The Spartan II: A Neo-Classic Built on the Z31
The Spartan II was a neo-classic luxury car sold by the Spartan Motorcar Co. of San Marcos, California. Under the long hood, 1930s-style flowing fenders, upright grille and side-mounted spare is the running gear of a Nissan 300ZX 2+2, which makes it one of the more unusual members of the Z31 family.
Spartan billed it as "The Luxury/Sports Car that people notice." The brochure shows it as a 4-seater with T-tops, and the car kept the 300ZX's VG30 V6, automatic transmission, suspension, dash and much of its interior, so many mechanical parts can still be found through Nissan part numbers.
Related: the earlier 280ZX-based Spartan, and R. Straman 300ZX Convertibles, another coachbuilt Z31.
Factory Specifications
From the Spartan Motorcar Co. brochure. The figures are Spartan's own, and the brochure notes that specifications were "subject to change without notice."
Mechanical
- Running gear: Nissan 300ZX 2+2
- Engine: 183 cubic inch V6 OHC, L-Jetronic fuel injection, 3-way catalytic converter
- Horsepower: 168
- Transmission: 4-speed automatic
- Electrical: fully transistorized ignition, solid-state voltage regulator, maintenance-free 12V 60AH battery
- Brakes: power-assisted 4-wheel disc, vented in front, with audible wear sensors
- Steering: power-assisted rack and pinion
- Suspension: independent MacPherson strut front, independent semi-trailing arm rear
- Tires: 225-75 R15
Dimensions and Weight
| Wheelbase | 126.5 in |
| Length | 204.2 in |
| Width | 74.5 in |
| Height | 54.5 in |
| Curb weight | 3,675 lbs |
| Fuel capacity | 19.0 gal |
| Horsepower | 168 |
For comparison, a stock 300ZX 2+2 rides on a 99.2" wheelbase and is about 178" long, so the Spartan body added a lot of car.
Exterior
- 2-speed wipers and washers with variable intermittent
- Power front windows
- Tinted windshield and door glass
- Dual remote-control tinted mirrors
- Two-key locking system
- Automatic electric antenna
Interior
- Seating: fully reclining low-back front buckets with adjustable head restraints, walk-in device with memory and driver's inboard release, adjustable lumbar support, cushion height adjustment, split fold-down rear seats, cloth or leather
- Instruments: speedometer/trip odometer, tachometer, dual fuel gauge, voltmeter/oil pressure, coolant temperature, quartz date/elapsed time clock
- Courtesy lights: overhead light with fade-out, glove box, ignition lock, front footwells, movable map light, ashtray
- Warning lights: computer sensor system for bulb failure, low washer fluid and low coolant; brake fluid, charging, hazard, high beam, oil pressure, low fuel, seat belt and door open
- Convenience: five-function vocalized warning system, inside hood release, cruise control with resume, lighted passenger vanity mirror
- Other: integrated air conditioning; AM/FM digital 4-speaker stereo with high-output amplifier, balance and fader, cassette and seek/scan; bi-level heater/defroster; day/night mirror; center console with lid; lockable glove box; cut-pile carpet
Safety
- Energy-absorbing steering column
- Seat belts with front seat belt warning
- Dual brake systems
- 4-way hazard lights
- Steering column lock
- Padded instrument panel and sun visors
- Backup lights and safety door locks
Much of this list is straight from the 300ZX, including the voice warning system and the dash gauges. See Voice Warning System and General Z31 Specifications.
Photos
Original Brochure
The two-page Spartan Motorcar Co. sales brochure.
What They Sell For
Spartan IIs come up for sale a few times a year at Mecum, Bring a Trailer and dealers. Recent sales tracked by CLASSIC.COM have mostly fallen between about $9,500 and $26,000, with a 7,000-mile 1986 Series II coupe bringing $26,250 in 2024 and an 87,000-mile 1987 selling for $9,500 on Bring a Trailer in 2026.
Current prices: CLASSIC.COM Spartan market.
Own a Spartan II?
We'd love to hear about it and add more history and photos to this page. Email us, or share it on the forum.
Sources Used
- Spartan Motorcar Co. Spartan II sales brochure
- Photos: Paul Hillman (AZ-ZBUM)