While much of the attention has been focussed on the unveiling of the Z Proto, Nissan is also paying homage to the past 50 years of Z cars with a display of models in Yokohama from its Nissan Heritage Collection.
The cars on display at the Nissan Pavilion last week for the Z Proto unveil chronicled the evolution of the legendary sports car. It included the very first Z that appeared in 1969 and other select Z models through the generations.
The 1969 Nissan Fairlady Z432 (PS30), also known as the Datsun 240Z in parts of the world including North America, offered the public a fun, dashing and reliable European-type sports car at an affordable price. It was introduced in December 1969.
The 1972 Nissan Fairlady 240ZG (HS30), equipped with a 2.4-liter inline-4, was designed for the North American market and debuted there in 1970. It then went on sale in Japan in November 1971.
The 1980 Nissan Fairlady 280Z T-top 2-seater (HS130) catered to those who enjoyed the charms of a convertible sports car without sacrificing body rigidity. The specialised “Super Z” 280Z, with gullwing doors and other special equipment, starred in a popular Japanese TV crime drama called Seibu Keisatsu. That gave the 280Z legendary status in Japan.
The 1984 300ZX 50th Anniversary Turbo T-top, Canada spec (HZ31) was added to the lineup to celebrate Nissan’s 50th birthday.
With only 5,148 vehicles produced for the U.S. market and 300 for the Canadian market, the special edition two-seat coupe wore an exclusive silver/black color scheme and was powered by a turbocharged engine. This car came with all the bells and whistles.
The 1989 Nissan Fairlady Z 2+2 300ZX Twin Turbo (GCZ32) was unlike any Z that preceded it. With a fresh new styling direction and super high performance, it rivaled the best sports cars in the world.
The 2002 Nissan Fairlady Z Version ST (Z33) came equipped with a smooth-revving, high-output 3.5-liter V-6. Called the VQ (short for VQ35DE), the engine produced 280 ps and 363 Nm of torque. The 350Z (Z33) was produced until December 2008. Nissan sold more than 250,000 of the 350Z during its six-year run, before it was replaced by the Z34, called the 370Z.
The 2020 Nissan Fairlady Z ST (Z34), following on the heels of the Z33, is known as the 370Z in many parts of the world. It made its debut in 2009 and continues to this day. Equipped with a 3.7-liter V-6 engine that produces 336 ps, the Z34 represents the sixth generation of the Z-car line. While it may appear similar to its predecessor, this latest Z was in fact extensively reengineered, with a more compact and stable body.
