Overview

Nissan had been looking at broadening its presence in the United States and decided to embark on an unprecedented challenge: to directly compete with the European sports car giants. This ambitious venture's goal was to focus on competing on dynamics and reliability, betting they could beat the best from Germany, Italy, and England.

The result was the creation of the Datsun Fairlady Z, a vehicle that became affectionately known as the Z car among American aficionados, or by its S30 chassis code among hardcore JDM enthusiasts. The debut of the first 240Z, named for its 2.4-liter straight-six engine, took place at the Pierre Hotel in New York City in the autumn of 1969, with sales predominantly occurring the following year. The car's immediate and widespread popularity propelled Datsun to significant market success, cementing its status in the realms of sports car racing and culture.

Introduced in the 1974 model year as the successor to the 240Z, the 260Z featured an increased engine displacement to 2.6 liters. Due to stringent U.S. emissions regulations, the power of this larger straight-six engine was initially limited to 140 horsepower. However, by the middle of 1974, American consumers gained access to the engine's full potential of 165 horsepower, aligning with its performance in international markets. The 260Z saw a substantial interior overhaul compared to its predecessor, along with enhancements to the chassis for improved structural integrity and the addition of a standard rear anti-roll bar. Transmission options remained the same, with a four-speed manual as standard and an optional three-speed automatic. Externally, the 260Z was distinguishable by its bulkier bumpers, updated taillights, and the introduction of a longer-wheelbase 2+2 model.

Despite its availability for several years in most markets, the 260Z was offered in the U.S. for only one year before it was succeeded by the 280Z. The triumphant return in 1975 made enthusiasts happy. As the name suggests, the 280Z boasted a larger 2.8L engine, achieved by increasing the bore of the preceding 260's L26 engine. In addition to engine enhancements, a five-speed manual transmission was introduced in the model years 1977 and 1978, further elevating the driving experience. The L28 engine was also significantly improved with the introduction of the Bosch L-JETRONIC fuel injection system, marking a leap forward in reliability and performance.

These advancements allowed the engine to deliver 170hp at 5,600 rpm and 163ft/lb of torque at 4,400 rpm, a notable boost from the 240's 151hp and 146 lb-ft of torque. As market preferences shifted, Datsun opted to upscale various aspects of the 280Z, enhancing its luxury and providing a more refined ride for everyday use. Additionally, the incorporation of new impact-absorbing bumpers was mandated to adhere to revised safety regulations, contributing to the 280Z's increased weight. Despite this, the enhanced power output ensured that the 280Z maintained its expected performance.

The 280Z continued in both short- and long-wheelbase models into 1978. All told, by the time first-generation Z car production ended, Nissan and Datsun had sold over 520,000 examples worldwide. An all-new 280ZX entered production for the 1979 model year with the revised purpose of being more of a grand touring car than a focused sports car. As such, the 280ZX was larger, more luxuriously appointed, and inherently heavier than the initial S30 cars that it replaced.

Datsun 240Z (1969 - 1973)

The 240Z was introduced in 1969 and was manufactured thru 1973.

In the annals of automotive history, few cars have captured the imagination and hearts of enthusiasts quite like the Datsun 240Z. Launched in the late 1969 and produced until 1973, this groundbreaking vehicle not only redefined expectations for sports cars but also established Datsun (now Nissan) as a formidable player on the global stage. The 240Z's blend of performance, styling, and affordability was unprecedented, making it a beloved classic that continues to command admiration and high regard.

The 240Z was the result of a bold vision: to create a sports car that could compete with European brands in terms of performance and aesthetics, yet remain accessible to a broader audience. Datsun's engineers and designers were tasked with developing a car that was fast, reliable, and affordable. The result was a vehicle that exceeded expectations and became an instant classic.

The design of the 240Z was a departure from the bulky and less refined designs of its contemporaries. With a sleek, elongated hood, a cockpit-rearward stance, and a fastback rear, the 240Z's silhouette was both elegant and aggressive. This was a car that looked as fast as it drove, drawing inspiration from European sports cars while maintaining a unique identity. The interior was surprisingly spacious for a sports car, offering a functional and straightforward layout that prioritized the driver's experience without sacrificing comfort.

Under the hood, the 240Z was powered by a 2.4-liter L24 inline-six engine, featuring dual Hitachi SU-type carburetors. This powertrain was capable of producing 151 horsepower, a respectable figure that propelled the car from 0 to 60 mph in around 8 seconds—a remarkable feat for the time. Coupled with a four-speed manual transmission (a five-speed manual was available in some markets), rear-wheel drive, and independent suspension all around, the 240Z offered an exhilarating driving experience that was both responsive and engaging.

The 240Z quickly proved its mettle on the racetrack, securing numerous victories in SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) competitions and international rallies. This racing success was not just a testament to the car's performance but also to its reliability and durability. The 240Z's accomplishments in motorsports contributed significantly to its legendary status and helped cement Datsun's reputation as a maker of world-class sports cars.

The introduction of the 240Z marked a pivotal moment in automotive history. It challenged prevailing notions of what a sports car could be, offering a compelling alternative to the more expensive European models. Its success on the showroom floor and the racetrack helped elevate Japanese cars in the eyes of consumers and critics alike, paving the way for future generations of Z cars and other sports models from Japan.

