. Otherwise, a simple wash and polish would allow the car to present well as a driver-grade classic. However, there are mechanical issues for the buyer to consider. This 300ZX is the normally-aspirated version featuring a 3.0-liter V6 that would have sent 227hp and 201 ft/lbs of torque to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission when the car was shiny and new. It proves that it isn’t always about how much power a car has, but how it uses it that counts. The power and torque figures are relatively modest, but this 300ZX would have covered the ¼-mile in 14.9 seconds on its way to 157mph. The seller says that apart from an upgraded HKS exhaust, this classic is mechanically original. The sticking point for some might be the revelation that the V6 doesn’t run well, and the buyer must bring a trailer to take it home. The issue might be something fairly simple to rectify, but there could be headaches if the gremlin is hiding in the engine electronics. This is a case where someone will probably pay their money and take their chances.

Considering this Nissan’s exterior presentation, I am unsurprised by how tidy the interior is. The cloth upholstered surfaces are excellent, with no signs of wear or marks. The carpet is clean, as are the dash, console, and plastic trim pieces. The CD player appears to be the only aftermarket addition to an interior featuring air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, cruise controls, and a leather-wrapped tilt wheel. There is no doubt that while the original 240Z was a genuine sports car, Nissan changed tack with the 300ZX, creating a vehicle closer in philosophy to a Personal Luxury Car.

Being forced to sell a project car due to a lack of space is a difficult decision, but it is one forced upon the owner of this 1990 Nissan 300ZX. It is a rock-solid vehicle that they have listed here on Craigslist in Spanaway, Washington. I previously mentioned the fact that it shared an important trait with the 1973 Datsun 240Z, and that is the price. You could take this car home by handing the seller $5,500. It will be fascinating to gauge your feedback to ascertain which Z-Car project you would choose for the price.