THE ZX SPECTRUM

The Nissan 300ZX is a twin-turbo, four-wheel-steer masterpiece of 1990s Japanese performance art in 2+2 form. But today, says John Evans, prices start at just £1500

The 300ZX restored the reputation of Nissan’s legendary Z-series sports cars after the woeful 280ZX and 300Z models that immediately preceded it. A large 2+2, it had sleek but muscular styling, four-wheel steering and a 3.0-litre petrol V6 with variable cam timing fed by a pair of quick-acting Garrett turbochargers with twin intercoolers.

Not only did it draw a line under its predecessors but it also bested those other Japanese super-coupés, the Mitsubishi 3000GT, Mazda RX-7 and Toyota Supra. It even gave the likes of the Porsche 944 S2 pause for thought.

Launched in the UK in 1990, the rear-wheel-drive 300ZX conformed to Japan’s newly agreed maximum power limit of 280PS (276bhp), still enough to launch it from zero to 62mph in a shade over five seconds. It was offered with a choice of four-speed automatic or five-speed manual gearboxes. The UK got the 2+2 but Japan also had a more focused, two-seat, short-wheelbase version (they’re still highly prized grey imports to this day) that paved the way for the Nissan 350Z of 2002. Air conditioning, anti-lock brakes, cruise control and electric mirrors were standard on UK cars. Leather trim with electric seats was an option.

Unfortunately, for all its fine qualities, the 300ZX was stymied from the start by a high, £35,000 asking price. Enough were sold to convince the car maker it could rise above its Micra and Bluebird grassroots market but, after the initial excitement had worn off, sales of the model wilted. It was pulled just four years later, while in Japan and some other markets it soldiered on, gaining some important updates in 1998, among them HID headlights, before bowing out in 2000.

Today, the mass of 300ZXS on sale look pretty disreputable. If tin worm hasn’t got them, the go-faster brigade (400bhp power upgrades are not uncommon) invariably have. Our ‘Buyer beware’ (see right) covers the main points you should look for.

You may find yourself getting excited about an apparent bargain, only to discover it’s a grey-import non-turbo model. (It’s not always clearly stated.) You’ll certainly see lots of autos. Beware of early examples of these because the ’boxes had overheating issues. Check the quality of the gearbox oil too. In their favour, they may not have suffered quite such a hard life as the manuals. On that point, although there are more manuals around, they’re not so well represented in the classifieds.

Meanwhile, the 300ZX is cursed with not one but two Achilles heels. The cooling system isn’t man enough for the high engine temperatures, so check the condition of all hoses and the quality of the coolant. Also, the Targa-style roof can drain into the sills, causing terrible problems.

Hopefully, that little lot hasn’t put you off buying a 300ZX because a tidy one in standard trim is still an impressive and dignified thing. Rare, true, but that makes it more special.