2008 Nissan 350Z GT 313 HR

As one of the last 350Z GTs, ‘BD08 OYW’ is a Twilight Grey example that benefits from the later 313 HR engine, which develop 306bhp and 268lb.ft of torque as well as a new 7,500rpm red line. 

We’ve sold a few of the seller’s cars over the years as he thins his collection and this one, which came to us straight out of dry storage, is every bit as good as the rest. 

The seller has covered just 6,000 miles in the six years he’s owned it, and the car has racked up just 48,000 miles in its sixteen-year life. Recently recommissioned and serviced, a fresh, advisory-free MoT was added last month.

Other notable features include a great service history, a stainless-steel performance exhaust, a recent clutch, and having had the common marque issues addressed. 

And the latter is important. The seller knows the model very well indeed and used his years of experience when he picked this one, something you’ll appreciate when it satisfies both your inner Lewis Hamilton AND Martin Lewis.

What can we say about the Twilight Grey coachwork other than it’s Japanese and still fairly new. This means it’s been screwed together with an uncommon degree of accuracy and is still in the sort of condition that means you would only need to give it a quick polish before showing it off at your local classic car show.

We could waffle on about the lack of dents, dings, and other damage. We could talk about the shine to the paintwork and point out that the discreet metallic colour gives it a presence and a gravitas brighter colours lack.

We could also mention how good the badges are, and the lamp lenses, and the window glass, and the windscreen.

We could also point out that the 18-inch, RAYS Engineering forged alloy wheels are not only in fine fettle but also show off the orange Brembo brake calipers to perfection.

We could also note they’re fitted with very good Bridgestone Potenza on the front wheels and Continental ContiSportContact on the rear.

But we won’t because you can see all that for yourselves, right?

Which means you’ll also have noticed the only things you might like to consider touching up are a couple of marks on the wheelarches and a few light scuffs to the rims.

There’s no mistaking the 350Z’s mission statement inside, is there? Overtly sporting and beautifully maintained, it has everything you need to enjoy that inspirational chassis to the full.

The black leather seats are both supportive and hugely comfortable, competing demands that aren’t always as easy to balance as you might think. 

As you can see, they’re in great shape and benefit from being manually adjustable to save weight. (Nissan did add just a little weight back by way of heating elements, something you’ll appreciate as much as our photographer did during the photoshoot…)

There’s a factory Bose sound system in there too, plus drilled pedal covers, angled instruments in the centre console, air-conditioning, and cruise control. 

As you can see, it has weathered the intervening years very well and sports an excellent headlining, carpets, and door cards in addition to everything else.

But if we’re being fastidious there is a little work to do. The gearknob for the six-speed gearbox is a little worn, as is the lid of the centre cubbybox but you could live with a list of problems as short as this, couldn’t you?

The Nissan’s service history is recorded as follows:

• 06.07.2009 and 8,618 miles – service by Geoff Hand Automotive Engineering
• 03.05.2010 and 14,940 miles – service by Geoff Hand Automotive Engineering
• 19.12.2013 and 31,615 miles – service by Half Barn Garage
• 12.06.2015 and 38,091 miles – service by Freelance Nissan Jersey
• 01.12.2016 and 41,076 miles – service by Abbey Motorsport Ltd including new front and rear brake discs, new sparkplugs, and fresh gearbox oil
• 06.01.2018 and 41,779 miles – new clutch, clutch master cylinder, clutch line, and battery fitted by Abbey Motorsport Ltd
• 29.03.2018 and 41,944 miles – service by Streat Motors
• 16.01.2021 and 46,600 miles – gallery gasket replacement plus a full service, new sparkplugs, and new rear brake pads by Formula One Auto Centres
• 25.01.2024 and 48,486 miles – service by M Hudd Auto Specialist

As you’d expect, it starts on the button and immediately settles into a rock-steady idle. It revs joyously, has a great crackle to the exhaust note and does it all without illuminating any warning lights on the dashboard.

As for how it drives, it’s an Old School rear-wheel drive, naturally aspirated, manual coupé in the best tradition. Only gently tamed by technology, the gem of a V6 engine is combined with a fast and positive gearbox, powerful brakes, hydraulic power steering, and some of the best suspension in the business.

It drives, therefore, brilliantly and the seller says he prefers driving this to the newer 370Z that replaced it.

And, because all the common 350Z issues have been sorted and it’s been serviced so recently, it wants for nothing other than a tank of fuel and an open road.

As for flaws, the underbonnet area and underside are lightly patinated and have the usual light surface rust bloom on some of the fasteners and brackets but no more. You could detail it further if you enjoy that sort of thing, or you could leave it as it is without shame. It’s your choice. We aren’t your parents. 

The Nissan’s MoT certificate is valid until January 2025 and it was issued, just like the two previous tests, with no advisories being identified.

The recent Vehicle History Check is clear, and the 350Z comes with two keys, a current V5 in the seller’s name, the full Nissan book pack, a well-stamped service history booklet, and a bunch of old invoices.

In an almost unrivalled condition, this Nissan 350Z would be equally suitable as a daily driver or as the centerpiece of your collection of modern classic sportscars.

Or both.

Because its condition is such that it has enough miles on it you’re not going to be afraid to use it, allied to a condition that’s easily good enough to maintain its value better than most.

It’s the perfect specification.

And we estimate it’s only going to fetch somewhere between £10,000 and £14,000, which is an absurdly small price to pay for the performance and fun it’s going to bring to your life.

The seller also has sufficient faith in you all to offer it with no reserve, so it’s going to sell from the very first bid.

So, play nicely, eh?

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.