Nissan Murano Cabriolet — one of the most unusual and rare models of the Japanese automobile industry. This convertible crossover, released in limited edition in 2011-2014, still raises eyebrows among car enthusiasts. Unlike classic convertibles, Murano Cabriolet combined a high seating position, all-wheel drive and an open top - a combination that no other automaker has repeated.

If you are looking for high-quality photographs of this model for a collection, sale, or just out of curiosity, it is important to understand that there are very few original high-resolution photographs left. In this article we have collected the best sources photo Murano Cabriolet, we’ll talk about key exterior details that will help distinguish the original from replicas, and share the secrets of finding rare footage from factory presentations.

Why the Nissan Murano Cabriolet became a cult: a brief history of the model

The idea to create a convertible crossover came from Nissan in the late 2000s as an experiment for the American market. The prototype was presented at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2008, and the production version debuted in 2010. Based on the second generation Murano (Z51), but with serious modifications:

  • 🔧 Reinforced frame to compensate for loss of rigidity after roof removal
  • 🚗 Wheelbase shortened by 20 cm (2776 mm instead of 2825 mm for the standard one) Murano)
  • 🔄 Electric soft top with automatic folding in 22 seconds
  • 💺 4 full seats (unlike many convertibles with “seats for children” in the back)

In total, approximately 3,500 copies - exclusively for the US and Canadian markets. The model was not officially sold in Europe and Asia, which makes it even more rare for collectors. Production was stopped in 2014 due to low demand: in 4 years, less than half of the planned circulation was sold.

📊 How do you feel about the idea of a convertible crossover?
  • This is brilliant!
  • Strange idea
  • Beautiful, but impractical
  • Better than a classic convertible
  • Neutral

Where to find original photos of the Murano Cabriolet in high quality

The search for high-quality photographs of this model is complicated by two factors: the small circulation and the fact that most of the photographs are from official sources Nissan long ago deleted. Here are proven methods:

  1. Press release archives Nissan USA. On the website Nissan Newsroom in the "Archive" section you can find original press photos with a resolution of up to 3000×2000 px. Use search by request Murano CrossCabriolet (official model name).
  2. Rare car auctions. Platforms like Bring a Trailer or RM Sotheby’s Professional photo shoots of lots are often published. For example, in 2023 at Bring a Trailer was on sale Murano Cabriolet with unique interior shots.
  3. Photo banks with filters under license. On Getty Images or Shutterstock There are footage from car shows, but they are paid. Free alternative - Flickr with search by tag #MuranoCrossCabriolet and the "Commercial use allowed" filter.

⚠️ Attention: Be careful with photos from social networks (especially Instagram or Facebook). Often they post low-resolution screenshots or cropped images that are unsuitable for printing or detailed examination.

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If you need photos of a specific color (for example, rare Pearl White or Java Metallic), add the shade name to your search query along with the paint code. For Murano Cabriolet current codes: KAD (black), KH3 (silver), B79 (blue).

How to distinguish the original Murano Cabriolet from replicas from photos

Due to the rarity of the model, “homemade” convertibles based on the usual Murano Z51. Here are the key details that will help identify the original:

Detail Original Murano Cabriolet Replica/remake
Rear pillars Shortened, with a characteristic curve above the rear doors Straight sedan pillars, often with rough welds
Roof mechanism Electric soft top with automatic folding, controlled by a button on the center console Manual awning or hard top from other models (e.g. Nissan 370Z)
Tail lights Narrow vertical blocks with chrome edging Standard lights from Murano Z51, often cropped
Nameplates "CrossCabriolet" lettering on the rear door and emblem Nissan with chrome frame Missing inscription or emblem from another model

Another sure sign - VIN code. Original Murano Cabriolet have a body code Z51 with suffix C (For example, JN8AZ1MW*CM123456). You can check your history through services like Carfax or AutoCheck, but please note: many examples do not have a complete history due to rarity.

How to check VIN code for free?

On the website NHTSA There is a free VIN decoder. Enter the code and check the "Body Style" field - the original will indicate "Convertible 4 Door".

The best angles to photograph the Murano Cabriolet

If you were lucky enough to photograph this car in person or are planning to order a photo session, pay attention to the angles that will highlight the uniqueness of the model:

  • 📸 Three Quarter Front Open Top – demonstrates proportions and roof line
  • 📸 Top view (from drone or lift) - shows shortened wheelbase
  • 📸 Detail shot of the roof folding mechanism - a rare shot that collectors value
  • 📸 Interior with emphasis on the rear seats — proves that this is a full-fledged 4-seater convertible
  • 📸 Photo against the backdrop of a city landscape — will emphasize the unusual combination of a crossover and an open top

For professional shots, we recommend using a lens with a focal length 50-85 mm (for portrait shots) or 24-35 mm (for general plans). Avoid wide-angle lenses - they distort the proportions of the car, making it visually lower.

