= U11 series

Nissan Maxima 4 door hardtop sedan front Nissan Maxima 4 door hardtop sedan front
Sold new in New Zealand from where I suspect the handful in Australia have come from this was the first front wheel drive Maxima. Still based on the contemporary Bluebird which was also not sold in Australia this model was also the first to feature a V6 rather than a straight six.


 


Nissan Maxima 4 door hardtop sedan front quarter Nissan Maxima 4 door hardtop sedan front quarter
Unlike the regular sedan which was criticised by many as being too similar to the preceding model (RWD Bluebird) in appearance, this four door hardtop was saved from that probably by the extra side window per side; click here to see it close up. Also the equivalently configured model was not imported to Australia (probably not NZ either?).


 


Nissan Maxima 4 door hardtop sedan profile Nissan Maxima 4 door hardtop sedan profile
The different proportions of the front wheel drive model favour longer front overhang and less space between the front wheel and the front doors.


 


Nissan Maxima 4 door hardtop sedan rear quarter Nissan Maxima 4 door hardtop sedan rear quarter
Apart from the expected Nissan badge (on the right) this car wears Legran badges (as did another white one I found) and Maxima and V6 Turbo ones on the left; click here to see them close up. I suspect the spoiler on this car was standard on this model as the others I have seen also have them.


 


Nissan Maxima 4 door hardtop sedan rear Nissan Maxima 4 door hardtop sedan rear
Neat square styling with straight across boot opening and horizontal taillights were all hallmarks of most carmakers products of the early to late eighties. As can be seen here ribbing in the taillight lenses was also common, a tribute to the Mercedes designs from the early seventies!


 


Nissan Maxima 4 door hardtop sedan wheel details Nissan Maxima 4 door hardtop sedan wheel details
Betraying it's Bluebird heritage are the accessory mudflaps fitted to this car - note the name on them! Small badge to the rear of the front wheel arch reads Legran.


 



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