Nissan classic cars for sale

History of Nissan

Nissan traces its origins to 1911, with roots in various mergers and brand evolutions until the modern Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. was established in 1934. The company pioneered Japanese industrial-scale automobile production in 1935 at the Yokohama plant. Resilience through war damages and strategic contracts during the Korean War allowed Nissan to expand globally from the 1950s onward – entering not just the passenger car market, but also producing trucks, buses, and industrial vehicles. Through the decades, Nissan introduced technical innovations, expanded its line-up, and created vehicles for global markets, including Europe and North America. A partnership with Renault in 1999 solidified its position as a mainstay among the world’s automotive giants.

Model Series and Evolution

Nissan’s model history intertwines with its predecessor brands – especially Datsun – and diversification across segments. Early milestones include the Datsun and the adoption of the Nissan name in the 1930s. In the 1960s, Nissan set new standards for Japanese engineering with the launch of the Skyline and Bluebird. Sport coupés like the Z series (beginning with the Fairlady Z in 1969) attracted international attention. The 1980s and 1990s marked an era of distinct lines: the offroad Patrol and Terrano, city-friendly Micra compact, and innovative oddities like Figaro, S-Cargo, and Be-1. Motorsport success, particularly with the Skyline GT-R and the Silvias, established a cult following. Today, both youngtimers and classics such as the 200SX, 300ZX, and rare editions like the GTI-R shape Nissan’s legacy among enthusiasts.

Highlights & Unique Features

Nissan’s spectrum encompasses robust engineering, inventive design, and technical flexibility. Rear- and all-wheel-drive platforms (ATTESA 4WD, HICAS four-wheel steering, multi-link suspensions), high-revving turbocharged and naturally aspirated engines, and varied body styles create a distinct performance identity. Standout models include:

• Z Series: Especially Z31 and Z32, commanding high supply (10.9% and 7.4% of listings, respectively) and strong demand, consistently among the most sought-after classic Nissans.
• Figaro: Despite a modest supply share (7.6%), this retro convertible is the single most-viewed Nissan overall (16.3% demand share).
• Skyline (R33, R34): High interest especially for GT-R derivatives, underscored by significant listing and demand shares.
• Patrol and Terrano: Off-road icons, valued for durability and adventure capability.
• Sports coupés (200SX, Silvia): Cult status, particularly among drivers seeking rear-wheel-drive performance and tuning potential.

Technical data

Special Editions and Collectible Models

Nissan is famed for limited specials and collector’s models:

• Figaro: Built 1991, retro styling, limited four colourways, right-hand drive, luxury features like air conditioning and leather.
• Skyline GT-R GTI-R: Motorsport-homologation models with all-wheel drive (ATTESA/4WD), turbocharged SR20DET—built for rallying, now rare.
• 200SX (S13/S14/S15): Tuning and drift icons, available with rarities like Targa-tops and hardtop cabriolet (Varietta), highly sought by enthusiasts.
• Z Series special editions: Targa roofs (Z31/Z32), twin turbo variants, and performance-driven trims (Nismo, HICAS-equipped) offer unique specs.

Engine, Performance, Transmission & Handling

Nissan’s technical variety spans from sturdy, naturally aspirated units (TD27, RB-series) to high-strung turbocharged engines (SR20DET, RB26DETT, VQ35DE). The Z31 and Z32 300ZX, for example, feature V6 power (up to 280 hp in twin turbo), sophisticated all-wheel steering (HICAS), and independent suspension. Skyline models (particularly GT-R) introduced advanced all-wheel-drive and multilink rear setups, earning a reputation for reliable, high-capacity handling—both on street and circuit. Rear-wheel-drive 200SX/Silvia lines are preferred platforms for tuners and drift enthusiasts due to robust mechanicals and wide parts availability. Offroaders like the Patrol excel through simple, solid axles and reliable 4WD systems, while urban-oriented models (Micra, Sunny) prioritise fuel economy and easy maintenance. - Z31/Z32: Performance-tuned V6, Targa options, cult US/Japan following

• Figaro: 1.0L turbo, automatic, luxury retro design
• Skyline GT-R (R32–R34): Twin-turbo, all-wheel drive, technological showcase
• 200SX (S13/S14): Rear-drive, turbo, popular in motorsports
• Patrol/Terrano: Large-displacement diesels/petrols, true offroad capability

Interior, Comfort, Exterior & Design

Nissan classics are known for functional, durable interiors and a blend of utilitarian and expressive exterior styling. Highlights include:

• Diverse materials: From basic plastics to high-end leather (Figaro, ZX, Skyline GT-R), Alcantara on sports models, and original Nissan fabrics
• Unique dashboards: Sport-inspired clusters with deep dials, centrally placed tachometers in Z/GT-R
• Distinctive body shapes: Long-nose coupés (Z series), boxy offroaders (Patrol/Terrano), round, playful Pike-car lines (Figaro, S-Cargo, Pao) reflecting Japan’s 1980s–1990s design
• Special colours: Rare factory paints like Midnight Purple (Skyline GT-R), Gunmetal, Topaz Mist, Pearl Red. Many limited runs featured unique hues per model.
• Accessories: Alloy wheels, spoilers, sunroofs, Bose audio, sports steering wheels (Recaro/Nismo/GT-R-specific), and even rare items like T-Top roofs (100NX), air conditioning, or original toolkits.

Other Notable Features

Nissan vehicles often offer outstanding parts interchangeability and access to original documentation (manuals, service records), prized in restoration and collection circles. Many classics retain reliable supply of spares and aftermarket parts—especially for Z/GTR/Silvia/Patrol families. Some models are available only as right-hand drive imports, with unique JDM features or exclusives not seen in European deliveries. Motorsport heritage (especially 24 Hour Le Mans and Super GT) provides strong provenance for performance versions. Extensive customisation options (factory and aftermarket) exist for almost every series, making Nissan a strong choice for personalisation communities.

Summary

Nissan’s classic car portfolio unites Japanese reliability, technical diversity, and a design language that ranges from rugged offroaders and sharp sports coupés to rare retro gems. The supply and demand figures confirm lasting interest across the entire spectrum – from Z-series performance icons to sought-after rarities like the Figaro and versatile utility vehicles. Technical ingenuity, broad engine choices and a continuous tradition of functional, yet characterful design make Nissan one of the most compelling choices for classic car enthusiasts in the UK and beyond.