Nissan Launches Heritage Parts & Restomod Program for Classic Z and Datsun Models

Nissan enthusiasts have a reason to celebrate this April. The automaker is launching a factory-backed heritage parts and restomod program, promising industrial-level support for classic Nissan and Infiniti models. This initiative comes as a direct response to the growing demand from owners struggling to source original or replacement parts for aging vehicles.

In an exclusive interview with The Drive on the latest episode of The Drivecast, Senior Vice President and Chief Planning Officer for Nissan North America, Ponz Pandikuthira, revealed the company’s ambitious plans. Speaking to The Drive’s Joel Feder, Pandikuthira outlined a structured approach to reviving heritage parts and introducing restomod kits for models like the Nissan 300ZX and Datsun Z.

Nissan’s Heritage Parts Initiative: A Game-Changer for Classic Car Owners

Feder, who owns a 1990 Nissan 300ZX 2+2, highlighted the challenges of sourcing parts for classic vehicles. Pandikuthira acknowledged these difficulties and assured Feder of Nissan’s commitment to addressing them. He stated:

“Tell you what, Joel, you give me between six and 12 months and I’m going to give you a guy who you’re going to reach out to directly who is going to facilitate this stuff at an industrial level. That’s all I can say for now. There’s somebody working on this through Nissan, obviously, that we’ve intentionally put this person in place, but he’s in study mode right now to evaluate how this can be done at an industrial level. He’ll be doing exactly what you’re talking about.”

When Feder clarified whether this meant bringing heritage parts back into production to support enthusiast cars, Pandikuthira confirmed and added:

“And to do restomod-style builds.”

He further emphasized Nissan’s intention to take a serious approach, unlike dabbling:

“We won’t dabble. We’re going into an actual facility where this stuff can be done, talking to different tuners, making the parts available. So this individual who’s got a history in making this stuff happen and has a motorsports background, is working on it.”

Expanding Beyond the 300ZX: Datsun Kits and More

Pandikuthira hinted at even more ambitious plans, including the possibility of introducing a Datsun kit. This would allow owners to transform a classic Z into a retro-styled Datsun, complete with original logos and design elements. He noted:

“Who knows, we might even offer a Datsun kit for people who want to take the original Z and then make the Datsun version of it from way back then with the original Datsun logos. I think that could be heck of a business, Joel.”

This initiative follows in the footsteps of competitors like Toyota, which launched its heritage parts program in 2022, and Honda, which has begun offering NSX heritage parts. Nissan’s move signals a broader industry trend toward supporting classic car enthusiasts with factory-backed solutions.

The program is expected to launch within the next 12 months, with a dedicated team already in place to evaluate and execute the revival of heritage parts and restomod kits. Owners of classic Nissan and Datsun models can look forward to improved access to parts and new opportunities to customize their vehicles.