Nissan is entering the heritage parts market, and US enthusiasts will also benefit.

      **Alex Bellus Photography**

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      This April, it's a festive time for Nissan and Infiniti fans. With factory-backed support, heritage components, restomod kits, and more are on the horizon. This development stems from enthusiasts now filling key executive positions.

      In Yokohama, Japan, Ponz Pandikuthira, Senior Vice President and Chief Planning Officer for Nissan North America, shared exclusively with The Drive during a recent episode of The Drivecast that Nissan is entering the heritage parts and restomod market at a serious level.

      You can listen to the full discussion starting from when Pandikuthira shares exciting updates below.

      I have a blue-on-blue 1990 Nissan 300ZX 2+2 parked in my garage. When I explained to Pandikuthira the challenges of sourcing OEM parts for this vehicle and the struggle to find new mufflers, he quickly revealed what many classic Nissan and Datsun enthusiasts have wished for.

      In response, Pandikuthira stated, “Listen, Joel, give me six to twelve months, and I’ll connect you with a person who will help you with this on an industrial scale. That’s all I can disclose for now. Nissan has positioned someone specifically for this task, and this person is currently assessing how we can execute this on a large scale. He will be carrying out exactly what you’re referring to.”

      When I clarified that this meant bringing heritage parts back into production for enthusiast vehicles, Pandikuthira confirmed with a nod and added, “And to support restomod-style builds.”

      He also remarked, “Many other brands are already doing it, and we haven’t excelled in this area.”

      It's true. Toyota began this journey in 2022 and has been working on new AE86 engine components. Honda is launching a program for NSX heritage parts. Now it's Nissan’s turn.

      “We’re not going to just dabble. We’re setting up a real facility where the necessary work can be accomplished, collaborating with various tuners to make parts available. This individual, who has a background in making this happen and comes from a motorsports background, is actively working on it. Once he makes significant strides, I’ll connect you,” Pandikuthira said.

      Earlier in our conversation, he mentioned, “Who knows, we could even provide a Datsun kit for those who want to transform the original Z into the classic Datsun version with the original logos. I believe that could be quite a business opportunity, Joel.”

      Indeed.

      As an owner of a 36-year-old 300ZX with blue plastic components, I say, bring it on! I can't wait, and please make sure to include the plastic retainer clips for the rear sunshade. I’m down to just one or two left in stock.

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