1977 Datsun 260Z 2+2 Coupe

Description

Brainchild of Nissan’s North American President Yutaka Katayama, the legendary Datsun Z-car was originally designed as a cheaper alternative to Toyota’s exotic 2000GT and ultimately became the first commercially successful Japanese sports car.  Using a six-cylinder engine derived from the 1600 sedan’s four, the motor boasted an overhead camshaft and developed 150 bhp in its original guise. The 240Z’s specification was on par with Europe’s best, featuring race-bred rack-and-pinion steering, fully independent suspension and a five-speed gearbox, plus decent equipment levels.  The attractive bodywork, with aggressive long nose/fastback styling, has been credited to German designer Albrecht Goertz and still looks sharp today.  The 240Z was an instant success, particularly in America where the vast majority found homes, making it the best-selling sports car of the 1970s.  As emissions controls increasingly diluted the 240Z’s performance, Nissan sought to restore some of the power lost by stroking the engine, raising the engine capacity from 2393cc to 2565cc and boosting output to 162 bhp.  The 260Z retained the classic good looks of its predecessor and the model’s appeal was broadened with the addition of an automatic transmission and a 2+2 model based on a longer wheelbase platform, with a higher roofline to increase cabin space.  Today, any well-kept Nissan Z car is a delight to own, offering plenty of driving thrills, the practicality of a rear hatchback and large load area.  Spare parts remain in plentiful supply and are relatively cheap compared with many European classics.  For too long, the early model Zs were under appreciated in Australia but in values have begun rising sharply in recent years, as enthusiasts begin to fully appreciate one of Japan’s most enduring – and now collectible - sports cars.