History

The Complete History of the Nissan Z

Updated December 2024 • 18 min read

For over five decades, the Nissan Z has represented the purest expression of accessible sports car performance. What began as an ambitious project to challenge European sports cars has evolved into one of the most recognizable nameplates in automotive history.

This is the story of the Z—from a small Japanese company's dream to an enduring global icon.

The Birth of a Legend: Datsun 240Z (1969-1973)

Mr. K's Vision

The Z story begins with Yutaka Katayama, the legendary "Mr. K" who ran Nissan's American operations. In the late 1960s, Japanese cars were seen as cheap economy vehicles. Mr. K envisioned something different: a Japanese sports car that could compete with the Jaguar E-Type and Porsche 911—at a fraction of the price.

Back in Japan, designer Yoshihiko Matsuo led the team that would create the S30 chassis. The result was stunning: a long-hooded, fastback coupe with elegant flowing lines that drew obvious inspiration from European GT cars but established its own identity.

The Launch

The Datsun 240Z debuted in Japan in October 1969 and arrived in America in 1970. Priced at just $3,526—thousands less than comparable European sports cars—it offered:

Sales exploded. The 240Z became the best-selling sports car in the world, introducing an entire generation to the joy of driving.

Legacy Moment

"We don't want to make a car that's just for show. We want to make a car that's exciting to drive." — Yutaka Katayama

Growth and Refinement: 260Z & 280Z (1974-1978)

As emissions regulations tightened in the mid-1970s, Nissan evolved the Z to meet new requirements while maintaining its character.

260Z (1974)

The 260Z featured a larger 2.6L engine to compensate for power losses from emissions equipment. A 2+2 variant was introduced, adding a small rear seat that increased versatility (and sales) significantly.

280Z (1975-1978)

The final evolution of the S30 generation, the 280Z brought fuel injection and a 2.8L engine. While the added emissions equipment and larger bumpers added weight, the 280Z remained a compelling sports car. The inline-6 still delivered smooth, rev-happy power.

The Grand Touring Era: 280ZX (1979-1983)

The S130 generation marked a philosophical shift. The 280ZX traded some of the original's raw sports car character for greater comfort and refinement.

Features and Changes

Purists criticized the move toward luxury, but the 280ZX sold extremely well. The turbocharged model particularly impressed, offering genuine performance in a comfortable package. The 280ZX Turbo is highly collectible today.

The Performance Return: 300ZX Z31 (1984-1989)

With the Z31, Nissan refocused on performance. The new 300ZX wore aggressive, angular styling that screamed 1980s futurism.

Power and Technology

The Z31 300ZX was competitive with European sports cars of its era and proved that Nissan hadn't forgotten the Z's sporting roots. The turbo model was particularly capable, offering strong acceleration and confident handling.

The Supercar: 300ZX Z32 (1990-1996)

The Z32 generation represents the high-water mark of Z engineering excess. Nissan threw everything they had at this car, creating what many consider the best Z ever made.

Engineering Excellence

The Z32 was a complete redesign with cutting-edge technology:

The Twin Turbo model was a genuine supercar fighter. Motor Trend named it "Import Car of the Year." Car and Driver included it on their Ten Best list multiple times. In performance tests, it matched or beat cars costing twice as much.

The Price of Excellence

The Z32 was expensive to produce. By 1996, the Twin Turbo cost over $40,000—far from the affordable sports car roots of the original 240Z. Nissan discontinued the Z, and for six years, there was no Z car.

The Revival: Nissan 350Z (2003-2009)

After a six-year hiatus, the Z returned in 2002 (as a 2003 model). The 350Z, internally coded Z33, went back to basics with a focus on affordable, pure sports car driving.

Back to the Formula

The 350Z embodied the original Z philosophy:

The VQ35 engine, part of Nissan's legendary VQ family, delivered smooth power and proved remarkably reliable. The chassis offered balanced handling and genuine driver engagement. Critics and buyers alike embraced the return of a proper Z car.

Evolution

The 350Z improved throughout its run:

A Roadster (convertible) variant joined the lineup in 2004, and the NISMO version offered factory-tuned performance. The 350Z was a massive success, selling over 300,000 units worldwide.

Refined Aggression: Nissan 370Z (2009-2020)

The Z34 generation refined the 350Z formula with more power, sharper handling, and modern technology.

Key Improvements

The 370Z was objectively better than its predecessor in almost every measurable way. It was faster, handled better, and had more features. Yet it remained affordable, with prices starting around $30,000.

The Long Run

Nissan kept the 370Z in production for 11 years with relatively minor updates. While this meant the car felt increasingly dated toward the end, it also meant Nissan perfected the formula. Late-model 370Zs are well-sorted, reliable sports cars.

Special editions like the NISMO, Heritage Edition, and 50th Anniversary commemorated the Z's history and offered collectible appeal.

The New Era: Nissan Z (2023-Present)

After years of rumors and anticipation, Nissan revealed the new Z in 2021 (as a 2023 model). The seventh-generation Z pays homage to its heritage while embracing modern performance.

Retro-Modern Design

The new Z's design brilliantly references Z history:

Twin-Turbo Power

For the first time since the Z32, the Z embraces forced induction:

The new Z delivers significant performance while maintaining the accessible sports car philosophy. Starting around $42,000, it undercuts competitors from Germany and offers more power than many cars costing twice as much.

Special Editions

The Proto Spec launch edition sold out instantly. Nissan continues to offer the Z in Sport and Performance trims, with the latter including a limited-slip differential, larger brakes, and sport suspension.

Z Car Racing Heritage

The Z has a storied racing history that parallels its road car success:

SCCA and IMSA

The 240Z dominated SCCA racing in the 1970s, with legendary drivers like John Morton and Bob Sharp earning championships. The famous BRE (Brock Racing Enterprises) 240Z is one of the most iconic race cars in American motorsport history.

24 Hours of Daytona

In 1994, a Nissan 300ZX won the GTS class at the 24 Hours of Daytona, proving the Z32's capabilities in endurance racing.

Drifting

The 350Z and 370Z became staples of professional drifting. Their rear-wheel-drive layout, strong engines, and readily available aftermarket support made them ideal for the sport.

Why the Z Matters

Throughout its 50+ year history, the Z has represented something important: the idea that pure driving enjoyment shouldn't require a six-figure budget. Every generation has stayed true to the formula—front engine, rear-wheel drive, two doors, and just enough power to make things interesting.

In an era of heavy, complex, technology-laden vehicles, the Z remains refreshingly focused. It exists to deliver driving pleasure, and it does so at a price that real enthusiasts can afford.

That's the legacy of Mr. K's vision—and it continues to this day.

Z Production Timeline

S30 (240Z/260Z/280Z): 1969-1978
S130 (280ZX): 1979-1983
Z31 (300ZX): 1984-1989
Z32 (300ZX): 1990-1996
Z33 (350Z): 2003-2009
Z34 (370Z): 2009-2020
Z35 (Z/400Z): 2023-Present

350Z Buyer's Guide →