Vehicle Description
The limited Shiro Special (Shiro is Japanese for white) of early
1988 was Nissan's single biggest step toward regaining the early
car's performance mojo. It embraced the analog for a more pure
driving experience. The 300ZX Turbo's standard electronically
adjustable suspension was summarily dismissed; in its place are
higher-rate springs (207 pounds per inch, front, compared to 196;
224 pounds per inch at the rear, compared to 188.2), non-adjustable
Koni shocks, and fatter anti-roll bars (26-mm and 25-mm versus
24-mm bars all around on more common ZX Turbos). The
multiway-electric power leather driver's chair (and a matching
passenger's-side unit) was pulled out in favor of a pair of cloth
Recaros. The Tokyo-by-night digital instrumentation, so high-tech
when new but so dated today, was yanked; in its place, a 150-MPH
speedo and a tachometer with white numbers on black faces. The only
available transmission was the Aisin-built five-speed stick. Other
bits included a viscous limited-slip diff with the stock 3.70:1
gearing, a Europe-only front air dam, and special three-stage Moon
Glow Pearl paint that covered just about every exterior surface
(including the wheels). Graphite-colored trim stood in for basic
black. The engine remained stock, but with a stiffer suspension and
about 125 fewer pounds of circuit boards and other related
components to carry around, the Shiro Special was degrees hotter
than the average Z31. Now, the Shiro was hardly a stripper. It also
came standard with T-tops; power windows, locks and mirrors; cruise
control; air conditioning; and a four-speaker stereo with AM/FM
tape deck head unit and a power antenna. So it's not like a
driver/owner is bereft of amenities. In an era when a 300ZX Turbo
started just north of $23,000, a Shiro Special stickered for
$25,349. (All Shiros were equipped the same; no substitutions or
additional options were available from the factory.) Nissan
assembled exactly 1,002 Shiro Specials for the American market
(plus another 75 for Canada) in the early months of 1988, and
declared a "white sale" in the spring of that year for American
Nissan dealers. Combine the sporting attributes and the rarity, and
you've got the most desirable of the Z31-generation Nissan 300ZXs.
In its day, it was barely advertised, and even most of the buff
books ignored it. It was a mid-year addition, so the brochures of
the day didn't cover it. There isn't a badge, graphic, sticker or
stripe on the car that refers to it as a Shiro Special, or an SS,
or any sort of special limited edition: It's just plain white. Only
Motor Trend tested a Shiro Special (referring to it simply as a
special edition, without getting into specifics) with the
electronic speed limiter disabled, and it topped 153 MPH, making it
the fastest car in Japan at that time. (All Z31 Turbos are
speed-limited to 137 MPH.) Its speed was "undoubtedly attributed to
its lower stance and improved European front air dam...the speedo
was wound right against the stop at 150 MPH."
This 1988 Nissan 300ZX Shiro Edition will not last long due to it
being a JDM treasure. Call today!
