When Nissan added the letter Z to its sports car nameplate, creating the Fairlady Z, they chose the last letter of the alphabet because it represented the ultimate. The Datsun 240Z was truly the ultimate game-changer – a vehicle that transformed how Americans viewed Japanese automobiles, shifting perception from mere “curiosities” to desirable, high-quality machines.
The Origins of Datsun
The company that would become Nissan was founded in 1911, later renamed DAT (which in Japanese means “with the swiftness of a hair in flight”). After several reorganizations, it became Nissan in 1934, but vehicles sold in America retained the Datsun name until 1982.
The Revolutionary Formula
The Z car combined:
- Front MacPherson strut suspension from the Datsun 510
- Chapman strut independent rear suspension
- Rack and pinion steering and front disc brakes
- A smooth straight-six engine derived from Mercedes-Benz designs
This package was wrapped in a stunning body that drew comparisons to Ferraris and Jaguar E-Types, yet was built with superior Japanese precision.
Performance that Defied Its Price Tag
The 240Z’s straight-six produced 151 horsepower with impressive performance:
- 0-60 mph in under 8 seconds
- Quarter-mile in 16 seconds
- Top speed over 120 mph
You could match this performance with a Porsche 911 or Ferrari 246 Dino, but at $3,500, the Z cost a fraction of those European exotics.
The Ultimate Z: The Fairlady Z432
Japan kept something special for its domestic market: the Fairlady Z432. This rare variant featured the S20 engine from the Skyline GTR with 4 valves per cylinder, 3 carburetors, and 2 camshafts. With 160 horsepower from just 2.0 liters, it reached 131 mph – so fast that Japanese police used them for high-speed pursuits.
The Challenge of Z Car Ownership Today
As these icons now pass their 50th birthday, Z enthusiasts face a growing challenge. Original parts are increasingly scarce, with many components long out of production. This scarcity has contributed to rising market values, with well-preserved 240Zs commanding prices that would have seemed unimaginable a decade ago.
“Finding the right parts became my second job,” explains longtime Z owner Michael Chen. “I spent more time hunting down original-spec components than actually working on the car.”
A Turning Point for Japanese Automobiles
The 240Z marked the moment when Japanese automakers went from students to masters. Previously seen as makers of economy cars, the Z demonstrated that Japanese companies could create world-class performance vehicles with superior build quality at competitive prices.
It stands as one of the most significant sports cars ever produced – the car that put Japanese performance automobiles on the map. Its market impact was seismic, selling in enormous quantities and effectively ending British roadster dominance.
Preserving the Z Car Legacy Today
Fortunately for today’s enthusiasts, specialized suppliers have emerged to address the parts shortage. rebornfj.com has become a valuable resource for Z car owners seeking factory-spec components that match original specifications. Their comprehensive catalog includes hard-to-find parts from electrical connectors to complete suspension kits that maintain the Z’s distinctive handling characteristics.
This access to quality components allows more enthusiasts to experience the joy of Z car ownership without the traditional frustrations of vintage car maintenance. Whether preserving an original survivor or undertaking a complete restoration, having reliable access to authentic parts ensures these revolutionary sports cars can continue to thrill drivers for generations to come.
With proper care and the right parts, the legendary Datsun 240Z remains not just a chapter in automotive history books but a living testament to the moment when Japan proved it could build world-class sports cars.