Rarely Seen Survivor: 1992 Infiniti M30 Convertible – Sold?

September 22, 2021 Update – We just confirmed the listing for this “Classifind” expired, so with no replacement found we’re assuming this ride “Sold?” While this one got away, please reach out either by email or call us directly if you’d like to be informed when we come across something similar.

We have seen the Infiniti M30 pop up a few times this year on Craigslist, despite its limited visibility in the U.S. marketplace. This 1992 example was listed originally in August 2021 on Craigslist in Longwood, Florida with what looks like exceptional cosmetics and reasonable mileage of just 110,000, with an asking price of $5,900. Comparing this price against the NADA Price Guide confirms this private seller is at least in the ballpark, as an M30 drop-top is valued at $5,200 in the “High” retail category. 

The M30 hails from the early days of Infiniti’s arrival in the domestic marketplace. It’s strange to think Lexus and Infiniti both started off on roughly the same playing field, but Lexus has thoroughly dominated Infiniti in terms of brand saturation and sales volume. Infiniti used a Japanese market model known as the Leopard to create the M30 coupe and convertible offering for stateside buyers, and it wasn’t exactly a rousing success. Quality was certainly there, both in terms of overall construction and the high caliber materials used, but the M30 was underpowered compared to its competitors. Throw in the added weight and complexity of the convertible top and it’s no surprise it wasn’t a big seller – but you can’t deny that the quality inside the cabin is higher than what you’ll find in even some modern offerings.

The MotorWeek Retro Review Channel features their take on a virtually identical 1991 model:

The seller uses one of my favorite obscure movie references to highlight how even in Hollywood, the unusual M30 was shrouded in mystery. In the movie Three Kings when the soldiers discover an underground parking garage belonging to wealthy Middle Eastern royalty, actor Ice Cube questions whether the M30 parked there was actually a Lexus. This hilarity aside, the M30 offered by the seller comes with a nicely preserved leather interior in an off-white shade that would look absolutely trashed by now if it wasn’t looked after, and/or if the Infiniti was parked in the relentless Florida sunshine. Instead, it looks quite mint, along with the soft top, and although there’s no specific mention of any recent maintenance items, one can hope the overall appearance indicates it was looked after. Still, ask for those records first and then decide if you want to bring this rare Infiniti M30 home!

Here’s the seller’s description:

“The car is in excellent running and driving conditioning on. It’s ride extra smooth, has ice cold AC, new tires. Upgraded Sound System, The interior is in great condition. This vehicle starts right up and drives great. The engine and transmission are in great condition. Drives very smoothly no hard shifts every gear changes smoothly. This M30 has No Rust, it is in good condition, leather and Power Convertible Top works great

Infiniti represents such an unmemorable car that it even played the punchline to a joke in the movie Three Kings.

the convertible model, offered for the 1991 and 1992 model years, was unique among the nascent Japanese luxury brand offerings for its drop-toppiness.

In Three Kings, Marky Mark and Ice Cube’s characters engage in an ongoing debate whether or not an Infiniti convertible ever even existed. They come across an M30 in an Iraqi secret stash, and Ice of course gets proven right. Ha, silly Wahlberg.

Very rare find
Has 110k.”

Do you have an Infiniti M30 story you’d like to share?  Comment below and let us know!