Top 5 Nissan Z cars

The Nissan Z Proto (front) was revealed this week, but there is a lot history to the model. Photos: Nissan

While much of the attention has been focused on the unveiling of the Z Proto, Nissan is also paying homage to the past 50 years of Z cars with a display of models in Yokohama, Japan from its heritage collection.

The cars on display at the Nissan Pavilion for the Z Proto unveil, show the evolution of the legendary sports car, including the very first Z that appeared in 1969 and other select Z models through the generations.

Here are the to five of Nissan’s famous sports car in chronological order.

5 1969 Nissan Fairlady Z432

This is the one that started it all. The “Fairlady Z” S30, also known as the Datsun 240Z in parts of the world including North America and New Zealand, offered the public a fun, dashing and reliable European-type sports car at an affordable price. Introduced in December 1969, it was an instant hit, putting Nissan on the world’s sports car map. 

The top-of-the-line model, the Z432, featured the iconic S20 engine. The 24-valve DOHC inline-6 also powered the Skyline GT-R (PGC10), producing 119kW. (The “432” of the car’s name is derived from the engine’s four valves, three carburetors and two camshafts.) Magnesium wheels kept the curb weight down while looking stylish. A limited-slip differential transferred the Z432’s power to the pavement and ensured smiles while doing it. 

4 1973 Nissan Fairlady 240Z

Equipped with a 2.4-litre inline-4, the original Datsun 240Z was designed for the North American market and debuted there in 1970. In response to customer demand, it went on sale in Japan in November 1971. 

For the Japanese market, three variations were offered: the Fairlady 240Z, 240Z-L and 240ZG. The latter was the most noteworthy, sporting a unique front end – what Nissan calls the “G-nose.” (The “G” stands for “Grand”.) The 240ZG’s fibreglass nose piece, glass-covered headlamps and bolt-on fender flares stood out from other 240Z models and remain popular with enthusiasts today. The new front end gave the 240ZG a drag coefficient of 0.390, helping the car reach a maximum speed of 210 kph. 

The domed headlamp covers inspired the Z Proto’s headlamps, creating a signature that blends the past with a modern look.

3 1980 Nissan Fairlady 280Z T-top 2-seater

In 1978, the Z underwent its first full model change. The new Z, dubbed the S130, sported a new nameplate and came with a 2.8-litre inline-6 called the L28E. The car was offered in both 2-seater and 2+2-seater configurations and was considered more refined and luxurious than its predecessor. 

In 1980, Nissan added a T-top version of the car, to cater to those who enjoyed the charms of a convertible sports car without sacrificing body rigidity. 

A specialized “Super Z” 280Z, with gullwing doors and other special equipment, starred in a popular Japanese TV crime drama, Seibu Keisatsu, giving the 280Z legendary status in Japan.

2 1984 Nissan 300ZX 50th Anniversary Turbo T-top

Introduced in 1983, the Nissan 300ZX (Z31) featured Japan's first mass-produced V-6 engine with turbocharger, the VG30ET, which replaced the inline-6 of previous models. A 300ZX 50th Anniversary Edition was added to the lineup to celebrate Nissan’s 50th birthday. 

With only 5148 vehicles produced for the U.S. market and 300 for the Canadian market, the special edition two-seat coupe wore an exclusive silver/black colour scheme and was powered by a turbocharged engine. This car came with all the bells and whistles. The only customer option available was the choice between an automatic or 5-speed manual transmission. 

1 2002 Nissan Fairlady Z Version ST

After the 300ZX (Z32) was discontinued in August 2000, many wondered if Nissan’s iconic sports car would ever be back. The question was answered in 2001, when an all-new Z concept car was unveiled at the North American International auto show. The mere hint of the Z’s return caused shockwaves across the car industry, with the public and media praising the look and potential performance of the new car. 

The response was so positive that Nissan brought it to the market in July 2002. The 350Z came equipped with a smooth-revving, high-output 3.5-litre V-6. Called the VQ (short for VQ35DE), the engine produced 280 ps and 363 Nm of torque. The 350Z (Z33) was produced until December 2008. Nissan sold more than 250,000 of the 350Z during its six-year run, before it was replaced by the Z34, called the 370Z.

Article courtesy of Nissan.