Nissan built their performance brand in the United States on the backbone of its "Z" models. At the end of Nissan’s production of their new Millenium 350Z sports coupe, they wanted to go out with a bang. So Nissan decided to build the ultimate version of their 350Z, known as the 350Z Nismo. The Nissan 350Z has always been a polarizing sports car since its release. Yet, they still offer undeniable performance per dollar.

Nissan may get a bad rap for being cheap and having bad-mannered owners across social media. Some of it is true and some really isn’t. Yet, if you hear a trumpet at 2 AM, it’s not a traveling band, it’s a 350Z. The Nismo though is a completely different story. This ultra-rare model is the best 350Z the Nissan ever made and they are far from cheap, even today.

Although the 350Z existed has since 2003, the Nissan coupe saw major updates starting in 2006. One of the most important was the complete overhaul of the VQ35DE V-6 engine in 2007. A new "HR" or "High Revolution" variant became standard in 2007. This wasn’t just a prettier version of the existing V-6, it was a completely different beast altogether.

Nissan put 80 percent new internal parts in the HR engine for one single reason: an increased 7,600 RPM rev limit. To the dismay of many, the HR only makes six more horsepower and eight pound-feet of torque more than the DE engine. This brought the power output of the HR on the 350Z Nimso to 306 horsepower at 6,800 RPM and 268 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 RPM.

You might expect more output from such a drastic revamp, but the numbers don’t tell the full story. The HR engine gave the 350Z a rejuvenated character. Although only an extra 500 RPM, the HR feels like it can do 1,000 more. You will only find the HR engine in the Nismo variant. If you see a DE engine in a 350Z advertised as Nismo, run away as fast as you can.

Yet, the Nismo is so much more than an updated engine. This is the ultimate driver’s 350Z. A 6-speed manual transmission is the only option available. It came standard with a limited-slip differential. Nismo collaborated with Yamaha to tune and upgrade the suspension. Beefy Brembo brakes sit on all four corners along with a Nismo exhaust. This is a no-nonsense go fast coupe in every aspect of driving. No gimmicks to make it look fast or crazy tech, just better parts across the car to make the chassis shine.

We still think that the Nismo 350Z is one of the craziest looking OEM+ cars ever produced. Put an early year base model 350Z next to a Nismo and the differences are staggering. The bodywork finds its origin in the championship-winning 350Z Super GT race car. Nissan pretty much said, "throw all aero on the production car". Somehow, they actually did that.

The front bumper has a wide central opening for increased cooling along with a massive front lip. The hood bulges to fit in the increased size of the HR engine. Matching side skirts and Nismo-specific RAYS forged wheels adorn the side of the car. Coming around back, you’ll find a large trunk-mounted wing which you can spot from a mile away.

Yet, our absolute favorite exterior piece has to be the rear bumper/diffuser combo. Still, one of the most impressive pieces of bodywork to come from a manufacturer for a road car. The square overhang juts out several inches more than a standard 350Z. It looks like a one-to-one piece straight from the race car. You could make a legitimate dinner out of the diffuser, no kidding.

With the updated bi-xenon HIDs and new LED tail lights, there is no question this is the best-looking 350Z model. Even now, the hyper-aggressive styling of the Nismo does not look a day old. Whether in styling or performance, the Nismo represents the pinnacle of the 350Z line-up.

We can’t forget that the 350Z is still one of the most livable two-seat sports coupes out there. It is far more roomier than a Mazda Miata. or Toyota MR2 Spyder It has adequate storage space and never feels cramped. The Nismo took the comfortable cabin of the 350Z and made it nicer all around.

Unique black and red Nismo sports seats are standard. The red-stitched steering wheel and door trim compliment the seats well. Nismo floor mats and a unique white-faced Nismo tachometer grace the instrument cluster. You even get a serialized aluminum plaque to display the exclusivity of the model. This wasn’t a car created as an afterthought. Nissan really wanted you to know that you’re sitting in something truly special and unique because it indeed is.

Over the course of seven years, Nissan produced over 158,000 350Z models. Of those, between 2007 and 2008, only 1,613 were Nismo variants. Nissan planned for the Nismo to be 10 percent of 350Z sales. However, in reality, the final production numbers of Nismo models was only one percent of existing 350Zs.

There has never been a more literal understanding of being within that one percent. At least within 350Z ownership. Yet, this goes to show you that this is not your regular Z, but it is unique and scarce. As a result, this is by far the most desirable 350Z available.

When new, the 350Z Nismo sold for $38,680 MSRP. Over the last five years, the average selling price of the 350Z Nismo is $26,212. We can’t help but emphasize how rare these cars are. If you search your local auto listing and you are outside a major metropolitan area, you’ll be lucky to even find one for sale.

Most existing 350Z Nismo owners are aware of the car’s rarity and collectability. As a result, these cars tend to be in much higher quality and condition compared to base models despite their age. The fact is that 350Z and 350Z Nismo buyers are not the same people. It is a completely different price range.

Whereas many early model 350Zs are available for under $10,000, this is not the case with the Nismo. If you see a Nismo under $20,000, it is most likely salvage title or seen a lot of miles at the race track. Yet, if you are in the market for one, expect these to continue to climb in price. There are less than 2,000 examples of the 350Z Nismo in existence! You’d think we are talking about exotic Italian exclusives, but this is a Nissan.

Even in Southern California, there are less than a handful of these currently for sale. There may be a reason why. This is the ultimate 350Z. This is as good as it gets and many Z owners prefer it to the newer 370Z. It’s simpler, it’s rawer, and it’s a joy to drive. The new 2023 Nissan Z is only now making its way stateside in the fall. Will there be a model better than the 350Z Nismo? We’ll have to wait to find out.

NISMO Nissan 350Z Type 380RS