Shiro Special: 1988 Nissan 300ZX Turbo – Sold?

April 24, 2022, 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.

The Z31 chassis Nissan 300ZX – for the time being – remains an affordable entry into rad-era classic car ownership. This is likely due to high production numbers along with the model itself never being particularly outstanding in one category but definitely showing up as a good all-rounder. The most collectible of the Z31 lineup is the elusive Shiro Special, a one-year-only limited production model. This 1988 Shiro Special was originally listed in March 2022 on Craigslist near Atlanta in driver-quality condition with just over 150,000 miles and an asking price of $13,000. Comparing that price against the Hagerty Price Guide shows us that the seller is asking below the “Good” condition price for a turbocharged 300ZX, which is valued at $16,300.

The 1980s were memorable for many, many reasons. In the automotive space, after accounting for pop-up headlights, T-tops, and radios with complicated equalizers, color-coordinated paint jobs were one of the most obvious ways to flag which era a sports model was made in. The Isuzu Impulse, Acura Integra, and of course, the Nissan 300ZX, all had limited-edition model offerings that were most recognizable thanks to their blazing white paint jobs with wheels and aero enhancements all painted the same color. The Shiro Special from Nissan went a bit further in terms of the factory goodies on board, as the turbocharged V6 was enhanced with a limited-slip viscous differential, Recaro seats, unique front air dam, and of course, the must-have color-coordinated wheels. Nissan didn’t make very many of them, and while their values have fluctuated a bit over the last few years, you’re unlikely to find a real Shiro for less than the seller’s asking price here.

The MotorWeek Retro Review YouTube Channel features this review on the then-new Z31 Nissan 300ZX:

Years ago, I found a genuine Shiro Special in a wrecking yard. It was actually my first time pillaging parts solely for the purpose of refurbishing moss- and dirt-coated components in hopes of a potential profit. While I wanted to grab the LSD, I settled for the Recaros and made a tidy profit after I steamed the various fungi off of them. Fortunately, the seller’s car is in much better shape, but it still has its share of cosmetic faults. The all-white paint job is decent but marred by a dent in the passenger fender; the wheels look to be in good shape, but all of it could stand to be detailed while the fender will either have to be replaced or perhaps bent back into shape by a paintless dent removal specialist. The Recaro seats are worn in places but I’m just happy to see they haven’t been stolen and replaced with standard Z31 seats. The seller lists lots of recent maintenance including a fresh timing belt, new plugs and wires, a new distributor, and lots of other fixes. Shiro Specials come up once in a blue moon, so move fast if you’ve been hunting for this elusive Z car.

Here’s the seller’s description:

“1988 Nissan 300ZX Turbo Shiro Edition!
Rare..great shape..151,150 miles!
Runs great…looks great!!
*The front passenger fender has a dent*
Otherwise the paint is original and in really good shape! New Recaro seat covers and carpet!! New tires; rotors; calipers; brake pads; battery; muffler; timing belt; plugs; wires; bearings; seals; distributor cap & rotor; gaskets; belts..etc…No leaks; No rust!!!
I am only selling because I do not have the time to complete and enjoy this truly great Z31.
NO TRADE..only SINCERE inquiry’s please!!
Thanks in advance for reviewing!!.”

White on white: which all-white special edition gets your vote: the 300ZX, Integra, or Impulse?