In 2008 I bought a 2005 Z Roadster badged as a Fairlady Z. All the research I've done over the years states that FLZ's are manufactured in Japan with right hand steering for the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM), and exported Z's were badged as 350Z's. The common response I'm given for why my car is badged as a FLZ is that the original owner (I'm #2) rebadged the car; however, when placing my car side-by-side with a domestic 2005 350Z Roadster, there is a notable difference in the trim package (i.e. the front grills and interior features are different). A service mgr at the local Nissan dealership told me the car could have been personally ordered in Japan with left hand steering for shipment to the US. How/where do I find the facts on what model this truly is? If you're asking, why should I care, after almost 20 years I'd just like to know.

 

Post pics

 

Use a VIN decoder, otherwise call any Nissan dealer and ask them to run a check on the VIN.

The Fairlady badge may not have been a Japan exclusive, for instance it might have been used in the Euro market or other regions of the Asia/Pacific market (I'm not sure). Really, it doesn't matter, it's a personal preference IMO. Just don't be slapping Type-S, GTR, SS, TURBO, etc. badges on it.
Cheers!
-Icer

 

VIN decoder (as mentioned) on this site will give you the answer. But, in short, the Fairlady Z name is ONLY used in Japan market cars. Everywhere else, they are known as 350Z. Even in the rest of Austral-Asia, Euro markets and beyond, they are known as such, despite the Aussie and UK versions being RHD.

I suppose it's possible to have purchased an "export car" from a Japan dealership but it would be LHD unless they were shipping to a RHD country. (Export laws and such.) They could have also applied domestic badging on customer request since it's merely cosmetic but odds are the original owner of your car swapped badges.

All said though, would be interesting to hear about its origins.

 

Thank you, gentlemen, and as MicVelo said, it would be interesting to know the history of this car, as I plan on passing it on to my grandson. That said, I know nothing about a VIN decoder (I know just enough about working on cars to be dangerous), so where do I start?

 

https://my350z.com/forum/vindecoder.php

Just plug in your VIN and if it comes up, it's a USDM model since this decoder only handles US cars (unless its been modified - which it may have been as it looks different). But if it is different, one would think it should tell you original point of sale and for which market. (I'm probably wishing for too much.) 🤣

 

2005 FairLady Z Roadster

2005 FairLady Z Roadster

2005 FairLady Z Roadster

2005 FairLady Z Roadster

2005 FairLady Z Roadster

2005 FairLady Z Roadster

2005 FairLady Z Roadster
iideadeyii had asked for pics

 

This is what popped up on VIN Decoder among other data:

2005 Nissan 350Z 2dr Roadster Grand Touring Manual

Tech Specs

Manufactured By Japan Nissan Passenger Car
Suspension Type - Front Independent Rear Multi-Link Front Tire Size P225/45WR18 Rear Tire Size P245/45WR18 Brake ABS System 4-Wheel
Horsepower: 287.0 @ 6200 Fuel Economy: 20.0 City / 26.0 Highway MPG Net Torque: 274.0 @ 4800

You said that if the VIN info pops up on this decoder, then my car was mfr'd for the USDM, so that settles my question. Thanks for your help.

 

Looks like the previous owner gave it some aftermarket TLC with the front Grille, JDM front reflectors, custom painted interior bits, and rear badge. Overall that's a clean Roadster. I'm a bit surprised the 05 Grand Touring didn't come with Steering Wheel Audio Controls though. I thought all Grand Touring vehicles had both Cruise and Audio controls on the wheel. Also, are those factory leather seats? I never saw that pattern before, but perhaps it's unique to the frost interior?
Cheers!
-Icer

 

I want to say that SWC did not appear on the Z33 until 2006.

I've also never seen the ZR ventilated seats in any color other than orange. I'm guessing maybe the PO had them reupholstered to match the painted waterfall. I actually like it and it flows well.

Didn't the frost interior also have the lighter colored dash and door panels? I seem to recall seeing "frost interior" with lighter seats and the black dash/door panels, but also some combinations of the lighter seats with the black dash and panels.

 

The ventilated seats came with the car; however, when the leather started to crack I had them reupholstered. I attempted to redo them in the original orange, but could not find the right shade, even after trying multiple upholstery shops in the valley. A special order with that shade of leather was going to cost me $5k just for the material. So, I decided to match the leather with the car's interior and exterior colors (the convertible top is black). Note, I've had the car for 17 years and have kept everything as OEM as possible.

 

With the exception of the gray leather on the seats, the sound system and the exterior deep-dish wheels, everything else is stock, to include the nav system and rear spoiler.