Watching vehicles or submerged boats being retrieved from water after years of neglect is always unsettling. I’ve recently discovered that I may experience mild submechanophobia. When a team from the Wrecked and Recovered YouTube channel uncovered a Nissan 300ZX at the bottom of a river where it had languished for decades, it sparked feelings of both discomfort and sadness in me.
Upon discovering the 300ZX, it was evident that the last time it was above water, Guns N’ Roses was dominating music charts. The vehicle did not appear to be damaged before it submerged, leaving its entry into the water shrouded in mystery. Was it a case of insurance fraud, or something more sinister? Regardless, the water had clearly inflicted more destruction on the vintage 300ZX than anything else. To call it rusty and decayed would be a vast understatement.
Sadly, the 300ZX’s troubles did not end upon its extraction. After being lifted from the river, the team struggled to maneuver it over some rocks without causing any harm to a nearby boat dock. In the process, the entire front left fender, crash support, and possibly the subframe came apart. Its severe rust resulted in parts crumbling to bits. One can see the front wheel assembly detach and dangle as the damaged vehicle is tugged. When one of the team members attempts to open the door, the handle simply falls off.
It’s heartbreaking to witness such an iconic car in such unfortunate condition. The 300ZX in question is a first-generation Z31 model, which I have always believed to be more visually appealing than its second-generation counterpart, the Z32. Its design is sharper, more angular, and exuberantly captures the essence of the 1980s. It’s uncertain which engine was originally installed, but it likely came with one of the V6 variants.
This particular car seems to have had a peculiar history, as it appears to have been red at one point before being repainted blue. Now, it resides at the bottom of a lake. I would be fascinated to learn more about its past, the identity of its owner, the experiences it endured, and how it became an underwater habitat for fish. Such remarkable vehicles deserve far better destinies.
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