Nissan has spent decades creating some of the most admired and exciting sports cars ever to come out of Japan. From the Datsun era when the company first cracked into the North American market, to modern GT-Rs capable of humiliating exotic supercars, Nissan has delivered performance machines that combined affordability, technology, and driving fun. These cars are not only beloved for their speed but also for their impact on motorsport, tuner culture, and everyday enthusiasts. Here are ten of the greatest Nissan sports cars of all time, expanded with details on production figures, cultural impact, and collector values.
Datsun 240Z
When the 240Z launched in 1969, it completely rewrote what a sports car could be for American buyers. It combined the sleek looks of a European coupe, a 2.4 liter inline six making 151 horsepower, and a price tag that undercut cars like the Jaguar E-Type and Porsche 911. More than 150,000 were sold in its first four years in the U.S., making it one of the most successful Japanese imports of all time. It was not only fast for its day but reliable, easy to own, and stylish, which gave it mass appeal. Today, collectors prize early 240Z models, with pristine examples regularly selling for over 70,000 dollars, and limited-edition models like the 240Z BRE race cars fetching well into six figures.
Nissan Skyline GT-R R32
The R32 Skyline GT-R arrived in 1989 and instantly became a motorsport legend. Known as “Godzilla,” it used the RB26DETT twin turbo 2.6 liter inline six producing 276 horsepower, though most believe real output was closer to 320. Combined with ATTESA all wheel drive and Super-HICAS four wheel steering, it delivered grip and balance unheard of in its class. On track, it dominated Group A racing, winning 29 consecutive races in the Japanese Touring Car Championship and achieving global fame in Australia and beyond. Around 44,000 were built between 1989 and 1994, and demand today is massive thanks to U.S. import laws finally allowing them in. Clean R32 GT-Rs now command prices between 50,000 and 100,000 dollars, with rare versions like the NISMO or V-Spec fetching even more.
Nissan Skyline GT-R R34
Produced between 1999 and 2002, the R34 Skyline GT-R became the dream car for an entire generation thanks to its starring roles in video games like Gran Turismo and movies like The Fast and the Furious. It used an updated RB26DETT engine and more advanced aerodynamics, with horsepower officially capped at 276 by Japan’s gentleman’s agreement but again likely higher. What made the R34 special was its sophistication: the car’s multi-function display could give live readings of boost pressure, oil temps, and lap times, something unheard of in its era. Only about 11,500 were produced, making it far rarer than earlier GT-Rs. Collector values have skyrocketed, with clean R34s selling for well over 200,000 dollars, and special editions like the Nismo Z-Tune commanding prices north of 500,000 dollars.
Nissan 300ZX Twin Turbo Z32
The fourth-generation 300ZX, sold from 1989 to 2000, was one of Nissan’s most advanced sports cars. With its 3.0 liter twin turbocharged V6 producing 300 horsepower, it was capable of 0 to 60 in under six seconds. It also introduced advanced tech like four wheel steering, sophisticated suspension, and aerodynamic design that still looks modern today. More than 160,000 were sold in North America, proving its broad appeal. The 300ZX was praised by journalists and enthusiasts alike, earning a spot on Car and Driver’s 10Best list for seven straight years. While values dipped for years, they are rising sharply today, with low-mileage Twin Turbos now commanding over 40,000 dollars and rare versions like the 300ZX Turbo IMSA editions being even more desirable.
Nissan Silvia S13 S14 S15
The Nissan Silvia family became legends of drifting culture. The S13 launched in 1988, offering lightweight construction and excellent balance. The S14 refined the styling and handling, and the S15, introduced in 1999, became the ultimate evolution, powered by the SR20DET turbo four cylinder making up to 250 horsepower in Japanese spec. While not all generations were sold in North America, their influence reached across the globe, thanks to their starring role in drifting and tuner culture. Affordable and endlessly tunable, Silvias became the go-to cars for enthusiasts looking to slide sideways. Today, clean S13s and S14s are increasingly rare and desirable, with values climbing steadily. The S15, once unobtainable in the U.S. due to import restrictions, now sells for 40,000 dollars or more in good condition, reflecting its cult status.
