1977model Nissan Fairlady Z C-S31

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1977 model

Nissan Fairlady Z C-S31

A car of enduring fame... A pristine, low-mileage gem emerges into the world...! A strictly limited edition... The nearly original, almost untouched final model of the 1977 C-S31, it even smells fresh...! One cannot help but be astounded by this vehicle that defies the passage of nearly half a century...!

Today, we introduce an extremely vibrant dark green metallic C-S31 model Fairlady Z, which many of you may remember seeing in Nostalgic Hero Magazine (October 2012, Vol. 153) with its original paint. Titled “The Legendary Domestic Fairlady Z at 50,” this particular car was featured as a “pristine, low-mileage gem… nearly original and untouched.” Even now, its mileage remains astonishingly low at 36,537 km (at the time of coverage). It is an incredibly rare specimen, a truly exclusive vehicle that seemed destined to remain hidden. However, a fortunate owner acquired this car a few years ago and after much contemplation and heartfelt struggle, they have made the difficult decision to part with it. Today, we are privileged to present it exclusively at the Enthusiast’s Grove.

As the author who conducted the interview, I was so overwhelmed by the remarkable condition of this car that my interview notes consisted mostly of repeated exclamations of “amazing… fantastic…” and incomprehensible scribbles. I even forgot my jacket when I left… It truly captivated my heart as an enthusiast, and even days after the interview, the memories are still vivid and passionate.

For those who wish to calmly and objectively appreciate this vehicle, we also provide links to the internet version of Nostalgic Hero (Nos.web.jp), where its content was published in three installments from October 2020, Vol. 1 to 3. Please see below for your reference.

Excerpts from the internet version of Nostalgic Hero (Nos.web.jp):

Vol. 1

“From Carburetor to Injection. The ‘Late Model’ that many owners felt had reduced power. What were the improved features? | 1977 Nissan Fairlady Z Vol. 1”

https://nosweb.jp/nostalgichero/articles/detail/1508

Vol. 2

“Overcoming Emission Regulations: The Z. A thorough enhancement compared to the S30. | 1977 Nissan Fairlady Z Vol. 2”

https://nosweb.jp/nostalgichero/articles/detail/1509

Vol. 3

“A Low-Mileage Gem with 30,000 km on the Odometer. A nearly fully original, top-notch S31Z that runs smoothly. | 1977 Nissan Fairlady Z Vol. 3”

https://nosweb.jp/nostalgichero/articles/detail/1510

The owner, whom I deeply trust and have had the pleasure of knowing for a long time, has always had an exquisite “nearly untouched, almost original S31.” However, this was my first opportunity to see the actual car during the interview.

With the magnificent backdrop of the Suzuka mountain range adorned in the radiant greenery of early summer, the dark green metallic Fairlady Z shines beautifully! Standing in front of this C-S31 model Fairlady Z, created nearly half a century ago, it is hard to believe the reality. The following words attempt to convey the trembling of my heart in the presence of this astounding fact…

It feels like we've traveled back in time by about half a century...! This 1977 model Fairlady Z C-S31, with its nearly original and mostly unrestored condition, is truly a glimpse into the past of what this car was like...!

I’m delighted to hear the owner say, “Well then, shall we give it a ride?” This is the essence of the joy of conducting interviews! It’s such a privilege to experience such a rare vehicle. I’ve reached a point in my career where I truly feel fortunate. Thanks to the owner’s generosity, I had the pleasure of enjoying a leisurely drive in the navigator’s seat.

I slowly settle into the incredibly clean, flawless original seat, without any signs of wear or tear, and no ventilation holes for air escape. I fasten the retractable seatbelt, which was changed from the later model, and take a deep breath. I gaze at the scene unfolding before me, holding my breath. The instruments right in front of me, the silver-trimmed air vents, the sliding parts of various levers, and the design elements of the original radio—every tactile surface exhibits the expected signs of aging, where the “trimming” has worn off. The crumbling of such conventional wisdom resonates loudly as it crumbles away!

The cracked dashboard, the worn and rubbed instrument panel, and other aspects that contribute to the “vintage car experience” seem like mere “mild excuses,” as my brain refuses to accept the fact that this specimen has passed nearly half a century (to be precise, 47 years).

