FYI: A 1996 Nissan Maxima with just 520 miles is capturing the nostalgia of classic car enthusiasts, mirroring the collectible nature of mint-condition toys.
Classic Car Preservation: Rediscovering the 1996 Nissan Maxima
Straight from the Golden Era
This 1996 Nissan Maxima, carefully preserved and housed with only 520 miles on its odometer, is the adult equivalent of a cherished childhood collectible. Still dressed in its original paint and bearing its dealer tags and window stickers, the vehicle epitomizes nostalgia with immaculate preservation.
Peak Performance and Engineering
Hailing from Nissan’s golden age, this Maxima features the much-acclaimed VQ30DE 3.0-liter DOHC V6 engine. Renowned for its balance of smoothness, reliability, and exceptional performance, the engine delivers 190 horsepower and 205 lb-ft of torque, paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission that expertly handles front-wheel drive.
Quick Specs – 1996 Maxima Gle
- Assembly Site: Japanese Oppama Plant
- Engine: 3.0L VQ30DE DOHC V6
- Horsepower: 190 hp
- Torque: 205 lb-ft
- Suspension: Double wishbone front, multi-link rear
- Original MSRP: $28,597
Luxury Meets Practicality
Embodied as Nissan’s flagship, the Maxima balanced luxury with practicality. The double wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear provided superior handling. With features such as ABS, 15-inch alloy wheels, and power-assisted 4-wheel disc brakes with original Michelin tires, the Maxima offered comfort alongside robust performance.
The Showroom Experience
This Maxima retains its showroom freshness with a cabin designed for the executive of the 90s. Equipped with a real Bose sound system, wood grain trim, automatic climate control, and even CD and cassette players, the vehicle boasted advanced features for its time. Having a mere 520 miles, it includes all original owner manuals and the dealership’s window sticker.
The Maxima offered a semblance of luxury akin to higher-end models while maintaining affordability, providing a preserved slice of automotive history for collectors and enthusiasts alike. Seen as "Lexus Lite" at the time, this nearly pristine specimen holds a unique place as a collectible, comparable to toys left untouched in their original packaging.
Summary
In the world of automotive collectibles, the 1996 Nissan Maxima stands out as a preserved classic, offering a full-size embodiment of nostalgia and historical integrity. For collectors, it represents an opportunity to own a piece of automotive excellence.
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Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
