Half way to my parent's home in Porter Indiana (which is half way to my sister's home in South Bend) my Mazda's transmission exploded as I exited a manual toll booth.  I managed to roll to the side of the toll road and phoned my folks.  Dad offered to come out and get us so we could ride with them the rest of the way to my sister's home.  During dinner I was worrying about the Mazda sitting so long on the side of the road and how to get it home.  My Nephew, who is a Z Car nut, offered to lend me his '85 300ZX Turbo and to borrow it until I had the Mazda repaired or bought a long over due new car.  Little did I know he had ulterior motives for loaning the car.  He was buying a house and already had several classic Z cars.  The 240 and 280 were his favorites.  He wanted to sell the 300ZX but found it hard to part with it.  Selling it to his cool Uncle would keep it in the family.  And he knew I had a fondness (weakness) for sports cars.  He knew if I drove it, I'd buy it.

(Flash Back)
In the '70s, during high school and years after, I had a series of no less than 18 sports cars although not all at once.  Most were British Leyland, a few Italian and several 'Murikan Muscle cars (see photo archives).  Drove my dad nuts because he could never park his car in the garage.  I loved these cars.  To this day I could still tear down and rebuild a 1800GB series MG engine or a 2800cc Triumph engine blindfolded.  But, as I got older, and as it often happens, I had to set aside the money pits and get more practical and reliable transportation.  Although these "practical cars" would all be 5 speed manual.  A definite throw back to the old days.

(Back to the story)
At first I was reluctant to take my Nephew's 300ZX because I didn't want to have to hassle with getting it back to South Bend.  But, I knew I would have to otherwise rent a car in the mean time.  And I hadn't been behind the wheel of a sports car for some time.  Although, this 300ZX couldn't be a real sports car, right?  It's just styled like one, right?  I mean, it's Japanese, not British, Italian or German.  What did the Japanese know about sports cars.  About true road hugging handling.  About using "Finesse" and efficiency rather that "Brut Force" for power.  Anyway, all Japanese cars are under powered, right?  (Is my naivety showing?  Flapping in the breeze I suppose).

Ok, so I took the key.  That was the turning point.  Something was changing in my life as I approached that car.  A feeling.  Perhaps it was a sort of Deja vue.  I got in.  The car fit like an old leather glove.  As a mater of fact it smelled like an old leather glove.  Put on the seat belt and started it.  Whoa!  Digital dash!  Cool!  Nice low rumble.  The testosterone starts flowing.  I put it in gear.  I step on the gas.  I let up the clutch.  Everything turned to a blur.  Next thing I know I'm at the end of the block.  Woo Hoo!  As the blood returns to my head I took a nice fast tight turn.  Now the testosterone is oozing out of my pores.  "This is awesome!   It has power like a German car, handles like a British car and comfort and interior appointments of an Italian car".   Now I'm sounding like a commercial.

This car has filled a void in my life that was never quite satisfied by any of the other cars.  The European cars had the look and handling but no power.  The 'Murikan cars had power to spare but were big and clumsy.  All were less than comfortable.  Except for the Mazda 626 which is back on it's feet.  It's a great "second" car and "winter" car now.  But I love this 300ZX.  It has everything I never had and always wanted in a car before.  And It's rear wheel drive!  I hate front wheel drive!  When you have a lead foot like I do, FWDs always aim for the nearest ditch in snowy weather.  But, this car is in good enough shape to justify a total restoration.  The body will be renovated over the winter.  If I have time I'll trick out the engine.  If not, next year sometime.  You'll be seeing progress notes and photos on this site as we go.  This car was slowly on it's way to the junk yard.  But, it just ain't gonna happen now.  Interesting.  A resurrection of sorts, on Easter.

Enjoy The Ride

Frank