Open-air motoring has captivated travelers since the beginning of the automobile. Think about all the variants of sky-loving cars that have existed over the last 100 years or so: soft-tops, hardtops, T-tops, Targa tops, retractable fastbacks, not to mention moonroofs, sunroofs, and pull-back canvas tops like some Volkswagens had back in the day.
When the popular Datsun/Nissan Z-car first received T-tops in the 1980 model year, it was an innovation that was said to combine an open-air experience with coupe-like structural rigidity. In essence, T-tops offered the best of both worlds.
Our Pick of the Day is a 1986 Nissan 300ZX listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Indian Harbour Beach, Florida.
“This vehicle had been kept in the garage for the past 15 years,” the listing says. “All maintenance records, the original sticker, and 1986 300ZX maintenance book are available.”
We learn from the seller that the car is a three-owner vehicle that was repainted under prior ownership. It shows 161,000 miles, although the fresh paint job and nice burgundy interior are well-kept. A Grant steering wheel has been added, but the car looks otherwise original.
As for the T-tops, Nissan referred to the feature initially as a “T-bar roof.” A magazine advertisement from the period said, “Turn it on and turn it loose. The very first Datsun Z-car with an open cockpit to the heavens! Just take off the two stowable roof panels and feel the rush of its fuel-injected fury. The shifting winds of every maneuver. You always wanted to open up a Z. Now is the time to experience the ultimate definition of awesome.”
This generation of the Z-car rode on the Z31 chassis and marked the car’s continued evolution toward a more comfortable Grand Tourer as opposed to a raw sports car. Power comes from a naturally aspirated VG30E 3.0-liter V6 rated at about 160 horsepower and 173 lb-ft of torque when new. A turbocharged variant was available.
The 300ZX was a hit for all the right reasons, and the Z-car enthusiast community remains stronger than ever today. The latest Z variant, dubbed the RZ34, launched in 2023 and was said to be “A professional evolution of an icon” in automotive media.
If you’ve ever wanted to drive an icon with T-tops, it’s right here, ready for a new owner.
The asking price is $10,000.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com