Washing and polishing the body (especially chrome elements)|Checking the operation of the roof mechanism|Selecting a location without unnecessary distracting objects|Setting the camera to shoot in RAW for post-processing|Preparing props (for example, vintage suitcases for the "road trip" style)

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Rare and unique photos of Murano Cabriolet: where to look for rarities

For real enthusiasts, ordinary photographs are not enough - they need unique footage: factory test drives, prototypes or pictures from closed events. Here's where you can find them:

1. Factory archives Nissan Design America. In 2010-2011, the design team kept a blog about the development of the model, where sketches and photos of prototypes were published. Some of the materials have been preserved at Wayback Machine (search at address nissandesignamerica.com/blog).

2. Personal archives of engineers. Some employees Nissan, who participated in the project, share rare footage in professional networks. For example, on LinkedIn you can find profiles of former program managers Murano CrossCabriolet and politely ask for a photo.

3. Japanese auctions. On Yahoo! Japan Auctions or Goo-net Sometimes lots appear with original brochures or CDs with press kits containing exclusive photos. To participate you will need a proxy service (for example, Buyee or FromJapan).

⚠️ Attention: On eBay often sell "unique photos" Murano Cabriolet at inflated prices. Before purchasing, check the file metadata (date taken, camera model) - many “rare” images are actually low-resolution screenshots.

How to use a photo of a Murano Cabriolet for sale or collection

If you are the owner Murano Cabriolet or are planning to sell it, high-quality photographs can significantly increase the value. Here's how to serve them correctly:

For private sales:

  • 📌 Use 10-15 photos in high resolution (minimum 1920×1080 px).
  • 📌 The first photo should be a general front view at an angle 45° with an open top.
  • 📌 Be sure to add pictures:
    • Roof mechanism in motion
    • VIN code (to confirm authenticity)
    • Salon with emphasis on the rear seats
    • Engine and engine compartment

For collectors:

  • 🖼️ Print photos on matte paper A3 with permission 300 dpi.
  • 🖼️ Add information on the back: shooting date, location, camera model and photographer’s name (if known).
  • 🖼️ For digital collections, use the format TIFF no compression.

The price of original photos at auctions can reach $50-200 per frame if it is:

  • 💎 Factory promotional shots with watermarks Nissan
  • 💎 Photos of prototypes (for example, with camouflage film)
  • 💎 Footage from closed events (for example, presentation for dealers)
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Photos Murano Cabriolet in original resolution with metadata (EXIF) are valued 30-50% more expensive than processed or cropped images.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Murano Cabriolet photos

Where can I download the official Murano Cabriolet wallpaper in 4K?

Official wallpapers in 4K from Nissan does not exist, but you can find suitable options:

  • On DeviantArt (search by tag Murano CrossCabriolet).
  • In a group Nissan Murano VKontakte (section "Photo").
  • Using a neural network (for example, MidJourney) if you need artistic images. Use promt: "Nissan Murano CrossCabriolet 2012, pearl white, city background, hyper-detailed, 8K".
How to take a high-quality photo of a Murano Cabriolet with a smartphone?

Follow these tips:

  1. Use the mode Pro in the camera to manually adjust exposure.
  2. Shoot in RAW (if supported).
  3. For a three-quarter angle, stand level with the headlights (sit down or use a tripod).
  4. Avoid shooting against the sun - the chrome elements will be overexposed.
  5. For post processing use Lightroom Mobile (increase contrast and saturation by +15%).

Example settings for iPhone:

Режим: Portrait (для размытия фона)

Фокус: по центру капота


Экспозиция: -0.3 (чтобы не пересветить белый кузов)


Баланс белого: "Облачно" (даже в солнечную погоду)

Can I use the Murano Cabriolet photo from the Nissan website for commercial purposes?

No, most of the photos are on the official website Nissan protected by copyright. For commercial use you need:

  1. Obtain written permission from Nissan North America (department Media Relations).
  2. Or buy a license on photo banks (Getty Images, Shutterstock).
  3. The exception is a photo with a tag "Royalty-Free" in metadata.

⚠️ Attention: Using photographs without permission may result in a copyright infringement claim (in the US, fines up to $150 000 for one photo).

Which Murano Cabriolet colors are the rarest in the photo?

During production, 7 body colors were available, but the rarest ones are in the photo:

  1. Pearl White (KH3) — only ~10% of the total circulation. In photos it often looks gray due to the pearlescent effect.
  2. Java Metallic (G15) - dark brown metallic, which is poorly conveyed in pictures under artificial lighting.
  3. Brilliant Silver (KAD) - standard color, but the original photos from the factory shooting have hardly survived.

If you come across a photo Murano Cabriolet in color Cayenne Red (AR3), check its authenticity - this shade was only offered in 2011 and is extremely rare.

How can you tell the difference between photos of a 2011 and 2014 Murano Cabriolet?

Externally, the models were almost the same, but there were nuances:

Year Detail What it looks like in the photo
2011-2012 Radiator grille Chromed horizontal strips (3 pieces)
2013-2014 Radiator grille Black mesh with chrome trim
2011-2012 Wheels 18-inch, 5-spoke, silver
2013-2014 Wheels 18-inch, 7-spoke, dark gray

Also in the 2014 photo you can see an updated multimedia system with a touch screen (in 2011 there was a button panel).