Stock 240SX Sells For $31k After 26 Years And 119K Miles

As stock 240SX prices soar, we discuss whether it’s wiser to modify these rare gems or opt for a more affordable, drift-ready alternative.

A recent sale on Bring-a-Trailer saw this 1997 Nissan 240SX S14 sell for a whopping $31,000, making it the most expensive US 240SX sale we’ve seen, despite having 119,000 honest miles on the clocks. No, it’s not been hiding in a museum, and we’re not entirely sure it’d blend in too well with multi-million dollar Ferraris, either!

At Drifted, when we see a 240SX, the first thing we wonder about is what’s lying under the hood in replacement for the disappointing stock truck engine it left the factory with. However, amidst all the modified mayhem, forgotten stock models are becoming highly sought-after classics, and they’re fetching some serious cash.

You may be thinking it’s been slapped with the usual “JDM tax,” but that isn’t the case here since this isn’t the Japanese-spec S14, known as the 200SX in the motherland, which was treated to the far superior turbocharged SR20DET. This brought up to 217 horsepower in stock form, with plenty of tuning potential.

Hell, even “scene tax” doesn’t really apply. It’s just a simple, honest LHD 240SX with a (massively underpowered) naturally aspirated KA24DE, producing just 155 horsepower and 160 pound-feet of torque when new, which has remained unmodified since it rolled out of the showroom 26 years ago.

It’s becoming increasingly hard to find a stock S-chassis these days. Let’s be honest – the mediocre build quality, which leaves them at risk to the elements, combined with enthusiasts like us desperate to throw them sideways, definitely doesn’t help.

While keeping things stock might not be our preference, we have huge respect for those who manage to resist the temptation of exploring what this incredible chassis truly has to offer, and this example is solid proof that doing so pays off in the long run.

What Makes This 240SX So Special?

Honestly, not as much as you might think! We agree $31,000 is a lot for a 26-year-old Nissan. However, the days of cheap 240SXs, whether modified or in stock form, are well and truly over.

We’ll admit that drifters are mostly to blame for these cars becoming increasingly rare, and now it’s clear that collectors, or even those looking for a little nostalgia, are willing to pay top dollar for a stock example.

Finding one this clean is a rarity, and it’s clearly been well cared for. The owner, who owned it since it was brand new, classes it as his “precious baby” in the comments. It even comes with its original window sticker still intact and an OEM car cover to keep it (somewhat) protected from the elements.

Admittedly, it’s a refreshingly different approach to what we’re used to seeing, where 240s are repeatedly bashed off the walls at the local track.

Inside, you get a completely original interior, complete with rare “titanium” leather (which looks like cream to us.)

In the back, you get the traditional “bucket” style seats, along with almost zero legroom for anyone older than five who wishes to tag along as a passenger.

Despite the mileage, the plush OEM floor mats still look perfect, and it also comes with a completely original cassette/CD player.

Thankfully, there are also some modern extras, such as air conditioning and cruise control, along with a power sunroof complete with a rare visor.

You even get the rarely-seen OEM twin “pea-shooter” exhausts at the rear.

The glove compartment is filled with a whole lotta history, too. The seller, who had owned it since it was new, stated that he’d carried out oil changes every 3,750 miles to keep the KA in tip-top condition.

Among that history is the original sales receipt for $24,998 – $6,002 less than the auction’s sale price. Of course, there’s inflation and whatever else to consider, but you still get the idea. It sounds like he sure did get to “Enjoy The Ride” in that time.

Given The Price Tag, It Must Be Perfect, Right?

Of course not. After 119,000 miles – it’s certainly no spring chicken! However, that only makes us wonder what a truly perfect 240SX would be worth.

Under the hood, you can see the rip-snorting KA in all its glory (mild exaggeration), with some very minor surface rust in various places. Thankfully, there are no destroyed strut towers or any of the other usual suspects we’d be keeping an eye out for. A few spots of light surface corrosion on non-structural parts might not look too desirable, but it can be easily fixed. It’s the deeper, less obvious aspects that often creep up on you!

Underneath, it looks super clean, but again, it’s not perfect. A few rusty bolts would be the least of our concerns when it comes to 26-year-old Nissan metal.

The tires are shinier than the stock 16-inch wheels, which have clearly seen a generous dose of an acid-based wheel cleaner at some point. However, they all look to have avoided the “curb rash,” which is great to see. A trip to the local body shop would have them looking perfect again.

The front of the car shows typical signs of wear, such as stone chippings. The owner has touched up the leading edge of the hood, and a light detail could restore its original shine.

The biggest issues with the vehicle are the right window switch and the speakers. Not bad, huh? The owner admits that the stock speakers are trash, but he was too eager to keep them OEM rather than replace them with superior aftermarket alternatives – we respect that!

