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

Until March of 1982, I was the proud owner of a suave mid-sized four-door sedan–a Nissan Max­ima. I was shopping for a nice commuter car that January, and happened on a great deal on this Maxima. It was one year old, one previous owner, low mileage, and loaded with more buttons, lights and extras than Air Force One. The color …

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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....

I was more of a Cressida guy. Parents bought an '83 Cressie w/factory 5spd, used, in '84. I still have it but it needs even more now after getting damaged in Milton. 

I just saw a mint first gen for sale on the side of the road a few weeks ago actually. I stopped and took a look it was so clean. Asking price was $6500. It was an auto unfortunately. But did have a nice wood steering wheel. I was struck by how small they are. Apparently it was considered a compact car. Now the Maxima is a massive!

ZOO (Forum Supporter) said:

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

Did the identity of "Rusty Nutz" ever revealed?

Asking the real questions.

Rusty Nutz - now there's a name for a columnist. 😉

CrustyRedXpress said:

ZOO (Forum Supporter) said:

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

Did the identity of "Rusty Nutz" ever revealed?

Asking the real questions.

I think we’re waiting until our 100th anniversary to release that info. :) 

David S. Wallens said:

CrustyRedXpress said:

ZOO (Forum Supporter) said:

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

Did the identity of "Rusty Nutz" ever revealed?

Asking the real questions.

I think we’re waiting until our 100th anniversary to release that info. :) 

You can rule me out, I wasn't born yet. 

I have one. An '82 910 (diesel maxima).

I modified the LD28 by machining an N42 top end, with complete efi, from a '75 280Z. 10:1 (gasoline). Notched bores to clear 38mm ex valves.

280ZX sway bars, Infinity G20 wheels, 3N71B trans, Audi S4000 front air dam and rear lip spoiler. Car was hit on pass side and parked. For sale soon.