Hey everyone — I’m creating an original sumi-e (ink brush) illustration of the ZX300 and I want it to feel instantly correct to people who actually know the car — not “close enough” from random Google shots.

I’d love your input on what makes an z31 look right:

• Most iconic angle: front 3/4, rear 3/4, pure side profile, cockpit, engine bay?

• Must-have cues: headlights/hood line, bumper shapes, tail lights, trunk line, mirrors, stance, wheel style, interior details (anything that screams “z31”).

• Best factory looks: favorite OEM colors + wheel combos (and what to avoid).

• Common mistakes in drawings: proportions, ride height, wrong bumper, wrong wheels, weird greenhouse, etc.

If you’re comfortable, feel free to drop your own photos (even phone pics are fine). I’ll use them only as reference for proportions/details, not as a direct trace.
Please share photos only if you’re OK with them being used as reference for a commercial artwork later (prints/mugs/tees). Happy to credit your username when I post the finished piece, and I can send a small thank-you perk to contributors once the artwork is done.

I’ll post a first sketch here soon and iterate based on your feedback. Thanks — I’d rather get the z31 “feel” right than produce another generic drawing, especially in times when we are flooded with so much AI slop.

I'll add right away that although I really like the style of cars from the 80s, which I was born in by the way, I have a big problem with capturing an attractive shot of this particular model. I have a concept in mind with a Shiro Special 300ZX version, but I don't know if it won't be too far off.

Is there anyone on the forum who can help me a bit or is the z31 a lost cause?
Maybe I should rephrase the question. I'll try to explain what I mean.
I'm creating a Z31 variant in my head which I like the most based on pictures online because I've never had the opportunity to see one in person.
When it comes to the front, I think I like this one the most

but there is a problem with the back I hate this one



This one seems interesting and quite unique but I don't know if it's an aftermarket one?




because I usually see this


I wouldn't want to create a Frankenstein, could someone give me some guidance?
Please.

Edited February 4Feb 4 by damusto

Browse through the 300ZX listings on BaT and you'll find the differences.

Here's a couple.

https://bringatrailer.com/search/?s=1984+300zx

https://bringatrailer.com/search/?s=1988+300zx

Thanks for supporting the thread.
And thanks for the tip - I’m looking through it now, though it’s not an easy path.
It caught my attention that some cars still have the Datsun name on them; I can’t find clear info on when Nissan dropped that branding. I thought it happened after the success of the 240 and 280, but it looks like I’m missing something.
I love this interior - it reminds me of my dad’s old hi-fi gear. Such a great vibe.Uploading Attachment...

OK, I’ve dug through a lot of material, but I still have some gaps.
It looks like some Z31s were sold badged as Datsuns up to around 1986 - does that sound right?

And what I like is the pre-facelift front and rear, but the taillights include an rare aftermarket piece: the KAMINARI center panel.
Does that combination make sense and hold together?

16 hours ago, damusto said:

It caught my attention that some cars still have the Datsun name on them; I can’t find clear info on when Nissan dropped that branding.

Hi, In the USA Datsun was changed later then in europe.. WE changed in 1983 in europe from Datsun to Nissan.

12 hours ago, damusto said:

what I like is the pre-facelift front and rear, but the taillights include an rare aftermarket piece: the KAMINARI center panel.

I would go for the early look like 1984 1985, where you had the black bumpers and not those stupid black tumours on them for the plate lighting! (It looks like Nissan forgot to put some plate lights on and put them later on, it looks horrible! ) Just my opinion..

You're right 84/85, slightly lowered, body color is Cherry Red Pearl and simple multi spoke bronze rims. And and the rear package from KAMINARI bumper and Lights. This option is currently on my mind.
I would be grateful if someone could upload more reference photos of a similar configuration that would allow me to paint it nicely

Czy ta łyżka jest OEM?

Edited February 5Feb 5 by damusto

Probably not.

I'm sorry, my wife distracted me and my brain switched to Polish.
I think it was a factory element for the turbo version. I found it in photos from historical press tests.
In my opinion, it seemed to provide more cool air to the intake.

Many people call that a "scoop" or hood scoop. They are usually fake, but some manufacturers made them functional.

https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1969-pontiac-gto-judge-29/

Yes, I've seen them many times. My 206RC has something like that, although in this case, the air is directed into the cabin.

But my question is, were they factory-installed on the 300ZX Z31 and were they functional?
Was it only in the turbo version? or regionally?