Datsun 240Z
Export version of the Nissan Fairlady Z, first Z-series sports car.
It was the export-market version of the Nissan Fairlady Z, conceived by Yutaka Katayama, President of Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A., and designed by a team led by Yoshihiko Matsuo. It is the first car in Nissan's Z series of sports cars and is noted for its four-wheel independent suspension and overhead camshaft straight-six engine, features typically found in more expensive European sports cars.
- transmission
- Four-speed manual, five-speed manual, or three-speed automatic
- body_style
- 2-seat coupé and 2+2 GT
- designer
- Yoshihiko Matsuo
- market
- Export (primarily United States)
Lore & Background
Mid-1971 saw production changes including a circular vented Z emblem and elimination of the hatch vents due to exhaust complaints.
Reader's Guide
The Datsun 240Z was a halo car that helped popularize Japanese automakers beyond economy cars. Its styling, engineering, relatively low price, and impressive performance resonated with the public and motoring press, generating long waiting lists. Datsun's growing dealer network, compared to those of imported sports cars from Jaguar, BMW, Porsche, Alfa Romeo, and Fiat, played a major role in this popularization. The 240Z is unrelated to the later 240SX.
Did You Know?
- Early 240Z models had a chrome 240Z badge on the sail pillar and two horizontal vents in the rear hatch.
- A three-speed automatic transmission was optional from 1971 onward.
- The 240Z was named number two on Sports Car International's list of Top Sports Cars of the 1970s.
Common Misconceptions (Editorial)
A common misconception is that the Datsun 240Z was a purely Japanese-market car. In fact, it was specifically the export-market version of the Nissan Fairlady Z, designed for the United States. Another misconception is that it lacked the performance features of more expensive cars; actually, it was noted for its four-wheel independent suspension and overhead camshaft straight-six engine, features typically found in pricier European sports cars.
Why It Matters (Editorial)
The Datsun 240Z endures as a landmark because it proved that a mass-market Japanese automaker could build a stylish, high-performance sports car that rivaled European competition at a fraction of the cost. Its blend of advanced engineering, accessible price, and iconic design created a lasting legacy that still inspires enthusiasts and collectors today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was behind the design of the 240Z?
Yutaka Katayama, then president of Nissan Motor Corporation U.S.A., conceived the project, while the design team was led by Yoshihiko Matsuo. Their goal was to package European-level suspension and engine architecture into a car priced well below the competition.
Why do fans consider the 240Z a landmark car?
It was the first model in Nissan's Z series, setting the template the brand still follows decades later. Its four-wheel independent suspension and DOHC straight-six were features usually reserved for pricier European rivals, which made it a genuine value benchmark in the late 1960s and 1970s.
What body styles could a buyer choose?
The 240Z came in a dedicated two-seat coupé and a 2+2 grand-tourer with a small rear bench. Both shared the same mechanicals, so the choice was essentially a trade-off between pure sportiness and a bit of extra practicality.
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