The Nissan 300ZX Was The Last True Z Car

[@Spiral_garage]

The 300zx z32 was a true masterpiece

[@Barchetta]

Agreed

[@andrewmcintosh9832]

@@Barchetta Great video! This was the first and probably the last world class Z car. Nissan's goal with the Z32 Twin Turbo was to break away from making an average, affordable sports car, to a high end, cutting edge, technological, flagship. It was designed to compete with Porsche, Ferrari and really the only other mid priced sports car you could buy at the time, the mighty Corvette. This was Japan's last market segment to conquer. It won Car and Driver's best award every year it was produced. Now Nissan has gone back to the original plan of making an every day (watered down) affordable sports car. The GTR has replaced it as Nissan's flagship so I don't think we will see another Z car like this again.

[@steves.6519]

You mean IS a masterpiece! lol I have owned 7 and am building my dream build TT now.

[@russstewart1800]

Still is!

[@VeilSideZ32]

Lol someone in some comment section is telling me the Z32 is the worst Z car there ever was. Im rolling to the ground

[@eekay3646]

I owned a 2009 370Z sport package that I bought brand new, in Apr of '09. It was a 6 speed. I enjoyed it for 3 years, and sold it. I just didn't think it had the same magic as my dream car, the Z32 TT. So around that time in '12, I pondered buying either an FD3S or an E92 M3, used. I didn't want to bother with the high maintenance, can't pass smog, pain in the butt, rotary, so I skipped it. I didn't want to bother with high upkeep on the M3, so I skipped it....Around 3, 4 years ago I wanted another high performance car, after not having one for nearly 10 years, so I pondered buying either a C7 or 2019 911 7-speed in 2020. I didn't want to bother with the 911's super high maintenance costs, so I skipped that. I drove a brand new C7 at the Chevy dealership because they were dealing on them aggressively because the C8 was about to debut. I thought the ride was too bumpy.....So in 2020 I bought a 1995 300ZX twin turbo 5 speed with the pedestal spoiler off of some old man. He was the 1st owner, and it was clean title. I will keep my Z32 TT for the rest of my life. I love this car. It was my dream car when it debuted in summer of 1989 when I was 14.

[@FROST20091978]

bravo !!! I have black 2+2 TT EUspec...

[@videomaniac108]

The 370Z is a better car and is just as much of a sports car as the 300 ZX.

[@ryanupchurch9683]

@@videomaniac108no. The 300zx is the pinnacle. Has abs but no traction control. You drive the car

[@videomaniac108]

@@ryanupchurch9683 The z32 is definitely a great car but it is heavier, has less power and has a less stiff chassis than the z34, important aspects of a high-performance sports car to me. I test drove a used one in 1993 and a used Porsche 944s and wound up getting the Porsche.

[@Shewent2008Jared]

Fitting to end in a Z. Ive had a 90 and 92 then a 94 300zx’s now currently a 2004 350z. I too dabbled with some domestic cars, dodges and chevy sports cars but nothing compares to the JDM cars! Shout out to Sinead Oconnor.

[@johnmichaelkarma]

Z32 design is timeless and looks as fresh today as 35 yrs ago. Larger wheels with a staggered setup improves the stance. My 94' na manual now with 99K on it is the only car I have owned over 5 years,now at 20yrs. Also had a 86' & 88' turbo 5spds,

[@luiscolon-pg5kc]

IS a true masterpiece, I’ve had the pleasure of owning one since 1994.

[@pierlouis7325]

I was a teenager.i wanted one but never had the money.i still don't have the money today.looking for a cheap one

[@AlexValle-cx9ui]

It's the most beautiful car design ever. 😍

[@Wargasm54]

Still an absolutely beautiful car to this day. I was sad when they priced themselves out of the market.

[@josephshealey]

I own a 2010 370z and love it. I wanted a 300zx but was worried about it being reliable. The 370 is everything I could have wanted and more. I love it

[@V35_Obsidian]

Excellent job on this series, this truly is a heavily underrated KZbin channel. Looking forward to continuing the series with the z33/v35 generation!

