--- title: "Watch This Barn-Kept Nissan 240SX Get Its First Wash in Nearly 30 Years" date: "2024-12-27" modified: "2024-12-27" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/watch-this-barn-kept-nissan-240sx-gets-its-first-wash-in-nearly-30-years" categories: - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Nissan News" - "Watch This" tags: - "Nissan" - "sports car" --- # Watch This Barn-Kept Nissan 240SX Get Its First Wash in Nearly 30 Years ![]() *\WD Detailing via YouTube\* I'm a sucker for a good barn-find detail job. Seeing a forgotten car, covered in decades of dirt and debris, finally getting cleaned again and brought back to life makes me happy—especially when it's a great '90s sports car like a [Nissan]() 240SX. This specific one was found in a barn, behind old farm equipment, and had been sitting there since 1996. WD Detailing took it back to their shop and accomplished one of the most satisfying details I've ever seen. One of the reasons why this detail was so enjoyable to watch was that the car wasn't really in bad shape. While it was grotesque, most of that was just a quarter of a century's worth of dirt. It wasn't super rusty, nor was there much wrong with it. A quick powerwash turned a pumpkin into a carriage. Despite the dirt being so thick you couldn't see what color the car was underneath, its gray paint looked nearly brand-new after its first wash. ![]() ![]() That's not to say a simple wash made everything perfect, of course. The edge of the rear hatch, underneath the spoiler, must collect a ton of water because several rust holes went straight through into the trunk. The trunk and engine bay were basically mice hotels with a few leftover, long-deceased residents still hanging around. The cabin also featured quite a bit of mold and I'm not sure I want to imagine the smell. Overall, though, the [240SX]() held up remarkably well for its nearly 25 years of stagnation. It didn't sit inside, either. While it had a roof over its head, its "barn" was exposed to the elements. So during its decades of solitude, the 240SX's paint saw rain, snow, heat, humidity, bugs, and animals. And still, after its detail, it genuinely looked brand-new. The paint held up beautifully, the rubber seals and gaskets looked to be in good shape, and its interior looked showroom-ready. Heck, even the pop-up headlights still worked! It's a testament to '90s Nissan build quality. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cy5FW6eJ47U Unfortunately, its engine didn't sound healthy enough for them to start it. WD Detailing brought in a mechanic who owns an [R34 Skyline](), so he knows a thing or two about '90s Nissans, and the engine apparently needs some more investigation and work before it could run. Still, this car is much closer to being fully revived, which should warm the hearts of all car nerds this holiday season. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()