So, the 240SX pictured here? My parents bought it brand new. It’s a 1991 LE with a stick.
When they stopped driving it so much, they gave it to us. So, of course, I had to run a Sebring track event with it.
Fun car.
Photography Credit: Larry van Scoy
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We lived through the ’80s and ’90s and spent a lot of time with the era’s greatest hits–drove them, raced them, even knew them when they still had that new car smell. We fondly remember shopping for Kamei air dams, Hella lamps and 14-inch tires.
But were the cars of those times really that rad?
We wondered that ourselves, so we ditched the rose-colored glasses for a few to take a look back. Were they all winners, or did a few duds get released? Let’s slip on some Vans, break out the vinyl and take a trip back in time.
This week, we're looking back at a now-legendary sports car, the Nissan 240SX.
In 1991, my parents bought a brand-new Nissan 240SX. This was the first year with the 16-valve engine. Several decades later, they sent it my way. (My brother was cool with that since our dad built a birdhouse for him.)
Soon after getting the car, I did the only logical thing: fitted a set of sticky tires and ran a track day at Sebring. This was the one: stick shift, good color and zero mods other than some H4 Hellas. I eventually fitted some Enkei mesh wheels but kept the originals.
I see why my parents kept this one for so many years. It’s the right size, offers plenty of utility and delivers traditional rear-drive handling. The five-speed box is right up there with the Miata’s. Oddly, though, the 240SX was a bit of a late bloomer that didn’t get popular until it was out of production.
Faults? A few little ones. The seats always felt a bit too flat to me, and not everyone’s a fan of the motorized mice seat belts.
What happened with ours? Too many cars at the time, so we sold it just as prices started to move.
Verdict: If we’d had the space to keep it, this one would still be here.
So, the 240SX pictured here? My parents bought it brand new. It’s a 1991 LE with a stick.
When they stopped driving it so much, they gave it to us. So, of course, I had to run a Sebring track event with it.
Fun car.
In reply to David S. Wallens :
I'm envious because I don't really know if I'll ever have the chance to drive a 240SX in decent condition–or at all at this point.
I still dream of the S14 that was traded in at a dealership i worked at as a younger man. It was probably like 2002, the car was super clean, dark green paint, charcoal gray interior with a proper 5 speed. That car would bring an absolute fortune on BaT now. Dern drifters ruining cool stuff.
My wife has zero interest in cars - they were like refrigerators to her. Back when she needed a new one, I suggested she try the then-new 240SX, and a funny thing happened: she said how much better the suspension felt compared to her old car... an Oldsmobile. That still makes me laugh.
My best friend in HS, ironically, went from a Volvo 240 to a 240sx during his senior year. U.S. got the neutered motor and his was an auto, so it was a bit underwhelming.
I wouldn't mind driving a good one. I've driven "beat to E36 M3 owned by highschooler" "super high mileage worn out" and "drift slut." The high mileage one felt pretty good and I could see it being a fun car, but every bushing needed to be replaced.
Coming from a FWD Datsun the predecessor, being the 200SX felt like it was moving towards a real sports (sporty) car.
I agree the 240SX was a great, sporty car.
2 liter fuel injected engine
5-speed manual
RWD with an independent rear -R160 or R180 pumpkin with axles shafts like the 300ZX and their predecessors.
Four wheel disc brakes
When they were new they had a reputation for the engine being truck-like (since, IIRC, it actually came out of a Nissan pickup). It's been a long time since I've seen one that hadn't been ruined by the drift thing.
This was my first "sports" car... a '93 gray manual SE. Did a brake pad upgrade, clutch (didn't actually need it) and some lights and eventually a cat-back exhaust.
Wasn't a great winter car in the mid-west though so I got rid of it for an Impreza RS (which was also a great car).
Man... I really did love that 240SX though.
Datsun310Guy said:I agree the 240SX was a great, sporty car.
2 liter fuel injected engine
5-speed manual
RWD with an independent rear -R160 or R180 pumpkin with axles shafts like the 300ZX and their predecessors.
Four wheel disc brakes
Sporty is a good description - as a four seater closed coupe I have a hard time calling it a 'sports car' any more than I would a Mk. 2 Jag or a Jensen Interceptor.
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