Description

Model History

Based on the N15 generation of Nissan’s Pulsar hatchback, the VZ-R was a high-performance, homologation model made to qualify the Pulsar for the Group N Touring Car class. Aiming to compete against Honda’s EK9 Civic Type R, Nissan equipped the Pulsar VZ-R with a heavily tuned version of its 1.6L SR16VE four-cylinder engine, featuring Nissan’s variable valve timing system – Nissan Ecologically Oriented Variable Valve Timing and Lift (NEO-VVL), producing 197 hp and 123.4 hp per litre, making it the highest specific power output of any production car at its time (for direct comparison, Honda’s EK9 Type R and its 1.6L VTEC-equipped four-cylinder engine pushed out 114 hp per litre). Additional changes to make the VZ-R stand out from a regular Pulsar included an Autech front bumper and grille, rear hatch spoiler, and rear tow hook. Reportedly, only 500 examples were made, all sold exclusively for Japan.

History File

This is a 1999 Nissan Pulsar VZ-R, finished in Bluish Silver Metallic with a Grey interior. This car was originally imported from Japan to Hong Kong in 2021 – the seller acquired this example via the Japanese secondhand vehicle website Goo-Net, though no auction sheet grading its initial condition can be provided at this time. Since taking delivery of this car, they have carried out a routine engine oil and transmission fluid change. No modifications have been done to the exterior, interior, or running gear of this car – both during its life in Japan and in Hong Kong. The seller reports that all of the body panels carry their original Bluish Silver Metallic paint finish – this car has not experienced any prior accident damage or resprays, though does report there is some minor surface rust under the bonnet; the state of the undercarriage is unknown at this time. All of the main electronics work and operate normally – though the seller reports the front passenger side window currently experiences an issue that prevents it from opening and closing without interruptions (this issue affects the window whether the driver’s or front passenger side window switches are used).

This car has a current mileage of 37,943 km (the seller has confirmed this is a genuine mileage reading). Please note this car is currently unregistered to drive in Hong Kong and is open to international buyers – the seller has a First Registration Tax estimate already calculated for this car and has ensured this car can pass emission testing if the next keeper wishes to register this car in Hong Kong.

Exterior

All of the Bluish Silver Metallic bodywork has been preserved in its original paint finish and state – with no signs of surface blemishes or damage to note of. The front and rear bumpers & side skirts are fully intact, including the front grille. Both side doors, the bonnet and rear hatch open and close normally – as reported by the seller, some mild surface rust/patina was observed on the rear hatch hinges, as well as under the bonnet but this does not affect the normal opening and closing of both body panels respectively and is to be expected of a classic car. Both side door handles and mirrors are fully intact with no surface scratches. All of the primary lights – the headlights, taillights and side markers illuminate normally. All of the exterior badges and stickers – from the Nissan logo to the ‘VZ-R’ sticker on the rear are present. All four original Pulsar VZ-R alloy wheels are in excellent condition with no kerb rash, with only the smallest surface patina observed on the rear passenger side wheel. The rear exhaust pipe was observed to be in excellent condition with no surface patina or missing portions.

Interior and Trim

Step inside and a clean, functional compact interior of a 90s Nissan greets you. Both front and rear cloth seats are free of any surface stains or tears. The MOMO steering wheel is free of any surface peeling, as are the leather gear knob and handbrake lever. All of the dashboard and surrounding plastic trim is fully intact with no surface scratches. The original radio-cassette player has been preserved and functions normally. Both side door panels and door sills are free of any surface wear. The footwells carry their original Pulsar floor mats, with neither carrying any holes or stains. All of the interior switchgear and buttons feel solid to touch and none show any surface tiredness. The white-faced instrument cluster and all of its dials function normally, including its LCD display (in the lower section of the speedometer). As reported by the seller, the front passenger side window does have some trouble lowering and raising without interruptions, but a replacement of the window motors can resolve this issue – the driver’s side window and all of the other interior electronics (air-conditioning, interior lights) operate without any issues to report of.

Engine and Running Gear 

Turn the key and this Pulsar VZ-R’s highlight, its 1.6L SR16VE engine comes to life instantly. The engine bay has been preserved in all of its original form – presenting this specially-tuned Nissan engine beautifully. This naturally aspirated, high-revving unit is eager to be utilised at the highest rev ranges, with all of its power available at the top end. The 5-Speed manual transmission is direct and precise to use with each gear change – communicative with the rest of the driver inputs and steering that are all direct and responsive to use. While this hatch is focused on delivering a performance-centred drive, cabin noise was kept to a minimum – well insulated from this car’s surroundings and the road. The brakes are responsive to use and provide plenty of stopping power to bring this hatchback to a halt. For any fan of niche, Japanese-exclusive models or looking for a comparable rival to Honda’s famous Civic Type R, the Nissan Pulsar VZ-R  is the perfect alternative to Honda’s VTEC hot hatch, exclusively available at the Car Farm.

Buyer’s Premium:

5% of Winning Bid

(Minimum – HKD8,000.00)

(Maximum – HKD50,000.00)