1982 Nissan President

As a rare, pre square headlight facelift 1982 example in what appears to be highly original and preserved condition, this auction car represents something truly exotic in North America.

Its metric odometer reads 45k and change, and overall condition and completeness suggest this could possibly be an accurate figure.

The vast majority of these cars left their Kanagawa birthplace wearing black paint, though other, suitably muted tones of navy, silver, and white were optioned with less frequency. While innately conservative in shape, the car brims with ornate badging, brightwork, and trim, much like the badges on the breast of a diplomat’s traditionally tailored gray suit.

Crosshair wheel covers are correct, and work very well with red rims and wide whitewalls. As mentioned above, these second generation HS250 chassis code cars underwent a facelift sometime during this example’s 1982 model year, replacing its attractive round quad headlights with square, among other changes of subjective value.

The early President and Century ape the style of contemporary Detroit luxury offerings, including interior design, as well as their V8 engines and the shape of their sheet metal. Take for example the auction car’s wide, horizontal speedometer, column-mounted shifter, wood veneer trim, and a steering wheel copied almost directly from those of 1970’s Cadillacs.

Wool upholstery departs from Detroit’s preference for leather at the high end, though it’s been said that very traditionally minded Japanese clientele prefer textiles to leather due to the latter’s tendency to “squeak”. As such, it can be difficult to find a President or Century with leather.

Note the spectacular joystick audio balance control and equalizer sliders on the center console, as well as power sliding and reclining rear seats, power vent windows, and mysterious, delightfully antiquated “parking alarm” toggle switch - as with Centurys of the time, 1980’s Presidents are a real throwback to First Tokyo Olympics Era Japanese auto manufacturing.

Power comes from a 4.4 liter V8, up approximately 400 cc from the version found in first generation Presidents. V8E badges on the car’s exterior denote its electronic fuel injection, which contributes to a smooth and silent 200 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque.

Based upon the documents available to us, we believe the seller took ownership of this President sometime in October of 2020.

A special car on any road, this one will shine especially bright on the long, straight boulevards and freeways of North America, serving as a sort of alternate reality, 4/5th scale, right-hand drive Chrysler Imperial for those with a stronger sense of adventure than practicality. Estimated $6,000 - $10,000.

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL BIDDERS

It should be noted that this vehicle has been on static display for a number of years and there is no history available beyond that displayed in our photography section.

We have not started or driven the car so cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality. It will require recommissioning prior to road use and is sold ‘as seen’.

Due to California emissions laws, please note that this vehicle may only be sold to an out-of-state resident for use outside of California or to a licensed automotive dealer.

Please note that the title for this vehicle is in transit.