The History of the Nissan Z: Five Decades of Performance 

Few cars have captured the imagination of drivers worldwide like the Z-series. From its debut in 1969 to the current model, the Nissan Z has consistently balanced affordability with performance, style with reliability, and tradition with innovation. 

This is not just the story of a car, it is the story of how Nissan (once known as Datsun in the U.S.) carved out a permanent place in automotive history by creating a sports car for the everyday enthusiast. Let’s take a closer look at the history of the Nissan Z generation by generation. 

Datsun 240Z (1969–1973): The Birth of the Nissan Z 

The Nissan Z’s story begins in late 1969 with the introduction of the Datsun 240Z to the American market. At that time, European manufacturers like Porsche and Jaguar dominated the sports car scene. Their cars were exciting, but expensive, fragile, and often unreliable. Nissan aimed to create a vehicle that delivered similar excitement, but at a fraction of the price and without the headaches. 

Featuring a sleek fastback coupe design, a long hood, and short deck, the 240Z was instantly appealing. Under the hood was a 2.4-liter inline-six engine producing 151 horsepower, enough for spirited performance in an era when most affordable cars were far slower. 

What set the 240Z apart was its accessibility. For around $3,500 in the early 1970s, buyers got a car that could rival far more expensive sports cars. Reliability and ease of maintenance further boosted its appeal. By 1973, over 150,000 units had been sold in the U.S., making it one of the best-selling sports cars of its time. 

The 240Z did not just put Nissan on the map, it redefined what a sports car could be. 

Datsun 260Z and 280Z (1974–1978): Refinement and Growth 

In the mid-1970s, stricter U.S. emissions standards and rising safety regulations forced Nissan to adapt. The 260Z debuted in 1974 with a slightly larger 2.6-liter engine, although power output dropped slightly due to emissions controls. 

By 1975, the 280Z replaced it, featuring a 2.8-liter engine with Bosch electronic fuel injection. This innovation helped the car meet emissions standards without sacrificing performance. 

The 280Z also emphasized comfort. Interiors were more luxurious, and the 2+2 model with small rear seats broadened the Z’s appeal beyond hardcore enthusiasts. While some purists complained about added weight, sales remained strong, showing the Z could evolve with the times. 

280ZX (1978–1983): Luxury Meets Performance 

The 280ZX marked a notable shift in the Z lineup. While still a sports car, it leaned toward grand touring. Softer styling, smoother ride quality, and luxury features like leather seats, digital dashboards, and T-top roofs made the car more refined. 

The 280ZX kept the 2.8-liter inline-six engine but introduced a turbocharged version in 1981, adding power and keeping the Z competitive. The car was immensely popular, winning Motor Trend’s Import Car of the Year in 1979. While handling was less sharp than earlier Z models, it expanded the car’s audience and solidified the Z’s place in automotive history. 

300ZX (1983–2000): Enter the V6 Era 

The 1980s brought the 300ZX, marking a major mechanical shift. For the first time, the Z dropped its iconic inline-six in favor of a V6 engine, providing more power, greater refinement, and improved efficiency. 

First Generation Z31 (1983–1989) 

The Z31 300ZX debuted with a 3.0-liter V6 available in naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions. With angular, ’80s-style pop-up headlights and sharp lines, it sold over 300,000 units worldwide. The Z31 balanced luxury with performance, bringing the Z into the modern era. 

Second Generation Z32 (1989–2000) 

The Z32 is often considered the pinnacle of the Nissan Z. Launched in 1989, it featured sleek, low-slung styling and a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 300 horsepower, placing it in supercar territory. Advanced suspension, optional four-wheel steering, and balanced handling made it a driver’s dream. 

The Z32 became a cultural icon, appearing in video games, movies, and magazines. By the late 1990s, however, rising costs and changing markets led to its discontinuation in the U.S. in 1996, though production continued in Japan until 2000. 

350Z (2002–2009): The Revival of the Nissan Z 

After a brief hiatus, the 350Z returned in 2002, re-emphasizing affordability, performance, and fun. Built on Nissan’s FM platform, it featured a 3.5-liter V6 with up to 306 horsepower. Its muscular styling, wide stance, and driver-focused interior made it an instant hit. 

The 350Z also excelled in motorsport, from drifting competitions to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and became a pop culture icon, appearing in games like Gran Turismo and films like The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift. 

370Z (2009–2020): Refinement and Modern Technology 

The 370Z, introduced in 2009, was a natural evolution of the 350Z. Its 3.7-liter V6 produced up to 350 horsepower, and its sharper styling included boomerang-shaped headlights and a more aggressive stance. 

Modern technology like SynchroRev Match, which automatically rev-matched downshifts, offered novice drivers the thrill of professional driving. Although affordable sports cars declined in popularity during the 2010s, the 370Z remained a capable and beloved sports car. 

Nissan Z (2023–present): The Future of the Icon 

In 2021, Nissan unveiled the latest model simply as the Nissan Z for the 2023 model year. Blending retro cues from the 240Z and Z32 with modern performance, it features a 3.0-liter twin-turbo V6 producing 400 horsepower, paired with a 6-speed manual or 9-speed automatic. 

The new Z strikes a balance between tradition and innovation, honoring the past while offering a modern sports car experience in a world increasingly dominated by electric vehicles. 

The Enduring Legacy of the Nissan Z 

For over 50 years, the Nissan Z has embodied attainable performance. It has survived oil crises, changing regulations, and shifting market trends while staying true to its core philosophy: a stylish, fun-to-drive sports car that ordinary people can afford. 

From the groundbreaking 240Z to the high-tech Z32, from the revival of the 350Z to the twin-turbocharged modern Z, each generation adds a new chapter to the legend. The Nissan Z is more than just a car, it is a cultural icon, a symbol of accessible performance, and proof that passion-driven vehicles still have a place in the modern world. 

Find Yours at Empire Nissan! 

If you’re eager to experience the thrill of the Nissan Z for yourself, Empire Nissan makes it easy to get behind the wheel. Empire Nissan offers a wide selection, and their knowledgeable staff can guide you through features, performance options, and customization choices, ensuring you find the Z that perfectly fits your driving style. Visiting Empire Nissan is the perfect way to feel firsthand why the Nissan Z continues to be a favorite among sports car enthusiasts.