Probably the world's best Nissan 350Z is for sale
One owner, less than four thousand miles, not a single modification - and just a bit more than its new price
While the early part of the 21st century is best known - in the car world, at least - for the resurgence of the hot hatch, it was a great time for the two-door coupe as well. Think about it (just don’t think too long, or it’ll make you sad): there was a Mazda RX-8, a Vauxhall Monaro, a second gen Audi TT that was better to drive than the first, an Alfa Brera and GT, the Z4, the Cayman… what a time. Before even thinking about the Evora and Scirocco that came later on. And probably some others we’ve forgotten about.
It would have taken something quite special to stand out in that lot, and yet that’s exactly what the Nissan 350Z achieved. It was a return to the roots of the Z car, after the Z32 300ZX never quite captured hearts and minds like early two-door, two-seat Datsuns and Nissans had. Out went twin turbos, a T-top and the tech; in came a brawny nat-asp V6, looks to die for, and conspicuous value for money: a decade after the 300, the 350 was £10k cheaper. All of which would probably have been enough on its own, but thanks to a limited-slip diff, good suspension and sorted balance, the Zed drove nicely as well. It was everything fans wanted from a 21st century Z car, and probably a bit more on top.
And for those that needed something extra, the aftermarket soon had all sorts to offer for the Z33. The 3.5 V6 had plenty of headroom in it, widebody kits looked brilliant, and a standard limited-slip diff could be combined with front axle tweaks for a powersliding superstar. Tokyo Drift wouldn’t have been the same film without a 350Z, and we all know it.
All of which means most 350Zs are, er, well used by now. As they should be. But as we move (sadly) away from a time when mass market manufacturers could offer a big engine in a pretty coupe with a standard manual gearbox, the best Zeds surely look more attractive. There are still usable examples out there for reasonable money as reminders of all that was good, but collector-grade examples are few and far between. Because who was thinking about preserving a 350 when they did such great skids?
The story of this one must be interesting. It’s one of the later, 313hp examples (HR really did stand for High Rev), complete with the GT Pack that brought those delectable Rays wheels. Universal Silver Metallic over Quartz Beige isn’t a colour scheme we’ve seen before; at least nobody could accuse it of being obvious. And it’s a nice break from the orange. But the most notable thing about this Zed is its mileage: there’s fewer than 4,000 miles on the odometer. 3,713, to be precise.
With one owner, too. Maybe it was a retirement present kept for best, or a prize saved for summer. The MOT history, understandably, shows a period off the road, but it was serviced and MOT’d last month, which is encouraging for anyone who immediately wants to get stuck in. A Zed is a simpler sports car than something like, say, an RX-8, or anything with forced induction, and that must count in its favour 20 years later. Such an impeccably unmodified example, complete with a sticker from its original supplying dealer, probably belongs in a collection, but it would be great to see such a specimen in real life. Just leave that traction control button well alone.
SPECIFICATION | NISSAN 350Z
Engine: 3,498cc, V6
Transmission: 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 313@6,800rpm
Torque (lb ft): 264@4,800rpm
MPG: 24.1
CO2: 280g/km
First registered: 2007
Recorded mileage: 3,783
Price new: £29,295 (with GT Pack)
Yours for: £29,950
Really great cars as an ownership proposition, tax and petrol notwithstanding.
However that looks £10k overpriceed, but as ever - find another one.
I can't help but think though that one in the same condition with 30k miles on the clock would be less than half the price. And you could use it without wincing... This one, albeit a convertible (sorry Lee!) is under £10k - https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/18032139.
Out of curiosity I am on the 350Z FB owners club and every now and then low mileage, immaculate examples come up for sale. 20-30k, low owners, original.
They seem to hover between the £12k and 15k mark.
Granted, they are not 4k mile cars, however, at least you could put a few more thousand miles on them a year, for the next 10 years and they still would be "low mileage" cars. Whereas the ultra low mileage car would no longer be ultra low mileage and lose that factor which possibly commands that silly price.
I can't believe that I've had my 370Z Roadster 7 years next year too, and I'm a big fan of the Nissan Z car for sure. I'd absolutely love a 1990 300ZX Twin Turbo as well.
Ok, needed about a grand spending but these are a hard sell, and Coupes are more desirable but the pool of people who want one and want to spend £700 on VED and pay for 20 ish mpg is small.
Would have to be mental to spend 30 grand on one, unless you are absolutely minted and have to have a very low mileage one, 30 grand for the best 350Z, that 30 grand is pretty much getting into entry level R35 GTR money, not everyone wants an R35 over a 350Z I get that but 35 into a GTR is a safer place, even allowing for GTR type costs than 30 grand into a 15 grand 350Z ?
I had one years ago, enjoyed it, was hankering for an M135i when they came out and I had it, I got one and it was quite a bit quicker but the 350Z was a way more engaging drive, even if the performance didnt quite live up to expectations, not slow per se, just needed a bit more, maybe that was sorted with the 370Z ?
I like these... But they were 5k cars when I last looked... So 7k top end for me... With some mods thrown in
It was quite happy at 140 roof down/windows down though, so they do get a move on if required I think
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