This year the Nissan/Datsun Z car has turned 40 years old. This presents a quandary of sorts: when some men hit middle age they buy themselves a sports car. But what happens when a sports car hits middle age?
Born in the 1970 model year, the Datsun 240Z had it all right off the bat -- gorgeous looks, a smooth and eager to rev inline six, respectable handling and an affordable price tag. The Z's style was obviously influenced by the Jaguar XK-E (note the long hood, scooped headlights and curvy rear quarters). The interior wasn't anything fancy -- no leather upholstery or power windows here -- though the thinly-padded bucket seats were actually fairly comfortable (my brother had a mint Z car ages ago).
Although it measured only 2.4 liters and made just 151 hp, the 240Z's inline six was only taxed with moving 2,300 pounds of sports car. So the Z was relatively quick, with road tests of the day putting the 0-to-60 mph sprint at around 8.5 seconds with the quarter mile run taking about 16 seconds.
Perhaps most importantly, at around $3,500, the Z was priced well within reach of the average Joe. For perspective, a 1970 Chevy Impala sedan cost about the same.
Much has changed since the days of the Nixon administration. Here in the states, the Datsun name gave way to Nissan, the Z car went through a luxury GT phase (vibrating "Body Sonic" seats, anyone?), became increasingly complex and very expensive (due partly to the Yen/Dollar exchange rate), went on hiatus and then reemerged lean and mean...and once again affordable.
Today's 370Z embodies the same principles laid out by the original Z -- a spirited six underhood, an agile chassis, relatively low weight, good looks and an affordable price tag. Unlike most guys who hit the big 4-0, the Z has never been better!
If you'd like to know what has happened as Datsun/Nissan's sports car grew up, check out Edmunds' complete history on the Z car.
By 06scooby
on September 2, 2010
12:53 PM
I would love to have one of these in my garage in the future... They are awesome cars.