2005 Nissan 350Z

With just two previous UK keepers, this Nissan 350Z Roadster was imported from Japan in July 2008. Offered in stunning condition and with a complete service history back to day one, the vendor bought it a year ago from a local chap who had owned it for the previous three years.

A change in his plans now forces its reluctant sale, and he tells us that it is being offered in full working order and in need of nothing other than, perhaps, a new fabric roof.

Offered with no reserve, this is a wonderful opportunity to own an impeccably maintained convertible sportscar with a genuine motorsport pedigree.

The metallic Sunset Orange paintwork is in fabulous condition being free of scratches, dents and scuffs. Primarily used only at the weekend, the Nissan appears to have escaped the sort of everyday car-park dings that can plague our daily drivers.

The panel fit is up to Nissan’s usual high standards, with narrow, even gaps and no ripples along the flanks. It does have a few scrapes on the underside of the front valance though, an inevitable corollary of the car’s low ride height and the UK’s obsession with speed bumps…

The black folding fabric roof operates as it should, and is wind-and watertight. However, there is a small rip in the fabric, which was there when the vendor bought the car. It hasn’t got any worse in the past year and he’s popped some tape underneath it to stop it getting any bigger. He says that it doesn’t leak. 

However, given that we’ve also spotted some wear on the lower edge of both sides as well, we’d suggest that potential bidders really should factor in the cost of a new roof. The owner has priced one up, and says you can get a replacement for £700-ish plus fitting.

On a more positive note, he replaced the 17-inch wheels with a set of black 18-inch Bola alloys last year, fitting them with matching Kumho KU39 tyres, all of which still have good tread. He says they look much better than the smaller wheels which looked, he said, a bit lost in the wheelarches. We’ve got nothing to compare them with but think he chose well.

The black cloth interior is in very good condition including the seats, which are free of rips, tears and significant wear. They’re still virtually as firm and supportive now as they were when the car left the factory fourteen years ago and, just as importantly, look fabulous.

The speedometer has been recalibrated and now reads in mph, as does the centre gauge. The owner tells us that all the electrics work as they should. 

An aftermarket Sony head-unit has been fitted, which comprises a radio and a CD player.

A set of Z-branded overmats are included. They’ve clearly done their job well, as the carpet underneath is in very good condition, as is the interior of the boot, which still wears its decal showing you how to stow a set of golf clubs in there!

Problems are limited to a boot carpet that could do with a wash, and a slightly wrinkly finish to the cloth on the outer side bolster of the driver’s seat.

Fully up to date with its servicing regimen, the owner tells us that the 350Z drives very well and has been very reliable, never having let him down. He went on to tell us that he isn’t aware of any mechanical faults but potential bidders would still, of course, be advised to take a look at the car themselves prior to bidding.

It has had a set of rear discs and brake pads fitted recently, as well as an interim service and an MOT.

The engine bay is clean and tidy and has been dressed with some carbon fibre goodies, as well as a front suspension strut brace and orange hoses.

The online MOT history shows nothing of concern and confirms the car’s mileage. The car’s current MOT certificate is valid until February 2020 and the 350Z comes with a number of expired MOT certificates plus a couple of invoices to confirm the work that has been done to it recently.

It also comes with two sets of keys and two remote controls for the alarm system as well as an up-to-date, fully stamped service history book that includes its time in Japan. The latter is quite unusual as this paperwork often gets lost when the car is imported. 

The most recent service was around 1,500 miles ago, so it’s fighting fit and ready for its new owner to drive and enjoy this summer.

Please visit the documents section of the gallery of this listing where you will find photos of this paperwork.

The Nissan 350Z is one of the most under-rated – and under-valued – sportscars in the UK today. The subject of an almost cult-like following in Japan, British drivers seem to have remained immune to its charms, which is a real shame because few cars offer more bang-for-your-buck than the 350Z – or deliver it in such a beguiling fashion. Those who know rate them very highly indeed.

And while that’s bad news for the owner, it’s very good news for you. We expect the car to sell for between £2,500 and £5,000, which is stunning value given this example’s condition, performance and provenance. 

Better still, it’s being offered with no reserve, so will sell from the first bid!

Viewing is always encouraged, and this car can be seen in Ramsbottom in Lancashire; to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

If needed, please remember we have a network of trusted suppliers we work with regularly and can recommend: Classic & Sportscar Finance for purchase-financing, Thames Valley Car Storage for storing your car, AnyVan for transporting it, and Footman James for classic car insurance.