1970 Nissan Z
First generation · S30 (240Z / 260Z / 280Z) 1970–1978
The original Z — sold in the US as the Datsun 240Z (1970–1973, 2.4L L24 six), then 260Z (1974, 2.6L, added a 2+2) and 280Z (1975–1978, 2.8L fuel-injected). A long-hood fastback that made affordable performance a mainstream idea.
Photo: “1970 Nissan Fairlady Z-L” by TTTNIS / Wikimedia Commons — CC0 1.0 . Cropped to 16:9.
The 1970 model year
Overview
The Datsun 240Z launched in the US in late 1969 as a 1970 model and was an instant phenomenon: a long-hood, fastback sports coupe with an inline-six, independent suspension, and styling that rivaled far costlier European GTs, all at an accessible price. It reset expectations for Japanese performance cars in America.
Specifications
- Engines
-
- 2.4L L24 inline-six (twin SU-type carburetors) 151 hp
- Body styles
- Coupe (2-seat fastback)
Year over year
What changed
- US launch of the Datsun 240Z as a 1970 model.
- Long-hood fastback with the 2.4L L24 inline-six and four-wheel independent suspension.
Living with it
Reliability & ownership notes
- Rust (rear arches, floors, frame rails) is the chief concern on survivors; mechanically the L-series six is robust.
Worth knowing
Notable
- The original Z — the car that made affordable Japanese performance mainstream in the US.
- Sold as a Datsun; the Nissan name came later.
Sources
Other First generation years
Explore the S30 (240Z / 260Z / 280Z) generation → All First generation · S30 (240Z / 260Z / 280Z) years →