“To maintain such a mint condition, there must have been considerable effort from those who have been involved with this car throughout its history.” The stark contrast between reality and historical facts unfolds before my eyes. Initially, this becomes a profound shockwave overwhelming anyone who rides in this vehicle.

For the owner, this car is a cherished collection for weekend drives in the vicinity. They gently rev the L20 engine to a suitable RPM and smoothly shift gears, enjoying a comfortable drive. While the owner exudes contentment, I, sitting next to them, continue to be engulfed by the shockwave. Finally, I regain composure and begin to observe calmly, approximately ten minutes into the drive.

This national treasure exhibits a driving experience that goes beyond expectations. Its solid performance, which doesn’t feel like that of an old car, and the fresh scent that permeates the air—these sensations stimulate the five senses in a truly magnificent way. Mint imagery flowing through the eyes, the superb driving experience coursing through the body, the rhythmic melodies of the engine, transmission, and road noise entering through the ears, and the fresh scent—all these sensations are beyond words. It’s an extraordinary experience that invigorates the senses!

The overhead cooler blows refreshing air, and the sharp, uninterrupted inline-six L20 engine combined with a sturdy ride—a car that has nearly reached the half-century mark. Can it truly be? Only those who experienced this freshness firsthand when the car was new can appreciate the true allure of the C-S31 Fairlady Z, which exceeds all dimensions of the present. It was impossible to contain my excitement, and I couldn’t help but exclaim, “This is a national treasure in mint condition!”

Still filled with excitement, I proceed to capture steel photographs, carefully observing from up close.

Since its creation, this car has been stored in an exceptionally good environment, as evidenced by its original, unreproduced exterior. It’s not just about the level of rust or dents; it’s in a true mint condition. Peeking under the floor carpet reveals the original soundproofing material, still intact with its thickness, without crumbling.

Of course, this extends to the underbody of the vehicle. It’s a testament to the tremendous effort that has gone into preserving and maintaining it in such an excellent condition. The transition from the previous “one-tail” combination lamps to the later “two-tail” tail lenses, which separated the reverse lamps, is

Whether it's being part of an immaculate mint collection in the garage or savoring the modern driving experience of the final model, this vehicle offers the opportunity to fully enjoy the distinctive features of the matured later version.

Since its debut in 1969, the Fairlady Z has been widely known as a globally renowned Japanese-made car. As the successor to the previous model, the Datsun Fairlady, it quickly took the North American market by storm and became a huge hit. Even today, there are specialized restoration shops dedicated to the Z, showcasing its highly regarded style and engine performance. It truly is a rare gem that was born in Japan and nurtured in the world.

The development of this model is famously attributed to the inspiration of the late Mr. Yutaka Katayama, who was the president of Nissan Motors USA at the time. Mr. Katayama eagerly desired a competitive Nissan car in the American market, demanding a refined styling reminiscent of the Jaguar E-Type and a high-performance chassis surpassing the Porsche 911. Thus, the history of the Fairlady Z was born through his vision.

The Fairlady Z, born out of the pursuit of a car that could succeed in America, featured a lightweight monocoque body, four-wheel independent suspension with strut-type suspension, and an inline-six “L-series” engine. The engine design combined a cast-iron cylinder block with a turn-flow combustion chamber, resulting in high reliability and easy maintenance. It not only possessed top-tier sports car performance at the time but also created a new myth of “Japanese-made cars don’t break down.”

Thus, the first-generation Fairlady Z was produced for nearly a decade until 1978, with approximately 550,000 units sold worldwide. In Japan alone, around 80,000 units were sold, making it a top-class hit in terms of sales performance. Even after half a century since that era, it goes without saying that the first-generation Fairlady Z enjoys unparalleled popularity as a JDM classic in Japan. In 2022, it was even certified as a historic heritage car by the Japan Automotive Hall of Fame.

Amidst the changing tides of increasingly stringent emission regulations, the early models of the Fairlady Z underwent modifications to comply with the regulations. With the implementation of emission regulations in 1975, Nissan made changes to the specifications by replacing the previous SU twin carburetors with the L-Jetronic electronic fuel injection system developed by Bosch, known as Nissan EGI. Alongside the EGI, the NAPS (Nissan Anti-Pollution System) was installed, and chassis design changes were made, including accommodating a larger radiator. The C-S31 model, which we introduced today, represents the matured final version of the Fairlady Z.

