Giant Killer: 1991 Nissan 300ZX Twin-Turbo






































Nearly every day, I can be seen on my computer or phone perusing automotive websites for cars for sale and the latest news in the automotive industry. A few weeks back, Road and Track published an article in regards to the ten greatest cars from the 1990s. Number three on Road and Track's list was Nissan's Z32 300ZX. According to Road and Track, Z32 300ZX values are starting to skyrocket (especially for clean examples), and Road and Track recommended that any prospective buyer should snap one up immediately. I've always been a fan of the Z32 300ZX, and this 1991 Twin-Turbo model is exactly spec'd how I would want one. Find it here at Classic Dream Cars in Mount Dora, Florida, with an asking price of $16,500.
























In 1990, Nissan replaced the Z31 generation of its Z-cars with the Z32. Compared to the previous Z31, the Z32 featured a more modern design, with fewer hard edges and an overall more rounded profile. Automotive magazines loved the new Z32 300ZX, garnering awards from Motor Trend (1990 "Import Car" and "Performance Car" of the Year), Car and Driver ("Ten Best" List for seven consecutive years), Automobile Magazine (1990 "All Stars" List), and Road and Track (1991 "One of the Ten Best Cars" List). Even after the Z32 300ZX went out of production in 1996, it continued to garner well-earned respect, with awards from Automobile Magazine in 2004 ("One of The Greatest Cars of All Time") and 2006 ("One of the 20 Greatest Cars of the Past 20 Years" and "The Most Beautiful Cars in History"); GQ ("One of the Most Stylish Cars Over The Past 20 Years"); and Jalopnik ("A Great Future Investment Car"  and "The 10 BEST Vehicles for Future Classics under $25,000). From a personal experience, I remember playing Gran Turismo on Playstation One as a kid. 
























This 300ZX is a 1991 Twin-Turbo model, and is one of 6,150 built as such in 1991. Resplendent in black paint, this 300ZX looks virtually brand-new, with nary any wear. Black is definitely a not-as-common shade of paint for these cars; most Z32s I've seen have either been painted red, gray, or yellow. I like the fact that this Z32 300ZX is kept in stock, unmodified condition. Stock, gray alloy wheels contrast nicely with the black paint, and the rear exhaust pipes remind me of fourth-gen Firebirds and Trans Ams equipped with the V8. T-tops are a nice option, and have never been removed. I would take this Z32 300ZX to local shows, autocrosses, and down quiet, winding roads for a healthy romp session.
























Like all 300ZX variants, the Twin Turbo model featured a 3.0L V6, but the twin-turbo model utilized the 3.0L VG30DETT V6. Rated at 300 horsepower and 283 lb-ft of torque, the VG30DETT used two Garrett turbochargers, which improved performance drastically compared to the standard-model's VG30DE 3.0L V6. Depending on the source, 0-60 takes anywhere from 5.0-6.0 seconds (5.4 seconds seems to be the most common test time back in the day), and top speed is 155 mph. Backed by the optional four-speed automatic, this 300ZX has covered only 41,206 miles in its 26-year existence, and thusly the drivetrain looks "mint". I personally would have preferred the optional RS5R30A five-speed manual, but the automatic might be more practical in the long run.
























Try finding another Z32 that has an interior this nice. Inside, this Z32 is resplendent with a full-leather gray interior, and much like the rest of the car, is "mint". Other options include driver's-side airbag, AM/FM stereo with cassette player, and a slew of convenience and comfort options. Analog gauges are a nice touch, and the gray interior all around looks brand new, albeit a stain magnet; I would take great strides to keep this interior cleaner than a Mr. Clean commercial. Overall, this may be one of the nicest Z32 300ZXs I've seen for sale recently, and though the price may be a bit high and the car may have an automatic, if the price is negotiable, the lack of a manual transmission may not be as prevalent. What are your thoughts on this clean, unmolested Z32 300ZX?
Location: 206 N Highland St, Mt Dora, FL 32757, USA

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