[@dricolee5297]

The 90s model.300 zx was and still is.the absolute.best looking Z car to this day...I've always wanted one. I love The design and wide body with the t or targa top .. they truly look better than some sports cars today...

[@hartsickdisciple]

The ZX cars (starting with the 280ZX) moved upmarket into a different, more expensive segment than the one originally occupied by the 240, 260, and 280Z (S30) cars. I'd argue that the 350 and 370z were a return to the "true" Z-car. They moved back to the same relative market position as the original Z cars. They were simple 2-seater sports cars without all the bloat that added so much cost to the S130, Z31, and Z32.

[@Wolffhardtt]

Too right, to continue to make those jumps in price and performance, it's just going to become a GTR and beyond, Z is meant to be affordable and powerful, not to out pace supercars... It's meant to be an affordable sports car. People just can't understand this

[@upland90254]

A great design. I bought the '91 NA with no T-tops (aka the slicktop), in Aug 1991. The real "base" model. I still have it and love driving it.

[@prosto_potomuwto]

What an amazing car, even in an underpowered state compared to today. I thought that it's 4-wheel steering was a drag, but it works flawlessly and makes sense. It was a mistake to ditch the line.

[@prosto_potomuwto]

Also another one of those cars which are built in a classical way (like mustang, ak47, f-14 tomcat). Sometimes going backwards is useful.

[@Da89soup]

The Z32 is the best thing Nissan ever did that lives forever in the shadow of the Skyline.

[@Mr.SharkTooth-zc8rm]

The Skyline was a more powerful machine to be sure. However, it doesn't come close to the beautiful body and subtle elegance of the interior of the Z23's. Not even a contest.

[@akajimbo1]

Pinnacle of the Japanese car design. I owned one from 92 for 8 yrs and my best memories.

[@Tommy-fd3ib]

For all Nissan 300ZX fans around the world. Mr. Yamashita, a former Nissan designer, spoke. "How I created the Z-Car." (Part 1) kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJusiaaAi7iAqMk Part2 kzbin.info/www/bejne/hV69kKOVZrifiKs I am forever in love with their creation, the Z32 ("Zetto San-Ni" in Japanese). However, I am very sad that I do not own it now.

[@torygrima]

Thanks

[@kallekas8551]

Oh man! I am addicted to this channel. The analysis and eclectic mix of themes makes this to me one of the best automotive channels out there. Thanks again.

[@dejoreljackson1787]

I have truly loved this channel! I’m relatively new to it. I have a suggestion for a new video: My all time favorite car-The Z31 series 300zx. (I know it’s touched on in your excellent 280zx video). While I know it’s not everyone’s favorite z, there is a growing fan base now that anything “rad” is in. Furthermore, the Z31 was a hugely important car for several reasons. 1) it was the first US Nissan Z. 2) it was the first Z to get a V6 making it the beginning of a line that continues to this day. 3) It was a transitional car. A stepping stone from to a new market that the Z32 ran with. 4) It was a cautionary tale- it was the car that forced Toyota, Mazda, Mitsubishi, and Porsche to step their games up but being first meant it ended up being completely outclassed by them. 5). It was the last Z to sell in large numbers. 6) It was the only Z to have pop up headlights and pop ups rule. 7). No one has ever done a definitive history on the z31. I personally would make sure that the community runs the numbers up for you. Thanks for listening! (Side note: no one has done a Mitsubishi Starion/Chrysler Conquest splitting off to Eclipse/Talon/Laser on low end and the Stealth/3000gt on the high end either) Keep up the good work!

[@dejoreljackson1787]

*8) the z31 was also the last Z to get an inline 6.

[@MeritoriousLee]

I used to own a 1990 non turbo. That car made me feel like a somebody from the reactions I got. My car had full body kit and 5 inch exhaust. Muscle cars would always rev on me and try to race lol.