The 240Z's legacy is not just in its achievements but in its enduring appeal. Today, it is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, prized for its beauty, performance, and historical significance. The 240Z represents a golden age of accessible sports cars, a time when driving pleasure and design excellence were available to more than just the affluent.

Datsun 260Z (1974)

In 1974, the engine was enlarged with a longer stroke to 2.6 L resulting in the 260Z.

The 260Z launched for the 1974 model year to replace the 240Z, and as its name suggests, displacement from the straight-six was stroked to 2.6 liters. U.S. emissions regulations initially forced the automaker to detune the larger engine's output to 140 hp, but by mid-1974 the full 165 hp that the 260Z made in the rest of the world was available to American buyers.

1974 was a year of upheaval for the global automotive industry, marked by the oil crisis and tightening emissions regulations, particularly in the United States. It was against this backdrop that the 260Z was introduced, positioned to address these new challenges while upholding the Z-car legacy.

The heart of the 260Z was its 2.6-liter L26 engine, an evolution of the 240Z's 2.4-liter powerplant. This upgrade was not just about increased displacement; it was Datsun's response to the need for more power in the face of stricter emissions standards. Initially, in the United States, the engine's output was restricted to 140 horsepower due to these regulations. However, partway through the year, adjustments allowed the 260Z to unleash its full potential of 165 horsepower, aligning it with its performance in other markets.

Visually, the 260Z maintained the sleek, long-hood profile that had become synonymous with the Z series. However, it introduced several key updates. Larger bumpers were fitted to meet new safety standards, altering its exterior aesthetic. Additionally, a new 2+2 variant was offered, featuring a longer wheelbase to accommodate rear seats, thus broadening its appeal.

The 260Z's interior was significantly revised from the 240Z, the chassis was reinforced for greater rigidity, and a rear anti-roll bar was added as standard, while the four-speed manual transmission carried on, with an optional three-speed automatic available.

While the 260Z was sold for several years in most markets, the U.S. had just a single year of production before moving on to the 280Z, which bumped engine displacement to 2.8 liters (and output to 170 hp) to help guard against ever-tightening emissions standards.

Datsun 280Z (1975 - 1978)

In 1975, the engine was once again enlarged but this time by increasing the bore and therefore the cubic inches of the 2.6 L engine to 2.8 L resulting in the 280Z.

As the 1970s progressed, the automotive world witnessed the evolution of sports cars in response to increasing emissions regulations and a growing demand for more luxurious features. Amidst this backdrop, the Datsun 280Z emerged in 1975 as a shining example of how a car could blend performance, style, and comfort seamlessly. Building upon the foundation laid by its predecessors, the 240Z and 260Z, the 280Z refined the formula to perfection, offering drivers a more powerful engine, advanced technology, and enhanced creature comforts.

At the heart of the 280Z was its 2.8-liter L28 inline-6 engine, marking a significant upgrade from the 260Z's 2.6-liter unit. This engine was not just about displacement; it introduced the Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection system, a revolutionary move away from the carbureted setups of the past. This not only improved reliability and drivability but also helped the 280Z meet the stricter emissions standards of the time without sacrificing power. With 170 horsepower on tap, the 280Z offered spirited performance, propelling drivers with a newfound enthusiasm.

While the silhouette of the 280Z remained true to the iconic long hood and short deck profile of its ancestors, it received numerous updates to enhance its appeal. Larger, impact-absorbing bumpers were fitted to comply with safety regulations, and though they altered the car's aesthetics, they did not diminish its allure. The interior took a leap forward in luxury, with more plush seating, improved soundproofing, and a higher level of standard equipment. This made the 280Z not just a car to drive on weekends but a comfortable companion for daily use.

Datsun didn't stop with mechanical upgrades; the 280Z was also at the forefront of incorporating technology into the driving experience. The inclusion of the L-Jetronic fuel injection system was a notable advancement, offering more consistent engine performance and efficiency. Moreover, the later models of the 280Z were available with a five-speed manual transmission, providing drivers with better control and a more engaging drive. Optional features like air conditioning, a rear window defroster, and a high-quality sound system were also available, highlighting Datsun's commitment to offering a premium sports car experience.

The Datsun 280Z transcended its role as a mere automobile to become a cultural icon of the 1970s. It represented the ideal balance between performance and practicality, appealing to a wide audience of car enthusiasts and casual drivers alike. Its affordability, compared to European sports cars of the time, coupled with its reliability and style, made the 280Z a highly desirable vehicle. Today, it is celebrated not only for its driving dynamics and innovations but also for its impact on the automotive landscape, paving the way for future generations of sports cars.

The 280Z's production run may have ended in the late 1970s, but its legacy endures. It is revered by collectors and enthusiasts for its blend of performance, style, and technological advancements. The 280Z helped solidify Datsun's (now Nissan's) reputation in the sports car market and laid the groundwork for the continued success of the Z-car series. As a classic, it continues to captivate the imagination of those who appreciate the golden era of sports cars, embodying the spirit of innovation and the joy of driving.

In summary, the Datsun 280Z was more than just a car; it was a testament to Datsun's engineering prowess and visionary approach to car making. It bridged the gap between performance and luxury in a way few cars of its time could, making it a cherished model in the history of automotive excellence.