This 1987 Nissan 300ZX Is a Time Capsule on Wheels - But Is It Worth $8,500?

A red velour interior, T-tops, a digital dashboard, and a five-speed manual. If you’re craving a blast of 1980s nostalgia, this 1987 Nissan 300ZX delivers it in spades. The seller, a former commercial pilot, claims the car has been treated like a family member and comes with a thick stack of receipts for maintenance.

But is $8,500 a fair price for a non-turbo Z31 in plain white paint? Let’s take a closer look.

Under the hood, this is the naturally aspirated version, producing 160 horsepower and 173 pound-feet of torque, modest numbers by modern standards, but perfectly suited to the car’s grand-touring personality. The five-speed manual adds a welcome layer of engagement. The seller says nearly all the work has been about upkeep: fuel and ignition systems, brakes, clutch hydraulics, and fluids have been replaced.

Upgrades are limited to a beefier 90-amp alternator and aftermarket Pioneer speakers hidden behind the original grilles. The odometer reads 154,833 miles, and the seller reports the car has been driven about 4,000 miles per year over their four years of ownership.

Inside, the red velour interior and digital instrument cluster are pure period charm. The car also features Nissan’s quirky voice alert system, think 8-bit Siri, that warns if a door is open or lights are on. The bodywork is clean, with $1,000 reportedly spent on paint correction.

It rides on factory 15-inch alloys wrapped in fresh tires (brand not disclosed). The seller says everything works, the title is clean, and it will pass emissions. Their confidence is so high they claim you could drive it to Maine without issue. For $8,500, you’re getting a well-maintained, turn-key time capsule.

The big question: is that too much for a non-turbo in refrigerator white? You decide.