Nissan GT-R R35
Launched in 2007, the R35 GT-R was Nissan’s first global GT-R and marked a departure from the Skyline name. With its 3.8 liter twin turbo V6 producing 480 horsepower at launch and later up to 600 in NISMO versions, it shocked the world by outperforming supercars costing three times as much. With all wheel drive, dual-clutch transmission, and advanced electronics, the GT-R earned a reputation as one of the fastest and most capable cars of its time. Nissan sold around 40,000 worldwide in its first decade, and while some purists criticized its weight and lack of manual transmission, it proved Nissan could still compete at the highest levels. Values for early R35s remain relatively accessible, but NISMO editions are prized by collectors and fetch upwards of 150,000 dollars.
Nissan 350Z
The 350Z, launched in 2002, was a return to form for the Z nameplate after years of bloated 300ZX models. It featured a naturally aspirated 3.5 liter V6 producing up to 306 horsepower in later trims, rear wheel drive, and sharp styling. Affordable at around 27,000 dollars new, it delivered true sports car thrills to a wide audience. Sales were strong, with more than 160,000 sold in North America. The 350Z also became a favorite for tuners and grassroots racers thanks to its robust engine and relatively simple construction. While values are still accessible today, pristine low-mileage examples, particularly the Track and NISMO models, are starting to appreciate.
Nissan 370Z
Introduced in 2009, the 370Z was a refinement of the 350Z formula with a larger 3.7 liter V6 producing 332 horsepower and up to 350 in NISMO trims. It was smaller, lighter, and more refined, giving it sharper handling and improved performance. The car lasted more than a decade with relatively few changes, showing how beloved and capable the design was. Sales were lower than the 350Z due to shifting market trends, but it developed a loyal fan base. Today, the 370Z remains a bargain in the used market, though clean NISMO versions are already beginning to rise in value as enthusiasts recognize their importance in the Z lineage.
Datsun 510
Built from 1968 to 1973, the Datsun 510 was not a traditional sports car but earned its place through motorsport and driving fun. With its 1.6 liter four cylinder producing 96 horsepower, independent suspension, and lightweight construction, it offered incredible handling for its price. On the track, it dominated SCCA racing in the hands of drivers like John Morton. Around 300,000 were sold in the U.S., giving it broad exposure. Today, the 510 is often called the “poor man’s BMW 2002,” and enthusiasts prize them for their tuning potential. Restored or race-prepped examples can command over 40,000 dollars, proving just how much love this humble sedan has earned.
Nissan Z 2023 (400Z)
The newest Nissan Z, unveiled in 2021 as a 2023 model, pays homage to the heritage of the Z line. It features retro-inspired styling cues reminiscent of the 240Z and 300ZX, while under the hood sits a 3.0 liter twin turbo V6 producing 400 horsepower. Offered with a six speed manual transmission or a nine speed automatic, it was designed to bring driving excitement back to enthusiasts in a market dominated by crossovers. While it is still early in its production run, the new Z has already been praised for balancing heritage styling with modern performance. With a starting price just over 40,000 dollars, it provides one of the best performance bargains in today’s market.
The Legacy
From the elegant simplicity of the Datsun 240Z to the raw dominance of the Skyline GT-Rs, from affordable fun like the 350Z to modern powerhouses like the R35 GT-R, Nissan has built some of the most admired sports cars of all time. Each of these models reflected Nissan’s ability to innovate, to compete, and to inspire enthusiasts across generations. Collectors now pay big money for the rarest examples, while newer cars like the 400Z prove the company’s commitment to keeping its sports car tradition alive. Together, these ten models tell the story of a brand that never stopped chasing performance, whether on the racetrack or on everyday roads.
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
Car loans are one of the most common ways people fund car purchases. Like any other kind of loan, car loans can have certain features that can be regarded as an advantage or a disadvantage to the borrower. Understanding all essential facts about car loans and how they work to ensure that you get the best deal for your financial situation is essential. Here are 25 shocking facts about car loans that most drivers don’t realize:
25 Facts About Car Loans That Most Drivers Don’t Realize
