Z31 1988 300zx Shiro Special
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
Sources Used
- z31.com wiki
- AZ-Zbum's 88SS Registry
- Image by: Adamvann3