Sportbak Custom: 1987 Nissan Pulsar NX
Over the last few years, we’ve seen a major shift in interest in 1980s and 1990s-era vehicles, most commonly seen at shows like Hagerty’s “Radwood” celebrations. The movement has cast a spotlight on cars and trucks that were simply everyday commuters or not otherwise collectible, and it has made many vehicles more collectible without the high cost of entry typically assigned to enthusiast vehicles. One of those models is the humble Nissan Pulsar, which was the epitome of a cheap and cheerful commuter vehicle that has come into its own – especially if it’s like this one and equipped with the rare “Sportbak” removable roof shell option.
The Pulsar was considered a major first in mass automobile production, as it featured this removable shell that allowed it to pivot between being a sporty two door with some useful cargo capacity to a true open-air commuter with the T-top roof panels removed. Plus, you could swap out the Sportbak topper with a conventional liftgate in the event you didn’t want to look like you were driving a compact wagon. The Pulsar was a wild experiment, and I’m not sure if it could be considered a commercial success – but today, it is sought after, especially with the rare Sportbak option like this one has.
The seller notes that in addition to being loaded up with the desirable factory equipment, the aftermarket modifications make it even more of an item. The Erebuni body kit is the foremost of the added accessories, and it’s very much an objective discussion as to whether it adds value. Erebuni was in every sport compact car magazine in the 80s and 90s, hawking body kits for everything from a Geo Prism to a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and they were surprisingly popular. The seller contends his Pulsar has the best looking one offered for the model, and while not everyone loves body kits, it is about as period-correct as it gets. The Pulsar also has the preferred 5-speed manual, Bluetooth audio, and a nicely preserved interior.
The Pulsar also comes with the more powerful twin-cam engine that was optional for this model, although it is the earlier CA16DE that was improved with the CA18DE that came later. Still, these cars had fairly humble power ratings, so anything helps. The Pulsar also comes with all of the other requisite 80s touches like flip-up headlights and even more dramatic taillights. The seller claims he has invested over $20,000 in the restoration of this Pulsar so he’s pretty firm on his $10,000 asking price. You can find it here on craigslist and thanks to Barn Finds reader Rocco B. for the find.
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Comments
Whoa! Forgot about these, and I can see why. This makes the Pontiac Aztek look highly refined and tasteful.
Opinions do vary and I for one, have to disagree, Nothing can knock the Aztek off of it’s first place ugly pedestal. The Pulsars I recall had some nice graphics to go along with the unconventional styling that actually made them pop that this one is sadly lacking. And I don’t think the plain white wrapper helps either. I need to look at a stock one next to these pics to spot all the differences this body kit may have changed. I do agree that this one is uglier than the stock ones I recall, but perhaps some graphic details like the original could soften the impact.
@Erich- You bring up some good points. The body kit took this example over the top, and it was an unfair comparison.
The body kit is pretty bad. I remember liking them, but with the CRX Si out there, it’s hard to sell this being under powered.
Everything I know about Pulsars, I learned from a barfly. I was hitting on a girl in a club years ago when she started bragging on about her ‘brand new Pulsar”. Her remarkable level of snootiness about such an unextraordinary purchase completely negated the mesmerizing effects of her other characteristics, so I eased on down the bar.
at least you hoped she was talking about the car and not some other “pulsar” toy.
Aw, come on guys. They are kinda wierd, but at the same time different and cool.
Please! I just ate!
I would strongly prefer one without the body kit, but this is still pretty dope.
Nissan used to take chances and was so cool.
I’d be OK with that without the body kit. The car looks better stock.
Buddy had a plain jane version. 5sp. Fun times 🍻
My wife’s father had a used car lot as a side hustle in the 80’s. He gave her a 69 Camero SS Convertable. After driving it for some time, she said it was too much of a guy’s car and wanted something more “girly”. He gave her one of these. Every time we see a vintage Camaro, she mentions how stupid it was for her to do that.
In my opinion, Nothing can knock the Aztek off its 1st place ugly pedestal. I agree that these are weird, quirky looking, unconventional, etc. And this one being in a plain white wrapper doesn’t help it’s cause. I think the original graphics these came with made them way more palatable. I recall Nissan being sort of at the top of their game in this time period in terms of reliability and longevity, and with the coveted manual trans, I bet it’s pretty nimble and fun. Looking at everything else here that has any following or collectability, $10,000 ain’t bad to be the only one at your next car show or Cars and Coffee and a turnkey proposition at that.
It’s funny how cars that once were relatively ordinary have become certainly not classic but collectible in such a short time. Or perhaps I didn’t realize that getting old would take less time than I thought.
That said—and especially that—I remember writing up a Sportbak for a regional publication where I compared it to a “boombox.” Speaking of getting old… Still with the optional engine and the five speed, it was “fun to drive,” dreadfully slow by today’s standards, but you know, that’s what makes it authentic.
The Sportbak did give it more utility than the typical hatchback, a consideration for the young single-car owner. But all of what I said back then is on my website of reviews and stuff that I wrote back then.
Howard didn’t bother to comment on this one. Must be a real loser.
Your vague comment has me wondering whom or what you are referring to.
Shirley, you jest.
I had one I bought used in the 90s , basic black 5 speed. Fun car. I liked it. No sport back
I love these so much. I thought I was the only person on the planet who did. I’d *love* to have one, in white, with both backs. Shame about the body kit on this one. And the wheels. And the price. My hunt continues.
want 1. Like the size, conversion (4) factor.
Color here (or silver, some light color) is great too.
Asa daily I’d also go slush bx.
Yup, crazy (but happy too)
8^ )
no body kit, 1/2 (+) the price