If you've been thinking about buying a 350Z but wanted something unique, you may be intersted in a Limited Edition Bob Sharp GT-33 car. Bob Sharp first produced GT-33's in the 70's when he ran Bob Sharp Motors in Wilton. He is now partnering with Nissan Darien to again produce a limited supply of GT-33 cars based upon both the 350Z and Altima coupe.

The 350Z version includes:

Rear spoiler (Stillen)
Front splitter (Veilside)
Graphics package (colors vary depending upon car color)
NISMO cat-back exhaust
NISMO air intake
Painted brake calipers

The GT-33 can be built on any Z model based upon customer preference.

I purchased the first red GT-33 and you can see pictures of it under the Members Rides section. For an indication of how the car looks in white, check out Bob's car in the Member's Rides section.

If you or anyone else is interested, please contact me at ross@ctzcc.com.

Regards, Ross

OK, Ross ~

You've had this car for a full month / 34,000 miles now. How about giving us your frank appraisal on it? Keep in mind you're driving the far-end result of the original Datsun 240Z idea which Mr. K devised back in 1969....every Z owner is proud to see how far the marque has advanced. But few of us will ever be rich enough to buy a new one (I'm planning on getting a USED 2010 model in 2031), so tell us what it's like!
No ZCar was ever perfect; fit, finish, road noise, braking, aerodynamics, balance, interior heat, visibility, metalurgy etc all were factors they've had time to work on (and they had Bob Sharp yelling at them about how to do it) for about 40yrs now, so WHAT's IT LIKE???
Frank

Hey Frank -
I have to say the experience of buying a brand-new 350Z has been an awesome one. I love the GT-33 package and would buy it again. My car is based upon the Grand Touring model, which has some extra goodies.

HIGHS:
Stereo that toggles between CD/FM/XM using steering wheel controls. I have subscribed to XM for a few years now but always had the messy look of the XM controller. Having it integrated into the stock Bose stereo and steering wheel controls is fantastic.

The NAV system is very cool but that is probably in part due to it being my first one. You can even type in a phone number to find a location. You can also set it to display points of interest along your route such as gas stations. The integrated voice-recognition phone is also very cool and I use it a lot. The integration of the phone/stereo/NAV system is seamless and very professionally done.

I love the stripe package, NISMO exhaust and intake, front and rear spolier and Brembo brakes.

I have never had XENON headlights before and they really make a huge difference.

The interior is very well finished with a high-tech look and feel.

You have all heard the term "it drives like it is riding on rails". This phrase clearly applies to this car. I have not pushed it yet, but I am amazed at how it corners. It is the most responsive car I have ever driven.

Gas mileage highway is between 24 & 25, which ain't bad!

LOWS:
For the money you pay, you would think that Nissan would provide a port for an i-pod!

Not that I am a speed-demon but I was surprised that the car is not faster than it is. It is surprising to be passed after a full stop by normal everyday cars (at least one minivan!). Not that I am racing them off the line, but I just was surprised that you really need to step on the pedal hard and go through the gears fast to make the car go! It probably is me because when riding around with Bob Sharp, his 350 goes a lot faster!

In today's day and age, the NAV system should have a touch screen. It can take a while to type in an address toggling between characters of the alphabet. You also have to click enter EVERY time you get into the car to move from the "warning" screen to the maps.

Blind-spot visibility is non-existent. But that is OK by me as I am just extra careful.

Thnx Ross ~ Now I want TWO of them.

NISSAN probably did include an iPod port somewhere; you just haven't found it yet!

Bob and I took a trip to Lime Rock recently and then attended a car show in Stamford. Some pictures of the two GT-33 cars together:

Beautiful cars.
(I like the Packard Patrician convertible in the background, too! Wonder if the foghorns still work?)

GT-33 for sale on e-bay from Nissan Darien:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Nissan-3 ... 239371319&

Please spread the word if you know anyone who wants one of these fantastic cars. Thanks, Ross