Datsun 240Z History

Sports car · 1970–1978

History

The Nissan S30, sold in the US as the Datsun 240Z, launched for the 1970 model year and immediately upended the affordable-sports-car market. With a 2.4-liter straight-six, independent suspension at all four corners, and sleek long-hood coupe styling, it offered genuine European-sports-car performance at a price far below the Jaguar E-Type it was often compared to.

When emissions regulations blunted the 240Z's power, Nissan stretched the engine to 2.6 liters and released the 260Z for 1974, then bored it further to 2.8 liters for the US-market 280Z beginning with the 1975 model year. The 280Z added fuel injection and a 2+2 body option but added weight — the 240Z remains the most prized of the first-generation Z cars among enthusiasts.

The entire first-generation Z run (240Z, 260Z, 280Z) is commonly grouped as the S30 platform and produced from 1969 through 1978. It established the Z nameplate as a cultural touchstone and remains one of the best-selling sports cars in history.

Generations

240Z · S30 — 240Z (1970–1973)

Photo: “1972 Datsun 240Z S30” by MrWalkr / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 . Cropped to 16:9.

The original 2.4L straight-six Z; lighter and purer than the later displacements.
- 1970
  Photo: “1970 Datsun 240Z” by Calreyn88 / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 . Cropped to 16:9.
- 1971
  Photo: “1971 Datsun 240Z (15637726316)” by GPS 56 from New Zealand / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY 2.0 . Cropped to 16:9.
- 1972
  Photo: “1972 Datsun 240Z S30” by MrWalkr / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 . Cropped to 16:9.
- 1973
  Photo: “1973 Datsun 240Z (14923295868)” by dave_7 from Lethbridge, Canada / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY 2.0 . Cropped to 16:9.
260Z · S30 — 260Z (1974–1974)

Stroked to 2.6L to counter tightening emissions; a one-year US model year.
280Z · S30 — 280Z (1975–1978)

US-specific 2.8L fuel-injected variant; added a 2+2 body option.