It may not be pristine, but it’s all (very little) honest wear-and-tear that comes as no surprise after twenty-six years of being used as intended, and there’s no question that the owner has cared for it to the best of his ability (even if he may have benefited from a better detailer!)

It’s fantastic to see someone truly care for these less-obvious classics in this way. It’s also equally refreshing to see the new owner still willing to pay big bucks despite the mileage and imperfections. It shows that looking after your pride and joy is often worth the effort.

Is This 240SX The Perfect Engine Swap Candidate?

When I first showed the listing to a buddy who knows no better than to drift everything imaginable, his first comment was, “What engine would you put in it? RB, SR? Much to his surprise, I responded, – “I’d leave the KA.”

That’s not because I’m a fan of the hideously underpowered truck engine, which produces a maximum of 155 horsepower in stock form. I’m not saying I’d necessarily be able to resist the temptation of turbo-swapping it, either. I mean, the KA is capable of handling up to 600 horsepower with the right mods, but I’ll stop there…

If you’re looking for something highly modified, there will be plenty of other options on the market. Here are a couple of alternatives we’ve found:

HKS-Inspired RB25-Powered S14 240SX

This HKS replica RB25DET-powered 240 is a good example of what you could be looking for. It produces around 450 horsepower at the wheels from the R33 Skyline GTS-T-sourced straight-six RB25DET engine.

We’re unsure what the final reserve was set for, but it only reached $13,500 at auction. If you message the owner, you may well be able to pick up a bargain.

With its welded differential, TEIN coilovers, and plenty of other drift-spec goodies in the mods list, it’ll be capable of pulling off some sweet slides. However, we recommend opting for some racing bucket seats before you end up on the passenger side mid-drift! While you’re there, perhaps spice up the interior a little more with an aftermarket wheel and a hydro? Now we’re talking!

As an added bonus, we bet those HKS-inspired graphics could hide some war wounds well once you get skidding!

Millennium Jade LS2 V8-Powered S14 240SX

If you’re looking for something super clean and tastefully modified, this stunning 240 with an LS2 SIKKY V8 swap pushing out 426 horsepower and 452 pound-feet of torque went for more than $6k less than the completely stock example.

It provides a nice middle ground between the two options above for those looking for a 240SX that’ll stand out on the streets. It even features the stunning, rare “Millenium Jade” color, best known for its presence on R34 Skyline GT-Rs.

It brings plenty of premium, well-thought-through mods. The engine gets upgraded with ported 806 heads and competition cams, combined with a Spec stage 2 clutch paired with a Tremec T56 Magnum 6-speed manual transmission.

At the rear, there’s a 300ZX limited slip differential (LSD), which can go sideways, but a 2-way would be ideal if that’s your intention. For handling, you’re treated to the awesome adjustable BC Racing coilovers, and for stopping power, there’s a Mitsubishi Evo 8 front and Nissan Z32 rear brake upgrade – perfect for hydro lock-ups.

If you add up the price of all these mods, especially the cost of the LS2 swap, you’ll soon realize how much of a bargain this is.

Maybe It’s Time To Leave The Clean Classics Alone?

As the 240SX becomes increasingly rare in stock form, we’re reaching a tipping point where preserving these clean, unmodified examples is becoming increasingly important, whether they’re USDM or JDM models. While the temptation of modding is undeniable, especially for us drift enthusiasts, there’s a growing argument for keeping these super-clean classics intact.

There’s no shortage of 240s on the market that have already been prepped for drifting and swapped out with your perfect engine under the hood, saving you time, money, and hassle. They’ll also likely set you back a fraction of the price while preserving the stock OEM classics just the way they’re meant to be.

So the next time you come across a pristine, stock 240SX, consider whether buying a modified example might be a better investment – both for your drifting goals and for preserving drifting history. After all, the S-chassis was introduced at a pivotal moment, helping to spark the global drifting phenomenon and cementing its status as an iconic platform for enthusiasts worldwide.

Of course, there are plenty of other platforms you could consider that won’t bring the same iconic status as the legendary S-chassis and the cost that comes with owning a piece of its legacy.

Cheaper options such as these could be perfect considerations for those of you looking to get sideways without breaking the bank:

• Nissan 350Z
• Infiniti G35
• Mazda Miata
• Lexus IS
• Lexus GS300
• BMW 3-series
• Mazda RX-8
• Ford Mustang
• Nissan 300ZX
• Subaru BRZ/Scion FR-S

For even more ideas, check out our guides on the best cheap drift cars and best budget project cars to find the perfect platform for your drifting ambitions. If you’re still eager to get your hands on something with a little more nostalgia, our best JDM cars of the nineties article should offer plenty of alternatives.

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