Nissan Fairlady Z (S30)

Lore & Background

The Fairlady Z was introduced in late 1969 as a 1970 model with the L20 2.0-liter straight-six SOHC engine, rear-wheel drive, and a stylish coupé body. In Japan, the Fairlady was exclusive to Nissan Store dealerships. Japanese buyers could also get the L24-engined Fairlady 240Z model, though the larger engine placed it in a higher tax category. The Japanese-spec 2.4-liter engine produced a claimed 150 PS at 5,600 rpm but was discontinued in 1973 due to the fuel crisis, leaving only two-liter Fairladys available in the home market until the 1978 introduction of the Fairlady 280Z. A Fairlady 260Z had been planned for release, but the oil crisis stopped the model, though the 260Z was available in Okinawa. The Fairlady Z received all changes applied to export models, including the addition of a long-wheelbase 2+2 model introduced in January 1974 with the GS30 chassis code. In 1975 the L20 engine gained fuel injection to meet new emissions standards, and at the end of July 1976 the car received the NAPS system, including an EGR system, bringing model code changes to S31.

Reader's Guide

The S30's significance lies in its role as a halo car that popularized Japanese automakers beyond traditional economy cars. Its styling, engineering, relatively low price, and impressive performance resonated with the public and motoring press, immediately 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 S30 was initially sold alongside the smaller four-cylinder Datsun Sports, which was dropped from production in 1970. The 240Z is unrelated to the later 240SX. In 2004, Sports Car International named the 240Z number two on their list of Top Sports Cars of the 1970s. Special Japan-only models included the Fairlady 240ZG, homologated for Group 4 racing with an extended fiberglass nose and wider over-fenders, and the Z432 equipped with the twin-cam S20 engine from the Skyline GT-R, as well as the even lighter Z432R homologation special with fiberglass bonnet and acrylic windows.

Did You Know?

• The Fairlady ZG was available only in Japan in three colors: Grand Prix Red, Grand Prix White, and Grand Prix Maroon.
• The Z432 name refers to 4 valves per cylinder, 3 Mikuni carburetors, and 2 camshafts.
• Fewer than 50 Z432Rs are thought to have been built, all painted orange with black aluminum wheels.
• The 1970 240Z had a chrome 240Z badge on the sail pillar and two horizontal vents in the rear hatch, which were eliminated in mid-1971 due to exhaust complaints.