Whatever Happened to the Datsun 240Z?
Ah, the Datsun 240Z. A car so effortlessly cool, it practically strutted into the ‘70s like it owned the place. Long bonnet, fastback rear, and a growl from that 2.4-litre straight-six that could make European exotics feel rather, well, ... But time moves on, and even icons need successors. So, where did the Z car story go from there?
The Growing Pains: 260Z and 280Z
By the mid-‘70s, the world had changed. Tightening emissions regulations and crash safety standards forced Datsun (soon to be Nissan) to rethink its star performer. Enter the 260Z —a bit bigger, a bit heavier, and sporting a 2.6-litre engine to keep things lively. But let’s be honest, the added weight and compliance tweaks dulled the edge slightly.
Next came the 280Z, with fuel injection replacing carburetors — a big leap forward in reliability. The Z was maturing, though not everyone was thrilled with the compromise.
Turbochargers and Tactics: The 300ZX
Fast forward to the ‘80s, and the Z car had undergone a metamorphosis. The 300ZX turned up in 1983, all sharp angles and digital dashboards, with a turbocharger bolted to the V6 in top-spec trims. This was a Z with some serious firepower, even if it felt more like a cruiser than the plucky 240Z of old.
Then came the Z32 in 1989. This was peak ‘90s excess: twin turbos, 300hp, four-wheel steering, and a body so smooth it looked like it was sculpted by the wind itself. The 300ZX could mix it with Porsches and Ferraris of the day, and it did so at a price that left accountants grinning like Cheshire cats.
Back to Basics: 350Z and 370Z
The new millennium brought a return to form. With the **350Z** in 2002, Nissan stripped back the complexity, focusing on rear-wheel-drive purity and a howling 3.5-litre V6. It wasn’t trying to be a Ferrari-chaser anymore—it was a driver’s car, through and through. Drifters adored it, weekend racers thrashed it, and enthusiasts bought it in droves.
Its successor, the 370Z, doubled down on the formula. A bigger engine, sharper looks, and a chassis that begged to be pushed to the edge. By now, the Z had settled into its role as the everyman’s sports car—more muscle than finesse, but all the better for it.
The Modern Marvel: Nissan Z (400Z)
And now, we’ve arrived at the present day. The Nissan Z, launched in 2023, is a love letter to everything that came before it. The retro-inspired headlights nod to the 240Z, while the grille shape echoes the 300ZX. Under the bonnet? A 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6, good for 400bhp, and — yes — a six-speed manual gearbox. It’s fast, loud, and unapologetically old-school in a world of silent electric missiles.
This isn’t just nostalgia for nostalgia’s sake — it’s a modern Z for a modern world. And while the debate rages over whether it truly captures the spirit of the 240Z, one thing’s for certain: the Z car legend lives on.
Your Turn
So, what’s your pick of the Z family tree? The raw, untamed 240Z? The high-tech wizardry of the 300ZX? Or today’s turbocharged throwback? Let’s hear it in the comments.
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