There comes a point in every automotive enthusiast’s life when the thought of meeting their pride and joy’s original owner crosses their mind. Depending on the vehicle’s age, this may prove challenging, as the original owner could be at the dealership in the sky. In some instances, CARFAX records and local DMV offices may be uncooperative or unable to kick-start a paper trail, leaving the case at a standstill.

Then there are those lucky few such as me. When I bought my 1986 Nissan 300ZX, it still had its original registration slip with the original owner’s name and address included in the glovebox. Over the following year, life became busier than expected and the thought of finding their whereabouts slowly slipped from my mind. Then, one Sunday in late October, I decided it was time.

I started my research with a simple Google search of the owner’s name, Ken, and the city where they lived, a mere three hours away from me. The results showed me that he still lived at the same address listed on the original registration and even gave me a phone number! I’m not the biggest fan of cold calls, so I pressed on in an attempt to find an email address that may serve as a less invasive method of contact. Looking up the name conjunction with the phone number gave me my bingo! Right there, on an ancient looking club page for retired state workers, was Ken’s name and email address.

I whipped up an email introducing myself, the status of the car, and even included a couple of recent pictures I had taken of the Z at Monterey Car Week. I pressed send and walked away, hardly expecting a reply.

Two days later though, the unthinkable happened. Hark! Who goes there? A reply, you say? Yes, indeed, the original owner was just as stunned to learn of my existence as I was to learn of theirs. Turns out they were not a he but a she by the name of Joan, and nobody but her was ever allowed to drive the Z.

The story goes that in 1986, Joan was 46. Her kids were grown, lived on their own, and she was tired of being the “dependable, safe, sensible mom who drove Volvos!” She decided she needed a different car – something that would make her feel young, exciting, and not middle aged. In her own words, she “had the need for speed!”

Joan fell in love with the 300ZX right away. The combination of the pop-up headlights, talking warning system, and the stunning visibility led her to buying it without a second thought from Napa Nissan. When she took delivery of it at her workplace, all of her coworkers came out to witness the occasion and frankly, I can’t blame them.

Even being 5’2″, the seats felt like they were made for her and compliments followed her everywhere she went. One time on a open road, she even got the needle up to 110 mph! She bought the whole speedometer so hey, might as well use it. Despite her best care, she and the Z were involved in three accidents because the other drivers didn’t see her, but thankfully the insurance company always repaired the car.

“I drove her for 26 years – loved every minute.”

In 2013, disaster struck. Despite meticulous dealer maintenance, the Z would crank but would fail to start. One visit to Napa Nissan and even worse news arrived, it was the engine. Ken decided that because of the Z’s age and the lack air bags or any kind of safety features, he wanted Joan to get another car. The new Z at the time did not strike a chord with her in the same way the 300ZX did so in its place, she made do with an Altima and said goodbye to the only vehicle she ever had an attachment to.

“I loved that car. I am 83 years old now and still think about how it was to drive her.”

Knowing the story only increased my excitement so I offered to arrange a meeting. Thankfully she agreed and suggested meeting at her son Eric’s house, as he also had cherished memories of the Z. I gladly agreed, and with my girlfriend accompanying me, we set out on the freeway.

The event was as emotional as expected, with both Ken and Eric happy to take part in such a surreal moment. Imagine loving a car for 26 years, having to let it go, and wondering what fate befell it for the next decade. We exchanged stories of our adventures with the Z, bonding over the love we held for this now 37 year old automobile. It wasn’t hard to tell that each glance and each touch brought back memories and allowed her to relive her relative youth now 37 years into the future. While no tears were shed, there were a few moments when we all felt a little lump in our throat.

What transpired during our visit was a confession that was rather…unexpected, shall we say, by all parties involved. Turns out that one day, while the car was left alone at home, Eric decided to experience the car that set his mom’s heart ablaze and one short run to 100 mph cleared any doubts he might have had. He then managed to keep the secret for 34 years, choosing this once-in-a-lifetime reunion to reveal it.

“Oh, you turkey!” Joan exclaimed. Smiles beamed on all of our faces.

I later learned that when she traded it in for the Altima, it was in mint condition and included the original manual, T-top bags, and even a car cover, all of which were gone when I acquired it. Whether the dealership or the next owner kept/misplaced them, we may never know. What we may also never know, is what was truly wrong with the engine. We know they didn’t replace it, so why not repair it for her?

Nevertheless, both Joan and I are thankful that the Z found its home with me rather than someone who might not treat it with the respect it deserves. It enjoys frequent drives to car shows, grocery store runs, and Monterey Car Week for two consecutive years! Aside from routine maintenance and a minor hiccup with a frozen AC compressor, it has never failed me and remains my favorite reason to hit the open road.

After all, isn’t that the true essence of a classic car?