The History of the Z from 240Z to 370Z

When the ten engineers of Nissan gathered together to conceptualize the design of their next sports car line back in early sixties, we wonder if they ever fathomed the idea that their little clay mock up would grow to hold the title of "Best Selling Sports Car Series of All Time". From the first generation Fairlady Z/Datsun 240Z  to the newest 370Z, the Z car has earned its notoriety in automotive history, selling more than one and a half million units during the span if its nearly forty year legacy.

Generation: First (S30) 240Z Production: 1970 - 1978 Transmission: 3 Speed Automatic 4 Speed Manual 5 Speed Manual Engines: 2.4L L24 2.6L L26 2.8L L28 SOHC 16 Brakes: Front - Discs / Rear - Drum Suspension: Independent McPherson Strut Front / Chapman Strut Rear Horsepower: 151 @ 5600 rpm (L24) 0 - 60 mph: 8.0 seconds

The first generation Z was known as Nissan’s Fairlady Z in Japan, but was introduced to the US markets in the fall of 1969 as the Datsun 240Z. This vehicle, designated by its Nissan code name, the S30 featured a 2.4 liter engine that produced 150hp with a 4 speed manual transmission. A 3 speed automatic was a rare option but available. Interestingly, the 2.4 liter motor was derived from the Datsun 510’s venerable L16 1.6 liter SOHC with two extra cylinders added onto it, creating a SOHC straight six with dual carburetors.  The first generation Z motor was called the L24. 

The 240Z featured advanced technology for the time, 4 wheel independent suspension, McPherson struts in the front and Chapman struts in the rear.   Front disc and aluminum rear drum brakes were also standard. The first generation weighed in at 2,320 pounds, and could run a quarter mile in 15.5 seconds at 86.5 mph. The Datsun 240Z was immediately taken by the US market, as it was a sporty and affordable alternative to the much costlier American counterparts at the time. You could purchase a 240Z for just $3,500 – that would be the equivalent of roughly $21,000 today!