[@OtomoTenzi]

I've always wanted one of these since I was a teenager... I could still recall callin' up Nissan like 20+ years ago, and chewin' them out for discontinuing the 300ZX. The car was FANTASTIC, and NOTHING is wrong with it. I was hopin' they would mass-manufacture it make as as many of them as there were Corollas. Like a MILLION of these vehicles a year. They just coldly said to me, that the 350z will be 'replacing' it. I told 'em to just go straight to HELL. I shure gave 'em an EARFUL!!! 😡

[@FROST20091978]

hahaha ... I am 300zx's owner from 20years. I had three 2+2 euro spec TT and one 2+2 N/A USA.Currently I have from 12 years one black TT euro 2+2 stock. I love this car. Greetings from Poland

[@arqvtec]

Excellent documentary, one of the best on youtube

[@Barchetta]

Thank you.

[@batugul6952]

Superb as always, the sheer amount of research you put into these videos are astonishing, do you know japanese by any chance? How do you all these detailed informations about japanese cars?

[@Barchetta]

I only know a little Japanese. Google Translate is my friend. I just do as much research as possible and read books if they are available. Thank you for watching.

[@mndlessdrwer]

I still think the last iteration of the 300ZX is such a handsome car. It's such a ridiculous car and I love the interior styling.

[@briane9238]

I had an 84Z and a 90Z 2+2. Now I have 2 Porsches…but my favorite car I’ve ever had was the 90Z. I can’t explain it but it was really something. While I very much like my Porsches, it’s just not the same. Maybe it was the time in my life too…but it’s the only car that I “miss” or will ever miss.

[@sirremusrobinson1070]

Absolutely!! That car was the true Z car and if you're old enough to have driven one when they were brand new, all others fall short. That was the car they should've continued with, not the 350, and 370 and the 400 to me is just a redo of the old 240 ,260 and 280s.

[@myfakeguuglaccount8307]

I still remember driving around town and people giving me thumbs-up for the Z back in '91. It was unlike anything before it, for the masses.

[@Decogon16]

Wow what a video! A Whole mini documentary! This is truly one of the best dedications and descriptions of one of the most beautiful cars on the planet, thank you for this! Long live the 300ZX!

[@Brendacho]

The Z32 is the quintessential JDM car. Gorgeous design, durable, and very noob friendly. This car and the 240SX are the cars that reignited my love for JDMs…

[@wardamn3agle]

Noob friendly? This car is a nightmare to wrench on for a skilled mechanic but, a noob friendly? Please…

[@kwisin1337]

Please, please, please, stay on the track you are on. This is a truly amazing experience, so calm yet i can hear your little excitement. Great job. Topic is spot on. I've always been fond of the 'Z' cars.. looking forward to more of your amazing work. Great job, really great work.

[@ByronRamos_]

Long live the 300ZX (Z32) !

[@reitsmaassociates]

Have owned 3 Nissans and loved each - pulsar SSS in 94 , 350z in 2003 and 2005 anniversary 350z in 2019 - great memories . The 300zx of 89 was arguably the most attractive. - thanks for a great Video

[@DOHC2L]

8:32 Hmmm. OEM S14 240SX wheels on the R32 is very odd. But perhaps this protype picture inspired the wheels for the S14?

[@leviscott8519]

Very Rich History with important details! Thank you for making it Real! Time to get some Track time in!

[@JapaneseMinitruck]

great job man thank you for teaching us some history on the Z32!

[@lbmuscle]

I've owned an all black 89 300zx which was my first car. A silver Alloy 2008 350ZHR and 300zx Twin Turbo which I've owed for over 20 years. This is my favorite car of all time.

[@CarbonGlassMan]

One of my neighbors has a 300zx, 1990 I believe. They drive it every day. I would love to buy that car off of them. It's one of the best looking cars ever built as far as I'm concerned.

[@publicprofilename4273]

I wonder if you've made a video on the prior 300? I'd love that history. I'm intrigued by the one year taillights.

[@donelmao4988]

owning one is an honor. im proud to say that this was my first car

[@KayeJeye]

Got a 1990 Nissan 300zx in 2004 20 years later, she’s still with me!

