First-generation Z (S30 "240Z / 260Z / 280Z", 1970–1978)
1970–1978
The first-generation Z (chassis S30) is the car that launched the lineage and remains the most collectible Z. In the US it was sold as the Datsun 240Z (1970–1973, 2.4L L24 six), then the 260Z (1974, 2.6L, which added a longer 2+2 body) and the fuel-injected 280Z (1975–1978, 2.8L). A long-hood fastback with handsome styling and genuine pace at a low price, the S30 made Japanese performance cars credible in America.
Photo: “1972 Datsun 240-Z, front right (2022 Ellwood City Fall Fest & Car Cruise)” by MercurySable99 / Wikimedia Commons , licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 . Cropped to 16:9.
1970–1978
Overview
The first-generation Z (chassis S30) is the car that launched the lineage and remains the most collectible Z. In the US it was sold as the Datsun 240Z (1970–1973, 2.4L L24 six), then the 260Z (1974, 2.6L, which added a longer 2+2 body) and the fuel-injected 280Z (1975–1978, 2.8L). A long-hood fastback with handsome styling and genuine pace at a low price, the S30 made Japanese performance cars credible in America.
Milestones
Highlights
- Sold in the US as a Datsun; the 240Z launched as a 1970 model.
- Grew from 2.4L (240Z) to 2.6L (260Z) to 2.8L fuel-injected (280Z).
- The 260Z introduced a longer-wheelbase 2+2 body.
Model years in this generation