Not only the S30 model but also experiencing the matured final version along with its history is a significant allure. To have an unrestored and fully original one would be highly appealing. It could become a collection of great significance, where you can savor the weekend drives while carefully admiring a page of history in your garage. That is the heartfelt impression I have.

1977 Nissan Fairlady Z C-S31 Model Post-Interview Memo: Unrestored, Mostly Original...

Even if you, the passionate enthusiast who has read this far, may not fall into the category of someone who is usually involved with vintage cars, or even someone who has no interest whatsoever in the exorbitant price hikes of certain vintage cars in recent years, and wouldn’t even step within a meter of an old car… even for those enthusiasts’ significant others, this car emits a mesmerizing, almost transcendental aura that is sure to capture their attention and captivate their hearts. It can be described as “national treasure-level,” and the air I experienced up close had an unbelievable intensity…

In reality, it’s almost impossible to encounter such a rare specimen that firmly remains within its designated place, an exclusive existence that is essentially off-limits.

Indeed, it is a specimen that cannot be found even if one were to search… one must simply await the chance encounter.

Being able to introduce such an opportunity is truly a writer’s honor… With that sentiment in mind, I carefully selected my words and took my time to write this manuscript.

A venerable masterpiece... A pristine gem with just over 30,000 kilometers on the odometer is unleashed upon the world! A one-of-a-kind, off-limits beauty... The nearly original, almost untouched final model of the 1977 C-S31 exudes a freshness that is simply astonishing! One can't help but be astounded by this vehicle that defies the passage of nearly half a century!

Occasionally embarking on drives and immersing oneself in awe-inspiring experiences, preserving and managing a vehicle that will be remembered in history, and passing it on to the next generation—this is a mission accompanied by a significant reward. Without a doubt, this precious experience will greatly enrich the life of the yet-to-be-discovered new owner.

We invite enthusiasts to come and witness the encounter with this truly “national treasure-level” vehicle, an experience that will be sublime. Please visit us at the foot of Suzuka Mountain, in Mie Prefecture, for an extraordinary viewing.

This wonderful "1977 Nissan Fairlady Z C-S31" is currently located in Mie Prefecture.

Since it is a private sale, there are no consumption taxes or additional fees involved. Regarding the purchase of this vehicle, we kindly ask the buyer to handle the pro-rated settlement of automobile taxes and the recycling deposit. Additionally, transportation arrangements should be made by the buyer.

[Regarding Your Inquiry…]

The vehicles on this page are featured on the cross-border EC site for classic and collectible cars called “Estate Sale®︎ Supremacy.”

What is the Estate Sale®︎ Supremacy?

Estate Sale®︎ Supremacy is the Japanese version of the North American cultural estate sale, where the owner’s cherished cars are introduced through interview-based articles to organize both material possessions and emotions. It is entirely different from selling for a meager price or disposing of items without any cultural or intergenerational significance. We faithfully express the owner’s sentiments and provide guidance and mediation to ensure a secure handover to the next generation while preserving the memories in their hearts.

We conduct detailed interviews with the current owner, including inquiries about past maintenance records and repair history, and also investigate any accident history. If there is a significant accident history or if the current owner’s ownership period is extremely short and details are unclear, we may decline the interview. However, we make every effort to provide peace of mind to our customers who wish to purchase.

The contents of this article were created based on test drives and interviews with the owner, which took place on May 20, 2023, from 13:00 under clear skies, with a total interview time of approximately three hours. Please note that due to the limited time, the description may not accurately represent the current condition of the vehicle. Furthermore, not all aspects of the content are backed by supporting evidence. The comments regarding the condition, etc., are based on the weather and circumstances at the time of the interview, as well as the subjective opinion of the author.

If you have any questions about the listed vehicles or would like to schedule an on-site inspection, please contact us using the form at the bottom of this page. As transactions are conducted between individuals, on-site inspections are limited to customers who are considering a purchase, to prevent casual inquiries.

Thank you for your consideration.