1985 Nissan 300ZX

Production of the Nissan 300ZX commenced in 1983 and continued through 2000, spanning two different generations. The first was the Z31 of 1983 to 1989 with approximately 329,900 examples built during that time. The second was the Z32, which saw around 164,170 units built from 1989 to 2002 (nearly 100,000 of those were for export markets; the Z32 was sold in the United States from 1990 to 1996).

Nissan 300ZX Z31
Styled by Kazumasu Takagi, the Z31 was introduced in Japan on September 16, 1983. Serving as a successor to the 280ZX, the 300ZX wore an aerodynamic, wedge-shaped body that had a drag coefficient of 0.30. Previous Z-cars were powered by inline sixes; the 300ZX came equipped with Japan's first mass-produced V6 engine and Japan's first 60-degree V6.

The Nissan 300ZX Z31 rested on a chassis based on the one used by the 280ZX, with a 91.3-inch wheelbase size and the same MacPherson strut/semi-trailing arm independent suspension. 3-way electronically adjustable shock absorbers were used on turbocharged models (albeit not on the Shiro Special edition, 200Z, and the 200ZR-I).

A five-speed manual transmission was standard, with a four-speed automatic optional.

1985 Nissan 300ZX
The 1985 Nissan 300ZX came powered by an overhead-cam, 180.6 cubic-inch V-6 engine offering 160 horsepower and backed by a five-speed manual transmission. The Turbo 300ZX Coupe came powered by a turbocharged version of the 180.6 CID engine which had a horsepower output of 200 BHP. The Turbo models came with blackout moldings and smoked tail lamp lenses.

Pricing began at $17,200 for the 2-passenger coupe and rose to nearly $20,000 for the turbocharged version. Standard equipment now included locking T-bar roof panels.

The 300ZX in the United States
Nissan introduced the 300ZX to the United States in October 1983. By this point in history, the 'Datsun' nameplate had been retired in N.A. Trim levels included the SF, GL, and GLL, with the 'SL' only available in Canada.

The 2,960cc single overhead camshaft V6 engine was offered in naturally aspirated VG30E guise, offering 160 horsepower or a turbocharged VG30ET with 200 horsepower. A Garrett T3 turbocharger with a 7.8:1 compression ratio was used from 1984 to 1987, while the 1988 to 1989 models received a low inertia T25 turbocharger with an increased 8.3:1 compression ratio. The naturally aspirated version produced 165 horsepower, and the turbocharged version at 205 horsepower.

by Daniel Vaughan | Nov 2016