Every car has a story… I’ve known this one for 34 years.
As you may know, Nissan redesigned the 300ZX for the 1990 model year. The fresh look created quite a lot of demand for the new model, which was available in two body styles, a two-seater and a 2 plus 2, 4-seater. While Nissan calls it a 4-seater, there’s really no room in the back seats unless you are under 5 feet tall.
The body style of the 1990 model holds up well in comparison to post 2000 models. Starting in 1990, this generation of 300ZXs made Motor Trend’s top ten list the entire time it was in production.
Standard equipment for all trim levels came with power windows and doors and air conditioning. The main differences among the trims were body style and engine. The GS and the 2 plus 2 shared a 3.0-liter, 222-horsepower V6.
Owners appreciate the looks, handling, and solid reliability. Today, it’s a great starter car for anyone with a passion for classic design.
In late 1990, one of my best friends purchased this 1990 300ZX 2 plus 2, with a factory T-Bar Roof, from a private seller who owned it less than 6 months. The first owner’s wife bought it new for him as a birthday present. He drove it sparingly and parked it in his garage with the idea of selling it for a premium. His plan worked. My friend paid him his asking price and drove the car home.
That was 34 years ago and he’s owned it since. Over that time he used the car as his daily driver. About ten years ago, he had the car stripped and repainted the original factory Black Pearl Metallic, replaced the exhaust system, and maintained it for over 98,000 miles.
Over the years, his interest turned to other toys including a Nissan GTR, BMW, Audi, etc. The 300ZX was relegated to a parking spot in his lake home garage, covered, and driven sparingly for the past 8 years.
A few months ago, he called me and asked if I could help him bring it out of mothballs as he had decided to sell it. I’ve owned a number of 280Zs and 300ZXs over the years, but our specialty is Shelby Cobras and Shelby Mustangs. Rather than attempt to bring it back to life ourselves, we retained a specialist who knew the cars well and could perform quality work in a reasonable amount of time.
We transported it by flatbed to K3S Auto Repair, a Dallas shop that specializes in 300Z’s. At that time, the body was in very good condition, and the paint was good but needed correction. A PDR expert removed two small body dings and the paint was cut, buffed and expertly polished.
Unfortunately, the shop we hired found that the engine in the car was making a valve train noise that was going to cost quite a bit of money to correct. A simpler solution was to find a low mileage replacement engine from another 1990 300ZX and swap them. We located one in Southern California and had it inspected and tested and shipped to Dallas/Fort worth for installation. We have the VIN and pictures of the donor car for review.
A new OEM clutch disc, pressure plate and hydraulic throw out bearing were added, along with a new clutch master cylinder. The tank and fuel system was thoroughly flushed and all belts, hoses and fittings were replaced, new spark plugs installed, along with new oil and fuel filters and an oil change. New rear hatch struts were also installed.
The engine we purchased was from a lower mileage, 1990 300ZX. Although the odometer shows just over 98,000 miles on this car, the engine has less than 68,000 miles and runs perfectly. The hydraulic clutch engages smoothly, and the transmission shows no signs of any problem. Syncro rings are in excellent condition and it shifts like it should.
The undercarriage has the original dealer installed undercoating. The exhaust has been replaced. There is no structural rust anywhere on the car. It is solid and straight.
All of the lights, horn, and gauges work. The AC system was converted to R134A over ten years ago. We tested and recharged the system and it blew cold at the time. However, after a couple of months, we noticed the coolant in the AC system was leaking. The source of the leak is yet to be determined.
The original Bose radio is still in the car, and although it works, it is 35 year old technology that needs to be replaced. The head unit works but the speakers crackle when turned up.
The only other issue is the driver side power seat motor died and has been removed making the driver seat adjustment inoperable. It is moved all the way back providing maximum legroom.
Other than that, the T-Tops remove properly and it runs and drives as it should.
After the engine swap and testing, we’re very pleased with the end result. So, if you want a properly sorted 1990 300ZX ready to enjoy, give us a ring. We’re happy to make it available for a pre-purchase inspection, by appointment If you like the pics and my description, you’ll like the car.
It’s located in the Dallas/Fort Worth area.
Call 817-247-1981 for more information.
