From our first issue: Autocrossing in a first-gen Nissan Maxima

When’s the last time you saw one of these out in the wild? 

I know a guy that has one in as a project. Of course it's just sitting in his yard and he'll get to it eventually.

Isn't the suspension on these comparable to the 280ZX?

Fun fact, my uncle (and lateapexer's brother) did a series of TV commercials for Nissan back when this car was a thing. 

Was the identity of "Rusty Nutz" ever revealed?

David S. Wallens said:

When’s the last time you saw one of these out in the wild? 

Isn't the Datsun 810 the first Gen?

https://www.classic.com/veh/1981-datsun-810-maxima-jn1hu01sxbt004519-n3yxe6p/

Yes, the Datsun 810 became the first Maxima.

My parents had two second-gen Maximas plus a third-gen Maxima SE 4DSC. I remember seeing some first-gens in the dorm parking lots. 

David S. Wallens said:

When’s the last time you saw one of these out in the wild? 

A few years ago....  Not at a dealer, and no 'for sale info' on the car, so not sure what was up with it.  First one I'd seen in at least a decade.

Always thought these would make a cool sport sedan with a manual conversion and turbo Z engine...

And, if going the other way, the diesel Maxima crank can be used to build a 3.1-liter engine for your Z-car, right? 

Good platform!  Too bad they are almost non-existent here in the South.  If one turns up, even if it is an automatic (conversion!) then I just may pick one up.  A turbo Z engine, 5 speed, some suspension mods, oooh yeahhhh...!

I remember Nissan trying to revive the 4DSC moniker with a more recent generation of Maxima, but I don't think it ever quite stuck.

David S. Wallens said:

And, if going the other way, the diesel Maxima crank can be used to build a 3.1-liter engine for your Z-car, right? 

I was working on plans for this when my Z was stolen/stripped in the late 80s....