Classic Nissan 300ZX Damaged by Rogue in Car Wash Mishap

Daily Car

13/02/2026

A routine car wash in Missouri resulted in an unusual incident involving two vehicles from the same manufacturer. A modern Nissan Rogue SUV was found positioned atop the hood and windshield of a classic 1990s Nissan 300ZX sports car. The event occurred at a Zips Car Wash location on South Range Line Road.

Incident Details

Photographs from the scene show the front wheels of the Rogue resting on the base of the 300ZX's windshield. The sports car's distinctively low and sharply angled front end appears to have acted as a ramp for the SUV. This design, popular in sports cars of its era, created an incline that the taller vehicle ascended. Emergency services, including local police and fire crews, responded to the call. No injuries were reported, as the incident happened at a low speed within the automated wash tunnel.

Potential Causes and Aftermath

The exact cause of the mishap has not been officially determined. Analysis of car wash conveyor belt systems suggests a few possibilities. One scenario is that the driver of the Rogue applied the brakes or left the vehicle in park near the end of the tunnel. The conveyor system, continuing its operation, would have then pushed the following car—the 300ZX—forward and underneath the stationary SUV. Another possibility is that the Rogue was unintentionally placed in reverse. Following the incident, a tow truck was required to separate the two vehicles. Despite visible damage to the 300ZX's front bodywork and potential stress on its suspension, both cars were reportedly able to be driven from the scene.

A Tale of Two Nissans

The incident highlights the significant evolution in automotive design over the past few decades. The 300ZX, specifically the Z32 model, is a product of the 1990s Japanese sports car era, characterized by its low-slung profile and aerodynamic wedge shape. In contrast, the Rogue is a contemporary family SUV with a much higher ground clearance and ride height, reflecting current market preferences. The event gained considerable attention on social media, where automotive enthusiasts debated not only the cause of the accident but also the decision to take a classic vehicle like the 300ZX through an automated brush wash system, which can be abrasive to older paint finishes.

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