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Z31 1988 300zx Shiro Special

Nissan 300ZX Shiro Special Edition

In January of 1988, Nissan held "A White Sale." As part of that promotion, Nissan introduced a special Limited Edition 300ZX Turbo—the Shiro Special Edition, known as the SS Edition. Finished in exclusive Pearl White (paint code #234; "Shiro" means "White" in Japanese), it’s an instant classic.

The SS Edition is the rarest Nissan Special Edition Z—only 1,002 units exported to the US, plus 75 to Canada (each Canadian car features a unique numbered badge). For comparison: there were 5,148 US-market ’84 Anniversary Editions, and 3,000 1980 280ZX 10th Anniversary Editions. Early research indicates just 678 units of the 2005 350Z 35th Anniversary Edition were sold in the US.

The Special Shiro Edition came fully loaded, with no available options:

Shiro Features

  • 1,002 made between Jan–Mar 1988
  • VG30ET engine – 205 HP
  • 5-speed overdrive manual transmission (no auto option)
  • Viscous LSD with 3.700:1 ratio
  • Two-seater
  • T-tops
  • Black interior
  • Cloth Recaro seats (See Picture)
  • Unique cloth inserts to match the Recaro seats
  • Exclusive 3-stage Pearl White paint (1988 only) Was offered in 1989 as well but these are not Shiro models
  • Exclusive white 16" wheels
  • Exclusive "European" air dam (shared with 1987–89 Euro turbo models)
  • Analog, white digit dash, amber lighting
  • Non-adjustable suspension
  • Thicker sway bars (26mm front, 25mm rear)
  • Higher rate springs (207 lb/in front, 224 lb/in rear)
  • Manual climate controls
  • About 125 lbs weight savings vs. standard Turbo model

How to Identify a True Shiro Special

To confirm your Z31 is a genuine SS edition, check the model plate on the driver's strut tower. Every Shiro Special has "SS" in the trim designation within the model code:

  • KHLZ31STNC – Canadian
  • KHLZ31STUC – Federal
  • KHLZ31STVC – California

USDM Shiro VIN Lookup

You can now look up a USDM Shiro VIN number here to verify the production information that has been added to the Database.

This Database was provided by Paul Hillman (aka AZ-Zbum)

The Shiro Production Number is listed under the Production column.

Shiro Values

The Shiro Special is one of the rarest Z31 models, with only 1,002 units produced for the U.S. market. Values vary significantly depending on mileage, originality, and condition.

Condition Price Range (USD) Notes
Driver Quality $10,000 – $15,000 Higher mileage, some cosmetic wear, may have non-original parts.
Well-Preserved $16,000 – $25,000 Good maintenance history, mostly original, 70k–120k miles.
Collector-Grade $26,000 – $35,000+ Low mileage, documented, original paint & interior, pristine condition.

Key Value Factors

  • Mileage – lower mileage cars bring a significant premium.
  • Originality – factory paint, Recaro seats, stock wheels, and complete documentation add value.
  • Condition – cosmetic and mechanical preservation matter equally for collectors.
  • Rarity – only 1,002 U.S. Shiro Specials were built, increasing desirability.

Sources Used