by NISMO Nick enthusiast revives the T-top tradition for the Nissan Z, creating a unique custom conversion. This project leads the new “Open Air Collection,” which celebrates the unconventional side of Nissan. The lineup will also include the Murano CrossCabriolet and an exclusive Juke Convertible.
Return of the Legendary T-tops
T-tops were once an integral part of Nissan sports car identity, alongside turbocharging, pop-up headlights, and cassette players. If you dreamed of a Z-car in the 1980s or 1990s, you likely imagined drives with the roof panels removed and the wind in the cabin. Now, one Nissan fan is attempting to bring that experience back.
Nick Sherr, better known online as NISMO Nick, has announced plans to create a custom T-top conversion based on the current generation Nissan Z. This project will be the centerpiece of a new collection of open-top Nissan vehicles debuting next year. The collection, dubbed the “Open Air Collection,” will also include a heavily modified Murano CrossCabriolet and a unique Juke Convertible concept.
Factory Look and Engineering Challenges
According to Nick, the goal is not simply to cut a hole in the roof. He wants the final product to look as if Nissan released it themselves. “The Nissan community is built on enthusiasm,” Nick said. “Some fans love OEM-plus projects that look like they came off the assembly line. Others adore bold concepts that push boundaries. The Open Air Collection is meant to celebrate all of this.”
The idea is directly linked to classic Z-cars that featured T-tops across various generations. The current Z is undoubtedly the best in its family for performance, but there is room for visual appeal. Project details show just how meticulous Nick is about the small things.
Regarding the engineering challenges, he told Carscoops: “Some of the engineering problems I face include ensuring the car is watertight. I am paying special attention to the windshield, side windows, rear section, and the connection points of the T-top panels to the central T-shaped beam. Because this is a true T-top, not a targa roof, the sealing requirements are significantly more complex. The only other problem I anticipate is wind noise, which will require careful fitting of the panels and seals. I am also evaluating the side curtain airbag system. Since this is a one-off custom project, not a production vehicle, it is less critical, but still worth attention.”
The CrossCabriolet and Open-Top Juke
The T-top Z might not be the most unusual car in the collection. Nick is also building an upgraded version of the already eccentric Murano CrossCabriolet and an open-top version of the Nissan Juke. Together, it feels like an alternate universe where marketing research didn’t dictate most decisions at the corporate level. However, this might not remain forever.
According to Nick: “Nissan insiders love the T-top Z idea. I know for a fact that the things I have designed and built have influenced Nissan.” Hopefully, this influence will only grow, considering how enthusiast-oriented these projects are.
Credit: NISMO Nick
Interestingly, similar fan initiatives often become catalysts for official decisions by automakers. If NISMO Nick can prove the viability of a T-top Z, it could push Nissan towards releasing a limited series or even including such an option in future model generations. At the same time, the Murano CrossCabriolet and Juke Convertible demonstrate that even the boldest experiments of the past can get a second life in the hands of dedicated fans.
