The idea of one car that can serve multiple purposes has long been a designer’s dream. In the mid-1980s, Nissan produced just such a vehicle: the Nissan Pulsar NX. One is recently for sale on eBay Motors in Winter Garden, Fla.
Shop now for NissansNever Caught On
Nissan intended the Pulsar NX to be a single car that could transform from a sporty coupe to a practical station wagon to a targa-esque convertible pickup. It was a novel idea that never quite caught on.
The Pulsar NX was designed at Nissan’s Southern California studio, combining elements from several previous concept cars. Initially, the powertrain was a relatively conventional four-cylinder engine displacing 1.6 liters, but it increased to 1.8 liters during a mid-model-cycle refresh. The engine in higher-spec trims did boast multi-valve technology that was advanced for its time.
Three in One
What set the Pulsar NX apart was its modular back half. Behind the C-pillars, the entire rear window and deck could be swapped for different structures. A notchback structure gives the Pulsar NX a coupe profile. A Kammback structure called the SportBak turned it into a shooting brake, or two-door wagon. Finally, the Pulsar NX could be operated with no back as an open-top ute with a Targa-style hoop.
Further transformations were possible with removable T-top roof sections above the driver and passenger seats. Along with flip-up headlights and diagonal slit taillights, the Pulsar NX epitomized 1980s futurism in both design and concept.
Shop now for OEM Pulsar NX parts‘80s Aesthetic
The car for sale captures the ‘80s aesthetic even better because it comes complete with an Erebuni body kit from the same era. Though some may find the strakes and side skirts excessive, it’s one of the tamer kits made by the US-based Erebuni company. The seller says it’s the only Erebuni Pulsar NX kit to have the matching front bumper cover.
This first-model-year Pulsar NX comes with the early 1.6-liter Nissan engine. Fortunately, as an SE trim-level car, it has a multi-valve twin-cam head making 113 horsepower (over the base single-cam’s 70 horsepower). Even better, the more powerful engine is paired with a five-speed manual transmission rather than the optional three-speed automatic. These engines are known to be pretty durable and easy to work on. The 96,400 miles on the odometer shouldn’t be a dealbreaker.
Shop now for Pulsar NX partsFair Deal
The asking price of $9,500 or best offer is a fair deal considering the rarity of the body kit and modular parts. Take note, though: The seller says the notchback is not included in the sale price but is available for an additional price to be negotiated. Still, finding both together can be difficult. Buyers would often separate the pieces and lose track of them or may have never bought the whole set in the first place.
The ’80s was a time when carmakers were willing to take risks with out-of-the-box thinking. The Nissan Pulsar NX is a prime, if short-lived, example. Sadly, after its run ended in 1990, Nissan didn’t expand the idea to other models, nor did other manufacturers. As such, it’s the only modular car that saw production in significant numbers, and it’s available for a surprisingly affordable price today.
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