--- title: "Nissan Is Getting Into the Heritage Parts Business, and US Enthusiasts Won’t Be Left Out" date: "2026-04-22" modified: "2026-04-22" authors: - name: "Joel Feder" job_title: "Director of Content and Product" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/joel-feder" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/nissan-is-getting-into-the-heritage-parts-business-and-us-enthusiasts-wont-be-left-out" categories: - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Nissan News" --- # Nissan Is Getting Into the Heritage Parts Business, and US Enthusiasts Won’t Be Left Out ![Nissan 300ZX and Z I Photography by Alex Bellus Photography]() *\Alex Bellus Photography\* It's the holidays for [Nissan]() and [Infiniti]() enthusiasts in April this year. Heritage parts, restomod kits, and more are coming with factory-backed support. This is [what happens]() when enthusiasts suddenly [fill out the executive roster](). In Yokohama, Japan, Senior Vice President and Chief Planning Officer for Nissan North America, Ponz Pandikuthira, exclusively told *The Drive* on the latest episode of *[The Drivecast]()* that the automaker is going into the heritage parts and restomod business at an "industrial level." Listen to the entire conversation starting at the moment Pandikuthira makes your day below. It's no secret there's a [blue-on-blue 1990 Nissan 300ZX 2+2]() sitting in my garage right now. As I explained to Pandikuthira the headache it is to get parts, when I can get OEM parts, for this car, and the nightmare it was to get my hands on new mufflers, the executive didn't hesitate to reveal what many classic Nissan and Datsun owners have dreamed about. ![Nissan 300ZX and Z I Photography by Alex Bellus Photography]() *Nissan 300ZX and Z *Alex Bellus Photography** Pandikuthira responded by saying, "Tell you what, Joel, you give me between six and 12 months and I'm going to give you a guy who you're going to reach out to directly who is going to facilitate this stuff at an industrial level. That's all I can say for now. There's somebody working on this through Nissan, obviously, that we've intentionally put this person in place, but he's in study mode right now to evaluate how this can be done at an industrial level. He'll be doing exactly what you're talking about." When I clarified and said that means heritage parts back in production to support enthusiast cars Pandikuthira nodded in the affirmative and added, "And to do restomod-style builds." Pandikuthira noted, "There's many other brands doing it and we haven't been very good about doing this." It's true. Toyota's [started this path back in 2022]() and has been dabbling with some [new AE86 engine parts](). [Honda's kicking off a program ]()itself [with NSX heritage parts](). Now it's Nissan's turn. "We won't dabble. We're going into an actual facility where this stuff can be done, talking to different tuners, making the parts available. So this individual who's got a history in making this stuff happen and has a motorsports background, is working on it. And as soon as he's made significant progress, I'm going to put you in touch," Pandikuthira said. Earlier in the conversation that led into this Pandikuthira said, "Who knows, we might even offer a Datsun kit for people who want to take the original Z and then make the Datsun version of it from way back then with the original Datsun logos. I think that could be heck of a business, Joel." Indeed. As someone that has a 36-year-old 300ZX with blue plastic bits I say bring it on, can't wait, and please include the plastic retainer clips for the rear sunshade. I only have one or two left in inventory. *Got a tip about a new program from an automaker? Send us a line at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Overseeing what you see, read, touch, hear, and interact with from the vast lakes of Minnesota, Joel Feder shapes how The Drive looks and operates as the head of content and product initiatives. On a daily basis, Joel leads the newsroom and editorial staff playing point on both short-term coverage and long-term strategic plans. His mission is to help ensure The Drive shapes the future of automotive media by helping the team execute original reporting, breaking news, and exclusive opportunities. Regarded as an industry insider and recognized by colleagues, fellow journalists, and manufacturers as a point-person and leader in the industry, Joel owns and runs the largest automotive professionals group on Facebook in an effort to serve and help others. Joel serves as a juror for the World Car Awards. In addition, he is the board chair and chair of the governance and nominating committee for Move Forward MN, a local non-profit that helps at-risk youth with barrier-free mental health and housing services. While you’re reading this he’s either on his computer or iPhone chasing the latest news or drafting a story. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]() [Bluesky]() [Email]()