Highlights
- A fine and original example of the top of the range 145bhp Primera
- Very lightly used with a mere 23,000 miles covered and with just its third owner
- Despite its low mileage the car is reported to have a full and regular service history
The Appeal
The Nissan Primera arrived to replace the erstwhile Bluebird in September 1990. The UK models were produced by Nissan Motors UK in their Sunderland plant The car featured Nissan’s multi-link front suspension, marking the first time it was used in a front wheel drive car. The Primera was available in four door saloon and five door hatchback and estate configurations.
This five-door hatchback example is a UK built, supplied and specified model in range topping 2.0e GT form. It presents in an entirely original condition which is, mostly, excellent thanks to the mere 23,000 miles it has covered. The car is reported to drive like a new example and is ready to use and enjoy by its next lucky owner.
The History and Paperwork
- This Primera was first registered in August 1992
- It was supplied to its first owner via Lex Nissan
- The first owner seems to have cherished the car keeping it for 12 years
- During that time, he covered a mere 17,000 miles
- The car next went into the ownership of a private collection
- That saw the car relocate to Donegal in the Republic of Ireland
- The current owner acquired the car in 2013 with 18,000 miles covered
- Since then, a further 5,000 miles has been covered in its current ownership
- The car is reported to have a documented full-service history
- This is said to be from both Nissan Dealers and independent specialists
- The first owner was reported to have had the oil changed before every MOT
- This was sometimes at intervals of less than 500 miles
- The original UK dealer plates are also included
The Interior
- The Primera 2.0e GT represented the top of the Primera range
- As such it is well equipped and appointed with a 90’s velour interior
- The front sports seats are heavily bolstered and finished in a grey patterned velour
- The condition is excellent with no areas of imperfection noted or reported
- The rear bench is identically trimmed and in an equally good, original condition
- The dashboard is finished in black vinyl which is in a fine overall order
- The instruments consist of three main dials
- A speedometer, a tachometer and a multi-function gauge
- The instrument cluster bears special, red GT branding
- The centre console houses the original Nissan radio cassette head unit
- Heater controls and period cassette storage module sit below this
- Carpets, door cards and headlining all appear original and in great order
- Equipment includes electric windows, mirrors and sunroof
- A Toad Powerkey immobiliser is fitted, and the car is fully alarmed
- A Bluetooth system is also fitted
- The well-shaped luggage compartment is accessed via the big tailgate
- This is trimmed in original, hard wearing grey carpet
- The original jack and tools are on hand together with a full-sized alloy spare wheel
The Exterior
- This 2.0e GT is finished in bright Flame Red livery
- This is in original condition and exudes a rich and deep shine throughout
- The condition is very good with just a couple of imperfections reported
- The nearside rear door exhibits some minor bubbling to its bottom edge
- There is a small dent on the leading edge of the bonnet
- Being the most sporting model, the car is fitted with a factory body kit
- This consists of front chin spoiler, rear boot spoiler and side skirts
- The waistline of the car carries a black rubber rubbing strip
- The car sits on its original six spoke, 14-inch Nissan alloy wheels
- These are in fine shape overall with just some minor scuffs to one wheel
- The wheels are shod with a matching set of Michelin MXV2 tyres
- These look to retain plenty of tread and are in a 195/60 R14 configuration
- Light lenses and cabin glass all appear original and in great overall condition
- The car exudes a subtly sporting and charmingly 1990’s personality
The Mechanics
- The 2.0e GT is fitted with the twin cam, 16 valve SR20DE engine
- This is a 1,998cc, in line four-cylinder, chain driven unit with electronic fuel injection
- This unit was originally rated at 145bhp and 132Ib-ft of torque
- Power is fed to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox
- This specification was sufficient to endow the Primera with an 137mph top speed
- The under-bonnet presentation looks to be admirably original
- The twin cam covers are gloss powder coated in red
- The inner panels all appear to be free from corrosion or deterioration
- Some of the original factory wax oil protection is still in evidence
- The underside of the car looks straight and true
- It appears to be corrosion free thanks to hard wax underbody protection from new
- This car’s very low mileage and reported service history has clearly been beneficial
- The owner reports that the car runs like new with no knocks or rattles reported
Summary
Like so many cars from this period the Primera 2.0e GT was a light car by today’s chunky standards. Its 1,230kgs kerb weight is rarely achieved by city cars of today and that helped endow it with surprisingly competitive performance. The 0-60mph time was quoted as around 8.5 seconds and a 137mph top speed was achievable. Despite this the 2.0e GT was no less practical than the entry level car with room for five and an appropriate amount of accompanying luggage.
The Primera 2.0e GT is a really rare sight, nowadays. UK numbers peaked at less than 1,000 and some sources show as few as 8 still remaining in use on today’s roads. Whatever the actual number, the Primera 2.0e GT makes a fantastic modern classic prospect. Its fast, practical and in this low mileage, low owner case, it should prove economical and reliable. Be sure not to miss this ownership opportunity as who knows when another in this fine condition will become available.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
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