Nissan Fairlady Z (S30/GS30). 1969–78 (prod. n/a; 420 Z432s). 3-door 2-seat coupé, 3-door 2+2 coupé. F/R, 1998, 2393, 2565, 2753 cm³ (I6 OHC), 1998 cm³ (I6 DOHC). Beautifully styled sports car with proportions apeing that of Jaguar E-type, designed by a team led by Yoshihiko Matsuo. Two-litre for domestic market and not exported. Base and L models at bottom end; more powerful versions were Z432 (with the DOHC unit) and Z432-R for homologation, both ending production in 1973. Originally exported with 2·4-litre (available 1971), and dubbed Datsun 240Z, starting a lineage of ‘Z cars’ (240Z-L and 240Z-G topped the domestic range). Minor changes in 1973 for emissions’ regulations and legislative requirements. Taillamps and dashboard changed. A 2+2 model followed in 1974, with a 310 mm stretch, and a 2·6-litre engine introduced (Datsun 260Z). Fuel injection from 1975, when 2·8-litre introduced (Datsun 280Z), primarily for US market to bring more power after earlier changes resulted in power loss. Z-L with power windows and other equipment in 1976; Z-T introduced the same year.

Manufacturing location: Hiratsuka, Kanagawa, Japan

Marque: Nissan | Model: Nissan Fairlady | Predecessor: Nissan Fairlady (S310) | Successor: Nissan Fairlady Z (S130)