1990 Nissan Fairlady 300ZX 'Targa' Coupe

Description

Launched in 1989, Nissan’s Z32 300ZX was the fourth generation of the famous Z-car, a completely fresh design featuring an all-aluminium 24-valve V6 engine displacing 3-litres, a decent handling chassis boasting five-link independent rear suspension and radical new bodywork that retained the signature targa roof.  Although several markets received a twin-turbo version of the V6, Australian buyers were limited to a 168 kW naturally-aspirated version of this sweet revving unit, paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions.  The Z32 was packed with technology under the bonnet and a long list of luxury features inside; electronic climate control air conditioning, central locking, electronic remote control on the mirrors, power windows, halogen headlamps, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, handbrake lever and gear knob gave the car a quality feel in keeping with the hefty price tag.  On twin turbocharged versions Nissan also offered a novel four-wheel steering system (dubbed “Super HICAS”) and adjustable suspension, in either a two-seater targa coupe or two-plus-two on a stretched (2550mm) wheelbase.  Marketed as the Fairlady Z in Japan and the 300ZX elsewhere, the Nissan won plaudits with the press; Motor Trend named the new model the “Import Car of the Year” in 1990 while Road & Track picked the car as “One of the Ten Best Cars in the World”.  Competing with Mazda’s RX-7, the Mitsubishi 3000GT, Toyota Supra and Porsche’s 968, the Nissan initially sold well but the high asking price saw a gradual decline in sales and the Z-car was phased out of most markets other than Japan from the mid-1990s until production ultimately ceased in 2000.