My Fairlady Z

My Fairlady Z

In 1969 Datsun embarked on a journey that would change the auto industry forever. A sports car for the common man, the Z was meant to bring performance and comfort at an affordable price.

The first Z to come to America came in 1969. The 240z hit the market on October 22nd and came stock with a 2400cc straight six-cylinder engine that pumped out the light-weight Z to a stunning zero to sixty time of under nine seconds. Above all, the 240z was a steal with a price tag of $3,526.00 opposed to the ’69 corvette that was just shy of $5,000.00.

The 1970 brought even more hype for the Z. The American demand for the Z became so high that Kelly Blue Book appraised a used Z at almost $4,000.00. The ‘70s also lead the Z to the race track courtesy of Bob Sharp and Pete Brock. The 240z took home two championships (’70,’71) before retiring the 240z in 1974. Datsun knew they were on to something special when in just 4 years they sold 116,712 Zs.

1974 was no different for Datsun with the introduction of the new 260z. It was the first year that the Z had a 2+2 body style which accommodated fold-down rear seats. The renaming of the Z came from the 2.6 liter engine. Although the engine grew, the horsepower did not. Due to the strict emission laws, the hp of the 260z was dropped to 139. Despite a drop in power, Datsun set new Z sales records selling 63,963 cars sold in one year.

The 260z’s life was cut short due to the increase in emissions requirements for 1975. Datsun knew they needed to come up with a new engine and fast or the history of the Z would be finished. Datsun came up with a 2.8 liter six banger bringing the introduction of a fuel injection system that pushed the 280z’s horsepower up to 149.

Between 1975-1978 the Z’s racing legacy continued. With Sharp at the wheel of a Datsun 280z, won eight races in the GTU racing circuit took the championship with ease. In 1977, the Z had another trick up its sleeve; a five-speed manual transmission with overdrive that raised horsepower to 170 setting yet another sales record with 67,331 cars sold.

1978 brought the Black Pearl Edition 280z. The release of the special edition was used as a test to see how consumers would react to the new color, and contemplate adding it to the Z’s line of colors. The Black Pearl Editions came with a number of options setting it apart from a base model 280z. The Black Pearl went on sale in 1978 for $8,287.00.

America’s tastes were ever changing and it was Datsun’s job to keep up, and that’s exactly what they did. 1979 the 280z got a make over. The all new 280zx was named Motor Trends “Import Car of the Year” and sold more than 86,000 cars completely destroying its previous sales records. The Z race cars were also recognized for winning its 10th consecutive C-production championship. This called for another special edition Z which came in the form of a 280zx-r. Only 1000 cars were made for the US making the 280zx-r a desire among Z fans.

When the 80’s rolled around, it brought with it the T-Top for the Z. 1981 280zx had its 10th birthday. The Anniversary Edition Z was produced in small number. Only 3000 of these cars were made and came with a number of options that differed from the stock Z. A turbo charged