[@dusterpl6093]

no, it wasn't. actually it was the furthest away from being a real Z car, along with the z31. it was expensive, big, heavy, equipped with tons of over the top tech. that's not even a bit close to what the S30 was trying to achieve. don't get me wrong, it's a great car overall and a pinnacle of it's times, but saying that it was "the last true Z car" is straight up wrong. the z33 and z34 were the one's that come close to the original idea, not this.

[@GuyHolland]

I've had a 300zx and a 370z. You're absolutely right

[@C7SH0CK]

Fastest I've ever driven 145 in a 93. My brother proceeded to show me it was governed at 150mph and it was a 2+2 non turbo❤. I'm gonna get one again

[@rodrigomatos1636]

Great job on these man, really top notch. I would just like to see you work on your pronunciation, since it's not all that clear. Big shame that you don't get as many views as you deserve. Keep it though! I'm sure you'll take off sooner or later!

[@FlawleZ31]

Sorry your production numbers are incorrect. The Z31 sold 75,351 in 1984 and 74,551 in 1985. This was in the U.S. alone.

[@Graver81-69]

The Z32 was and still is an excellent car. Back in the early 90s I owned one and a 240 and both were amazing. It was just a matter of time that they started gathering a modern classic car following

[@trucings9013]

Very imforming, very entertaining, great video bro :D

[@leeejoynerr562]

It was the only true Z car.

[@TuncAk]

Way ahead of its time, still looks modern-cars are only now starting to emulate some of it's styling cues, 30+ years later!

[@Rubeless]

The car I wanted in high school(91 grad) was the turbo Z with t tops in black. After retiring from mx, I bought the 2012 Nismo Z. I should have bought a used 90s Z, too many bells and whistles on new cars and no t tops sucked.

[@BlaineDownforit]

Please inform me of where you found the info about the first 190 cars being test cars. My friend has chassis #122 and from what we have gathered it was sold with 30,000 miles to the first owner and it was originally kept in a town where there used to be a race track.

[@KyrosTheWolf]

"There was reason to believe we'd never get another Z car ever again" I'm glad that wasn't the case, with the 350z arriving in 2002 and the current 400z, which is essentially a modernised 240z. Oh almost forgot, excellent job

[@FlawleZ31]

There's no such thing as a 400Z

[@KyrosTheWolf]

@@FlawleZ31 Whatever the new one is called. Wasn;t it the 400Z?

[@FlawleZ31]

@@KyrosTheWolf Its just called the Nissan Z. People assumed it would be the 400Z but it was never called that and it wouldn't even make sense anyway since the engine is still a 3.0. If anything it would be a 300Z. But Nissan just calls it the Nissan Z

[@jayrogers8255]

@@FlawleZ31If I get one (a new one), I’m thinking I’ll call it a 300Z. I have a 260Z, so it’s not imperative.

[@axelz3124]

Is a master piece one of my dreams cars when I was young & that's why i own my self one a 1993.

[@1wayMF]

The 1984 anniversary is my favorite Z that car is timeless!!

[@asxnkmb]

Zx was the transition to the modern look in the era of 2000s of futuristic styling. Features were kept post-Zx but it still is a lackluster effort to keep the Z branding. It was clear that that was not the main icon appeal for Nissan.

[@Channel-io1di]

In 2011, i totalled my 60,000 miles, mint condition 300ZX TT that I bought in 2009 for $7,800. Makes me wanna cry. I'll probably never have another one. I won't pay 3 times as much for something half as nice.

[@sunilayya8948]

Few cars have the personality and character of this car. A timelessly desirable dream machine.

[@alulatadesse1646]

The original price here in the US was 22-25k originally not 27k. Only after the Japan market crash the prices shot up to 27-30k. Then came the insurance hike that killed all the Japanese pony cars except the Mitsubishi 3k GT and supra were left standing only until the late 90s.

[@exc911ence_channel]

The Z32's styling is perfect. I wouldn't change a line on it.

[@Battleaxegunner]

I'm debating between this and a 370Z Nismo as a beginners project car!

