Datsun, later Nissan, cemented its reputation with the iconic Z cars, starting with the 240Z in 1970. Following up with the 260Z and 280Z, the Z lineage was synonymous with sporty coupes. By the late 70s, the 280ZX shifted towards grand touring, prioritizing comfort. Nissan sought to inject pure sports car DNA back into the Z line, and in 1984, the 1986 Nissan 300zx arrived in the U.S., marking a significant evolution.
Known within Nissan as the Z31, this generation of the 300ZX spanned models from 1984 to 1989. Design-wise, it presented a modern take on the earlier 280Z. While the 280Z echoed the legendary Jaguar E-type, the 1986 Nissan 300ZX adopted a wider, more squared-off stance. It incorporated contemporary styling cues like body-colored bumpers, smoked taillights, sleek black louvers and trim, and streamlined covered headlights. The car also stepped up in sophistication, boasting features like full power accessories, a futuristic digital instrument panel, and even a voice synthesizer to alert drivers to potential issues.
Powering the 1986 Nissan 300ZX was Nissan’s first V6 engine, a 3.0-liter powerplant producing 180 horsepower in its naturally aspirated form. To commemorate the model’s anniversary, the 1984 300ZX 50th Anniversary Edition was introduced, featuring a turbocharged engine and a distinctive silver and black color scheme. This special edition was loaded with premium features, including electronically adjustable shock absorbers, integrated seat speakers, steering wheel-mounted cruise and radio controls, mirrored T-tops, embroidered leather upholstery, exclusive floor mats, 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels, and enhanced front and rear fenders. Buyers could choose between an automatic or a 5-speed manual transmission. Over 5,000 units of the 50th Anniversary Edition were initially produced for the U.S. market, making it a sought-after variant for collectors today.
Further enhancing performance, intercooled, turbocharged versions of the 1986 Nissan 300ZX became available in the U.S. in 1985. The pinnacle of this generation arrived with the turbocharged Shiro Special in 1988. This limited-edition model, finished in pearl white paint, featured performance upgrades such as stiffer springs and shock absorbers, heavy-duty sway bars, a unique front air dam, color-matched wheels, and supportive Recaro seats. The Shiro Special was recognized as the fastest Japanese car at the time, achieving a top speed of 153 mph in testing by Motor Trend, with only 1,002 units produced for the U.S. market, solidifying its exclusivity and desirability.
The 300ZX underwent a complete redesign for the 1990 model year with the Z32 generation, carrying the Z legacy into the next decade. Currently, the Z31 1986 Nissan 300ZX doesn’t command the same level of collector interest as its predecessors, which translates to good news for enthusiasts seeking an affordable classic. Known for their robust build quality, many well-preserved examples are still on the road. However, their accessible price point and potent performance also mean that many have been driven enthusiastically and modified. Regardless, the Z31 1986 Nissan 300ZX remains a crucial evolutionary step, bridging the gap between the raw sports car spirit of the 240Z and the more refined and technologically advanced Z cars that followed.
