Nissan Fairlady Z | PH Private Area

It’s now 20 years since the Nissan 350Z GT4 was launched. Looking back on 2005 now, it was probably a 21st-century high point for the Zed car in the UK. The 350 had launched to widespread acclaim a couple of years earlier – it stood out even in a crowded sector – and then along came the special edition in collaboration with the most famous racing game on the planet. Which was also arguably at its best back then, too. 

The GT4 brought a little more power, a limited edition build plaque and a new Ultra Yellow paint for those that wanted it. It didn’t change much because it didn’t need to, and the 350Z continued being a roaring success. Car mad kids wanted them, those who could drive loved them, and not long after Nissan brought the R35 GT-R to the world – it feels like a different planet rather than a different decade. 

Now those kids are grown-up millennials, or those adults might want to relive their younger years, and Nissan has nothing to offer the UK customer. We won’t dwell on that for too long, but when the Supra can make a brief comeback, the MX-5 can soldier on and the Civic Type R enjoy a time as about the best driver’s car for £50,000, it’s sad not to have some Nissan representation. Or rather, it’s sad not to have access to some Nissan representation. Because the Z of course exists in other markets outside of Europe, and it remains no less disappointing a few years down the line not to have it here. Probably it says a lot about the strictness of emissions that the case couldn’t be made. That and the general demand for sports cars – a Supra is cool, for example, but when did you last see one?

Anyway, if you are one of those legends who can justify a new-ish two-door sports car right now, is there a treat waiting for you in the PH classifieds – there’s an imported Z for sale. And it looks absolutely wonderful. It’s easy glancing at the specs to be cynical, and to think of this latest Z34 as a mild rework of the 370 with a new turbo V6. There’s some truth in that – but the fact that the design was absolutely nailed shouldn’t be ignored either. Its identity as a Z car is immediately obvious, with smart retro cues alongside modern flourishes. It’s going to get so much more interest than anything comparable. 

This one is particularly attention-grabbing with its Rays wheels and Blitz suspension. This is a Japanese import sports car, after all – so naturally it’s modified a bit. White on white with the red leather is a great colour combo, and the stance perfect, so best you like drawing a crowd. And maybe think about rust protection.

The asking price for this 7,000-miler (it passed its first MOT first time in March) is £45k. Or about exactly the same as a UK Supra of similar age and mileage might cost. Nine-speed against eight-speed, V6 against straight six, two turbos against one – what a match up it could be…