Secondhand Saint: Nissan 350Z

NISMO 350Z (Front).

Back when Nissan stopped selling the original Z-car in 1996 in the USA, enthusiasts were infuriated.  The Z was introduced around 1970, and immediately became the “Japanese Mustang” for its low price, well-matched engine, and balanced handling.  Nissan enlarged it over the years until the 300ZX hit the streets in 1990, when it was a wide, tech-packed sports coupe, with some aspects that were a bit ahead of its time.  When sales faltered, however, Nissan couldn’t afford to keep building them.  But, in 2002, they performed a ritual on the grave, and the ghost came back to life. Read the rest of this entry »