[@wardamn3agle]

Psssst. Z32 is NOT a beginner project car. That’s laughable

[@TopSecretVid]

I own a 350z Nismo..and have owned two 81' 280zx's( great cars) the straight 6 is so smooth. Ive driven many 300zx of various generations and I must say the Nismo 350z holds true to the early Z cars. I think the 350z was the last true Z car.

[@joshuasutton4043]

Cousin had a 78 280z when I was grown up and I wanted a sports car convertible cause wife got her a slingshot and I needed a weekend car cause I used to do cars and coffee in my 24 year old e46 323i bmw which had no power so wife surprised me this April with a sports touring roadster 370Z and I love it not going anywhere soon added so e tweeks but not much .

[@racketman2u]

To my mind, the Z ended with the 280Z, the last of the S30. The ZX was a distinctly different car, as were the V6 cars.

[@CXMUGA]

smoke in my hand, lunch on the table, drink on my side, yup. its barchetta time

[@nathansharma87]

This was a magnificent video. I do like the new Z but I wholeheartedly agree the 300 was the last true Z.

[@jorge8915]

I love your videos thank you

[@kallekas8551]

Having said that I am a bit Nissan obsessed, even though I have had Alfa,Beamers etc…

[@remie4494]

That was the car! When it came out it was killing everything else .

[@solocamo3654]

300zx vert is actually pretty rare

[@mr22guy]

The 968 does not have "spotty build quality". I have 285k miles on mine, and have daily driven it for 15 years. It's one of the best cars I've ever owned. The Japanese cars and the Corvette may have the edge in some things, like 0-60 or lateral G's, but the 968 wins in quality, hands down.

[@blakelip3]

Here we go ❤❤❤❤

[@Barchetta]

❤️

[@Wolffhardtt]

300zx was truly amazing for the time, I'd accept anyone calling it the best. But 350 and 370 are amazing budget NA sports cars which live up the Z badging, ''400Z'' is the big let down.

[@mankind8088]

A PURE NIGHTMARE TO WORK ON

[@TarikSammour]

The last and the best thus far. I genuinely love this car.

[@myfakeguuglaccount8307]

I had a 94 TT Supra in between a 92 TT Z and my current 96 TT Z. The Supra may have been made popular by "Fast and Furious" years later, but it was much poorer quality. The 6-speed tranny sounded like garbage at low speed, the twin turbos could be caught off guard, the leather seats cracked within four months, and the bumper paint faded at a different rate than the rest of the car. Not a good look for a $40k car, and little wonder unmolested models are hard to find. Cool to see some of the articles I have original copies of being referenced here!

[@FROST20091978]

yes, but today the supra is 3 x more costly... In 2022 I sold a nice red 300zx TT euro for only 12k$ in europe. Currently i have one black TT 91 europe spec.

[@myfakeguuglaccount8307]

@FROST20091978 Over-hyped. People are paying Ferrari prices for high-mileage, riced-out Toyotas? No thanks.

[@FROST20091978]

@@myfakeguuglaccount8307 yes, but 2jz is better for tuning and less complicated. However Supra was released 3 years after the 300zx z32 in 1992. In the 90s it was a very long time in automotive, like 6-7 years today.

[@pikachus5m166]

The 1985 Plaza Accord truly screwed over Japans economy, from electronics to autos.

[@indopleaser]

Heard somewhere once that Nissan lost money on every car sold in the USA at this time. May be a contributer to the will sell to anyone with bad credit campaign

[@turbo108]

All Z cars are cool but for me 350Z takes the cake

[@PrinceKashez9]

Best handling car ever the na I mean. I never tired out the hicas

[@23darrencooper]

Yeah thats exactly what I have been saying sense the the 350z. The z32 was the last real z. When they dropped the T tops and turbos they killed the z. And not the new Nissan z, has a cool. Back end, but that's it. I'm glad they went to turbos again, but there is only like 1000 with a manual transmission. And who the f wants a auto z

[@publicprofilename4273]

Oh, that play on words for his nickname. You don't want to Shita what fella? lol

[@treeskier802]

Good information but the music is so distracting I had a hard time watching.

