Nissan Z
It's from 1969, before you were born.
- Iconic generation
- 1969 Datsun 240Z (first-gen S30)
- Origin
- Japan (sold as Fairlady Z at home)
- Engine
- 2.4L L24 SOHC inline-six
- Power
- ~150 hp; ~146 lb-ft torque
- 0–60 mph
- ~8 seconds
- Top speed
- ~125 mph
- Price when new
- $3,526 (1969)
- Body
- Two-seat fastback coupe
About
As of 2026, it's 57 years old.
When the Datsun 240Z landed in America in 1969, it quietly rewrote the rules of the sports car. Here was a sleek, long-hooded coupe with a smooth 2.4-liter straight-six, independent suspension, and genuinely exotic looks, all for $3,526, a fraction of the price of the European GTs it embarrassed. America fell hard, and the Z became the best-selling sports car of its era.
Known as the Fairlady Z back home in Japan, the original S30 made about 150 hp and hit 60 in the eight-second range, brisk for 1969. More importantly, it proved Japan could build a desirable, fun, beautiful performance car, not just sensible economy boxes, and kicked open the door for everything that followed.
Over the decades the Z drifted and ballooned, growing heavier and softer through the 1980s and early 1990s until it lost the plot. Nissan even killed it for a while. Then in 2002 the 350Z brought the formula crashing back: a muscular, rear-drive coupe with a 287 hp VQ V6 at a price that undercut everyone.
The 350Z reminded everybody what the Z badge stood for, and the line has soldiered on through the 370Z and the modern retro-styled Z that openly nods to that original 240. Few sports cars can claim a bloodline this long, this affordable, or this stubbornly fun.
Nissan Z through the years
Enter the Z
The Datsun 240Z launches and instantly redefines the affordable sports car.
280ZX softens up
The Z grows into a more luxurious, GT-flavored grand tourer.
300ZX twin-turbo
A high-tech twin-turbo Z briefly makes Nissan a 1990s performance powerhouse.
Z on hiatus
Nissan stops selling the Z in the US as the line loses momentum.
350Z revival
The muscular 350Z brings the Z badge roaring back with a 287 hp V6.
Retro return
The modern Z arrives with styling cues lifted straight from the 1969 original.
