Japanese luxury cars have come a long way since today’s Maxima was built back in ‘86. This was once Nissan’s most opulent offering here, but now it’s just a nice old wagon with plush tufted seats. Let’s see what all that old school splendor is worth.

I was shocked yesterday—SHOCKED I tell you—to learn that our candidate rocked a six-speed stick. Can you think of a less likely place to find a stick shift sprouting next to your seat? At the movie theater, perhaps? Or in one of those police interrogation rooms? Maybe sitting on the can? Yep, it was as unexpected as the Spanish Inquisition.

Unfortunately for the seller and the consignment shop offering it on his behalf, that didn’t seem to make its $17,995 price any more palatable. In the end, the car dropped in a hefty 82-percent Crack Pipe loss. That was admittedly, less than unexpected.

You’ve know doubt heard of those as-yet undiscovered fossils that the paleontologists dub “missing links.” Those are the transitionary animals that evidence some sort of evolutionary shift from one significant form to another—say from beach-dwelling party reptile to sleek fish-like creature that calls the ocean its hang.

Today’s is the automotive equivalent to discovering one of those missing links. How’s that, you ask? Okay, a little history, and pay attention, there will be a quiz at the end.

The Maxima is one of Nissan’s longest-running nameplates. Its birth actually closely coincided with that of the Nissan brand here in the U.S.. Maxima was initially the top model of the second generation 810 line, however for the 1982 model year the name took over completely from the numbers. The 810 was dead, long live the Maxima. The following model year the cars started carrying the Nissan name in addition to the soon to be phased out Datsun brand. That first Maxima’s layout was totally old school—a straight six in gas or diesel guise, and with everybody’s favorite, RWD.

This second generation model was the first to offer the same basic layout as the current day Maxima. That means a transverse V6 engine and FWD. You know, just like almost every other mid-size car there is.

What the second generation Maxima did carry over from its predecessor was its boxy styling, an aesthetic that’s especially attractive here in wagon form.That all makes it a little bit old, and a little bit new. See? The missing link, found!

This particular one clooks to be in fine shape. You’ll no doubt notice its swanky two-tone paint. That’s another aspect that you just don’t see on present day Maximas, but it looks damn good here. The factory alloy wheels have an Italianate appearance—always a good thing—and the car rocks what is possibly the greatest feature ever designed—keypad door locks on the driver’s door. Ford and Nissan were, I think, the only companies to offer this amazing convenience feature, and Nissan doesn’t even do so any more. This one has it, and in my not so humble opinion, that makes it worth the price of entry alone.

, or go if the ad disappears.

H/T to Jordan Green for the hookup!

Help me out with NPOCP. Click to send a me a fixed-price tip, and remember to include your Kinja handle.