In 1984 Nissan Motors produced 73,652 of its all new 300ZX. Of these Z cars **5,464 limited-edition 300ZX Turbos were badged to honor Nissan's 50th Anniversary. This Z came with no options except for a 4 speed automatic transmission. The cost of this Z ($26,000) was very pricy for the time.
The AE drivetrain and standard features were the same as the standard 84 turbo but the package included many extras. This consisted of silver metallic paint(#365), ground effects, rocker-panel appliqués, fender flares and turbo-finned 16" wheels with Pirelli P7 tires. Stiffer springs by 10% and a 1 mm thicker front anti-roll bar along with a stiffer recalibration of the adjustable shocks were said to have improved high speed stability.
Interior features included black leather upholstery with special gold-embossed AE emblems and full digital electronic instrument display. The AM/FM 80-watt, 8 speaker stereo with steering wheel control also featured a Bodysonic sound system. Just turn the knob and the seats vibrate to the beat of the stereo.
A car cover, floor mats and a gold key with the 50th logo also were standard features.
Exterior features included a T-Bar roof with mirror-glazed panels and bronze tinted windows. Triple gold pin striping along with gold turbo graphics and AE fender emblems top off this unique 300ZX Turbo package.
Power was supplied by a Turbocharged 3.0-liter (SOHC) 60-degree v6. This generated 200 HP @ 5200 rpm and 227 ft. lbs of torque @ 3600 rpm. The gear box is a 5-speed overdrive manual (4-speed automatic optional) and the final drive ratio is 3.545 This power plant was able to produce 0-60 in the low 7 second range and 1/4 mile times and speeds at 15.4 sec. @ 88 mph. Top speed is limited to 137 mph. Speeds in the 140+ mph range could be reached with the limiter disconnected.
Z Car & Classic Datsun Magazine picked the AE a sure bet for collector car status. I hope this info can be used as a quick reference for those of you interested in this limited edition package.
Important Note: Many Datsun/Nissan dealerships in 1984 attached AE badges (which were found in the glove box of most non anniversary edition 1984 models) to non-AE 300ZX's. These Z's were sold as, and to this day are being passed off as AE's. If your Z does not have the color scheme and features mentioned on this site you don't own a real AE. For more information or any comments about this site or the AE please contact Steve Carrero.
