There was a second round of horsepower wars in the 1990s, this time with Japanese automakers competing to build their versions of the ultimate performance car. Rear-wheel-drive sports cars like this 1992 Nissan 300Z Turbo were putting out impressive horsepower numbers that were matched by competent suspensions, powerful brakes, and drop-dead gorgeous styling. Today, they're finally getting the recognition they deserve, and the best ones that haven't been abused are finding homes in some of the finest collections. Why should... this one be on your short list? First of all, it's almost completely unmodified save for a cat-back exhaust system, which all by itself should get you reaching for the phone. It's also beautifully finished in code GL1 Onyx paint and carries every single option Nissan could throw at such a vehicle, including T-tops. It has just two owners and has never been raced or abused and still runs and drives like it did twenty years ago. The bodywork is laser-straight, showing no signs of repairs or neglect save for a small dent by the passenger-side headlight and the fantastic 300Z shape has aged extremely well. Fit and finish are typical Nissan quality, with exacting gaps, a precise feel to the latches, and T-tops that actually seal up properly. The paint has a shine that's appropriate for its age (yes, that's original paint!), and anywhere you go, this car draws a crowd of enthusiasts young and old. It's still special after all these years. Gray cloth buckets still look comfortable and show very little wear despite living in a car with T-tops. The ergonomics are spot-on, with an instrument cluster full of bright, easy-to-read gauges and a wrap-around cockpit feel that emphasizes the car's low profile. Everything was standard, including power windows, seats, and locks, cruise control, dual airbags, and A/C, which still blows cold. The original 1992 Bose stereo is still in place and you might be surprised by how good it sounds today. The stubby shifter for the 4-speed automatic overdrive transmission falls easily to hand and all the secondary controls are at your fingertips. There's no back seat in the Turbo, but under the hatch there's plenty of storage and more plush carpeting that almost looks new. Pull the T-tops and go! The 3.0 liter DOHC V6 boasts twin turbos that boost it to a nice, round 300 horsepower, but that's probably an understatement given the car's performance. The list of hardware and electronic trickery is extensive and would read almost like state-of-the-art today. This is a factory Turbo, not a swap, and given how easy these cars are to modify, it's truly a rare thing to find one as untouched as this. Only the exhaust system is modified, using a great-sounding Stillen stainless steel system that might even free up some additional horsepower. The transmission shifts cleanly and isn't the liability that you think, since the automatic can keep the turbos on full boil without lifting off the throttle. Yeah, it's fast. Fortunately, the brakes are powerful and assisted by ABS, and the only visible modification is the chrome wheels which wear 235/45/17 front and 245/45/17 rear Bridgestone performance radials. A true icon, if you grew up during the Japanese supercar wars, you know this is the one to own. Gorgeous and fast, it surely won't last long. Call today!
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