In the realm of automotive enthusiasts, certain cars rise to legendary status, and the Nissan Z series undoubtedly claims its place at the top. Widely regarded as one of Nissan’s most iconic creations, the Fairlady Z, affectionately known as “the Z,” first graced the streets of Japan in October 1969. Nearly 60 years later, this classic design continues to captivate car aficionados with its timeless appeal.
The Z’s enduring popularity can be attributed to its unique position in the world of sports cars. It has consistently offered a blend of accessibility, performance, and affordability, a tradition that Nissan proudly upholds today.
Over the years, the Z has undergone significant transformations, from its Datsun origins to the 300ZX era and the more recent fifth and sixth generations, which continue to dominate the market. These iterations have consistently provided a powerful and affordable platform that has won the hearts of countless builders and enthusiasts.
One such builder, and a respected member of the Thirdworld family, is Lee Zheng, better known as @panda_370z on social media. Lee has meticulously crafted his 2009 NISMO 370Z into a machine that effortlessly combines raw power with sleek elegance. If you’re a car enthusiast, you’ve probably stumbled upon the panda 370Z in one corner of the internet or another, as it has enjoyed its fair share of online stardom. Moreover, Lee’s photography skills behind the lens only add to the allure of his automotive masterpiece. Be sure to check out his Instagram for a closer look.
Lee’s journey with the NISMO 370Z began with inspiration from the 350Z, and it was an obvious choice for him due to its stunning design and personal preference. After three years of hard work and dedication, his car stands today as a testament to the endless possibilities of automotive customization. And the good news is, he’s far from done. According to Lee, “Widebody, boost, bagged are the big three. Wrap, engine bay, interior, and exterior are the icing on the cake.” This build is still in its early stages, promising even more excitement in the future.
Let’s start with the wheels, shall we? Lee opted for Work Meister S1’s, a perfect complement to the aggressive Carbon Signal fenders, front lip, and side blades. And let’s not forget the impeccable stance achieved through an expertly dialed-in air suspension setup.
The Carbon Signal wing add-on and diffuser seamlessly enhance the NISMO’s already eye-catching rear end.
For his Airlift setup, Lee’s choice was a Specialty Suspension 4-gallon tank in pearl white, coupled with Varis 444c dual compressors. Other performance-enhancing features include an Spc front/rear camber/toe kit, StopTech drilled/slotted rotors, a Z1 19-row oil cooler, Southbend stage 3 daily clutch, and a 19lb lightweight flywheel Zspeed CSC.
It’s the meticulous attention to detail that truly sets this build apart, from the Tommy Kaira Hebi Bebi shift knob to the custom blacked-out headlights with color-changing demon eyes and halos. Lee’s build is a masterpiece of precision and aesthetic perfection.
Under the hood, a modest HKS Hi-power exhaust and Berk HFCs are the prelude to what promises to be an exciting future—with boost on the horizon. The K&N Drop-in air filter further enhances performance.
In the world of automotive customization, the NISMO 370Z built by Lee Zheng, @panda_370z, stands as a testament to the boundless creativity and dedication of car enthusiasts. The Z series may have evolved over the years, but its enduring appeal and adaptability continue to inspire passionate builders like Lee to push the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of custom cars. We can’t wait to see what’s next in store for this stunning machine.
Parts List
Exterior/Interior:
Carbon Signal V2 fenders
Carbon Signal Nismo front lip
Carbon Signal Side blades
Carbon Signal diffuser
Carbon Signal wing add-on(carbon fiber)
Evo-R rear fog light
Work Meister S1 3P
Project Kics R40 neo lug nuts
3m reflective vinyl wrapped Ankebono BBK
Custom blacked out headlights with color changing demon eyes and halo
Blacked out roof Blacked out emblems and door handlers
Top Secret Fuel Cap
Tommy Kaira Hebi Bebi shift knob
Engine/Power/Performance Mods
HKS Hi-power exhaust
Berk HFCs
K&N Drop-in air filter
Airlift air suspensions with 3p management system
Specialty Suspension 4 gal tank in pearl white
Varis 444c duel compressors
Spc front/rear camber/toe kit
StopTech drilled/slotted rotors
Z1 19 row oil cooler
Southbend stage 3 daily clutch
19ib light weight flywheel Zspeed CSC
