Datsun 240Z

Lore & Background

The Datsun 240Z, the export name for the Nissan S30, is a two-seat sports car produced from 1969. Its appearance is a stylish coupé body, and a Japan-only homologation model, the Fairlady 240ZG, featured an extended fiberglass "aero-dyna" nose, wider over-fenders riveted to the body, a rear spoiler, acrylic glass headlight covers, and fender-mounted rear-view mirrors. The standard 240Z was sold globally, while the Japanese market also offered the Fairlady Z with a 2.0-liter engine and the Fairlady 240Z with the larger 2.4-liter unit. The car’s defining characteristics include four-wheel independent suspension and an overhead camshaft straight-six engine, features typically found on far more expensive European sports cars like the Jaguar E-Type and BMW 2800 CS, but absent from similarly priced rivals such as the Alfa Romeo Spider and MGB. Its relatively low price, impressive performance, and engineering resonated with the public, creating long waiting lists. The car contributed to popularizing Japanese automakers beyond economy cars, aided by Datsun’s growing dealer network. A special Japan-only model, the Z432, used the twin-cam 2.0-liter S20 engine from the Skyline GT-R, producing 160 horsepower, with the name referencing four valves per cylinder, three Mikuni carburetors, and two camshafts. An even rarer Z432R version stripped weight by using thinner steel, a fiberglass bonnet, acrylic glass, and removing comfort features, with fewer than 50 built.

Reader's Guide

The Datsun 240Z, the export name for the Nissan S30, was conceived by Yutaka Katayama and designed by a team led by Yoshihiko Matsuo. It featured four-wheel independent suspension and an overhead camshaft straight-six engine, characteristics typically found in far more expensive European sports cars like the Jaguar E-Type, but absent from similarly priced rivals with four-cylinder engines and rear live axles. This combination of advanced engineering, striking styling, and a relatively low price created immediate long waiting lists and strong praise from both buyers and the motoring press. As a halo car, it significantly popularized Japanese automakers beyond their reputation for economy cars, aided by Datsun’s expanding dealer network compared to established import brands. The S30 was initially sold alongside the smaller four-cylinder Datsun Sports, which was discontinued in 1970. In Japan, the car was sold as the Nissan Fairlady Z, with a 2.0-liter engine, and exclusive to Nissan Store dealerships. A special Japan-only model, the Fairlady 240ZG, was released in 1971 for Group 4 racing homologation, featuring an extended fiberglass nose, wider fenders, and a rear spoiler. Another rare variant, the Fairlady Z432, used the twin-cam S20 engine from the Skyline GT-R, while the even rarer Z432R was a stripped-down, lightweight homologation special with a fiberglass bonnet and acrylic windows. 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.