[@ZettoMedia]

Let's go!

[@carllourenznaidoo2470]

So need an S-chassis video…

[@rossdixon5050]

also the heaviest?

[@ただの整備士]

My car!!👍

[@Barchetta]

Nice

[@videomaniac108]

The 370Z 6MT with the sport pkg is the true pinnacle of Z sports cars. I loved the 300ZX but the 370Z surpasses it in every way, sorry Z32 fanbois.

[@BOBimusRex]

You talk a lot about the 300zx and about a bunch of japanese dudes, but as with many youtube videos these days, you never addressed your actual video title subject. Why do you consider, "The Nissan 300ZX The Last True Z Car?"

[@billm83army]

Last true Z was the 1989 model

[@marlonandrade8006]

Hell no it's not the last true Z car why because because it's a ZX 😢 😅 still a nice car in its day

[@ls6097]

No one who actually understands Nissan's history with their Z cars says stupid shit like this. The 300ZX twin turbo was not really a "true" Z car. The 240Z was not built or designed to one-up the world's other great automakers. It was built to be an affordable, fun to drive sports car that would be easy to sell in the USA. The 300ZX, more specifically, the Z32 300ZX twin turbo was built EXPRESSLY to one-up Porsche, Corvette, and any other sportscar manufacturer on the GLOBAL market for under 6 figures price tag...and they did precisely what they set out to do. That doesn't fit in with the Nissan Z car original mission AT ALL. Yeah they offered a non-turbo version, but that was purely to keep the price down in order to increase sales. The car was designed to be a global flagship car period. Nissan took this approach again in 2009 with the R35 GT-R, and just like with the 300Zx twin turbo, they nailed it. If anything, the 300ZX is more in line with the R35 GT-R than being a "true" Z car. The 350Z the 370Z are WAY more "true" Z cars than the Z32 300ZX. Really the R35 GT-R is the "true" successor to the 300ZX twin turbo. It has very little heritage in common with the older GT-Rs which were rhd market only and based on a crappier coupe/sedan platform stuffed with performance drivetrains. The 300ZX really was not a true Z car, and the R35 isn't really a "true" GT-R, the two cars are in fact more related to each other than to the badges they were given.

[@solocamo3654]

21:02 looks like a knockoff dodge challenger

[@christophertownley6734]

It's 'chi' cago not 'shi' cago....

[@KingKhan-ez3gg]

After the Z32/300ZX, the 350Z, the 370Z, and the new Z still are nowhere near as beautiful as the Z32. Performance wise Z32 is still faster than the 350Z and 370Z both in the straights and the circuits. Every z after the Z32 was a disgrace to the Z line. Everyone knows it and if you disagree, you are delusional or just jealous that you bought the wrong car.

[@xraider927]

The last sentence is a bit too much (Unless, if it's delusional, then that word in question would be relevant...on a crossover that uses the name of the sports car like the *cough Eclipse *cough Cross *cough). The Z32 grew on me recently once again and it's the first Z I ever took notice of since I was a kid, however it's fine for you to criticising the three cars after the Z32, but provoking something like that is just insulting to someone who owns and/or likes not just the Z33, Z34, and RZ34, but to also who likes ALL the generations of the Z-car.

[@KingKhan-ez3gg]

@@xraider927 That's okay if it's insulting

[@FlawleZ31]

Sorry man the Z32 in stock form isn't faster than a 370Z in stock form in a straight line or in the twisties. They're close, but the Z32 is not faster in stock form.

[@KingKhan-ez3gg]

@@FlawleZ31 plenty of videos all over the internet of stock Z32s out running 370Z and besides the 370Z is ugly af.

[@FlawleZ31]

@@KingKhan-ez3gg Show me. A stock Z32 makes less power and weighs more.

[@tom2cak]

0

[@rt2255]

Yes 350 370 ugly and pure crap. Now new z has looks lets see if it has good dna

[@rsamano4434]

280Z was the last TRUE Z....