In recent years we’ve seen 2000GTs, Skyline GT-Rs, Z432s, Cosmo Sports, FJ40s and Centurys cross the auction block at some of the most high-profile auctions in the US. This weekend, a new contender will try to make a play for becoming the next blue chip JNC. A 1987 Nissan President will be up for bidding at Auctions America in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The top dog in Nissan luxury, the President was perhaps best known as a chauffeured ride for government officials, captains of industry, and yakuza bosses. And this is no ordinary President; it’s a Sovereign VIP, the highest grade in the lineup and built for only the final five years of the H250 chassis. That may seem like a long time, until you realize that the generation began in 1973. It’s so VIP, it says so right there in the name.
It has been described by the seller as “museum quality” and is said to have all paperwork for registration in the US. The mileage is said to have been authenticated, but what that mileage is was not listed.
Win this auction and in addition to a 4.4-liter V8, you will be treated to such amenities as reclining and heated rear seats, a rear-mounted cassette deck and TV, a remote control for the dash-mounted stereo tuner and, naturally, a full set of doily seat covers. Then all you’ll need is a white-gloved driver to shuttle you around town. You can find more photos and the full listing on the Auctions America website.
I’m wondering if this is the very same car that was offered on Bring a Trailer recently. Not sure Auctions America is the right venue for bringing top dollar seeing as their niche is muscle cars and hot rods.
SHC, that was a 1990 model on BaT – it sold for $15,000. I agree that Auctions America may not be the best source for finding this car its top price. I’m not even sure what that source would be, though.
I much prefer the sharp lines on the ’87 shown here, rather than the Q45’ish looks of the 1990 model that recently sold on BaT, but that’s just me. There’s something almost quaint and.. nostalgic.. about this car compared to the later models. It looks like a classic to me and the 1990 looks like a used car to me.
I like it, but not sure Fla. is the best place for a President to be chosen.
Word on the recent Mr. K run was that he brought a couple over. They possibly headed up to the Great White North, but would be interesting to hear what happened to them.
Should be alright. I don’t think anyone has to punch a hole or check a box to get the car; just need to give the dealer money and sign on the line…
My Reverend did importing of Japanese cars to Canada back in the day, and when I began to mention various marquees, he said he did them, mostly sedans. He did it I think back in the late 70’s or early 80’s.
By the time Nissan North America finally started to import the President it was the Infiniti Q45. Watching Japanese TV detective programs the Yakuza shacho was always driven in a “President” badged domestic Q45.
Does anyone know if Toyota has discontinued the Century? I just went on the Toyota Japan website to look for some specs on the current model and there isn’t one listed any more. Any info would be appreciated thanks 🙂
Looks like it’s gonna be an all new model this year:
http://car-moby.jp/59957
If you scroll down, you’ll see a picture of the concept for the new model.
If it’s that one near the bottom, I’m diggin’ it. Has that restrained look; like money.
https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nazY6IOE72Y/V5HHVLRONXI/AAAAAAAArYA/hnr474gLw0k5ewa-fvMMHNgenziuGkFWQCLcB/s1600/%25E3%2583%2588%25E3%2583%25A8%25E3%2582%25BF%25E3%2583%25BB%25E3%2582%25BB%25E3%2583%25B3%25E3%2583%2581%25E3%2583%25A5%25E3%2583%25AA%25E3%2583%25BC2017.jpg
Thats a Boss car. So cool.
Where is the rear TV located? Just curious.
Cheers.
Tint the glass, slam it, dub it…
Nah, just kidding.
All the switchgear is in English, ’cause you should have paid attention in high school.
Definitely got that strong ’80s vibe going on. However, it’s got enough bells and whistles to make a Rolls blush! Lots of neat toys in this one! The styling is a bit bland, IMO, has that American boxy sedan look. Here in the U.S., I could see people mistaking it for an ’80s era Ford Fairmont or Mercury Zephyr, from a distance. Still, it’s a cool car, not what you ordinarily picture in your mind when someone mentions ’80s Japanese sedans.
Here’s a link for a Zephyr for comparison, the similarity is uncanny! However the Zephyr (and the Fairmont) were total turds, whereas the Nissan is one hell of a car.
https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ4il3ELWIfTbnLD2SNmE7Hui6OwTdZ6m7r8PwEuuYNa23xw25A
I see an 810 taken to the max(ima) 🙂
Only problem: Parts and service.
Highly doubt your local Nissan dealer can service this.
Was at the Auctions America this past weekend. Very neat car. The proportions are very unflattering in comparison to the Toyota Century. It has a really short front end in comparison to the rest of the body and sits rather high. It was loaded to the max with accessories on the inside. Sold for $13,200, so the comments earlier that it wasn’t the best venue for it is true, the pre auction estimate was 20k to 30k.
This is the best looking Nissan President since the H150. It’s a damn shame it was never sold in the USA, that we had to wait until the early 90s, when the Infiniti Q45 was offered.
After I originally commented I appear to have clicked on the -Notify me when new comments are added- checkbox and from now on whenever a comment is added I get 4 emails with the same comment. There has to be a means you are able to remove me from that service? Thanks a lot!