Japanese manufacturer Datsun may not instantly spring to mind as being a sports car builder, however from 1969 until 1984 Datsun produced one of the most successful sports/GT cars of modern times.
Aimed at the important US export market the “Z” coupes were powered by powerful six cylinder engines and were well built. In 1978 Datsun replaced the 260Z with a much larger version, the 280Z. The 280Z had a new rear suspension set-up, all-round disc brakes and a new fuel injected 2.8 litre six cylinder.
In the 1980′s the firm changed its name to Nissan. By now the Datsun “Z” range was firmly established in Europe and the USA (where it was sold as the Nissan Fairlady) with sales reaching just under 500,000 by the time production ended in 1983.
Aimed at the important US export market the “Z” coupes were powered by powerful six cylinder engines and were well built. In 1978 Datsun replaced the 260Z with a much larger version, the 280Z. The 280Z had a new rear suspension set-up, all-round disc brakes and a new fuel injected 2.8 litre six cylinder.
In the 1980′s the firm changed its name to Nissan. By now the Datsun “Z” range was firmly established in Europe and the USA (where it was sold as the Nissan Fairlady) with sales reaching just under 500,000 by the time production ended in 1983.
On a damp Sunday morning in January 1996, a car pulled out from a junction in front of me. My poor car suffered a fatal blow.
My insurance company uttered the terrible words "beyond economical repair" and she sat in the driveway bearing grievous scars.
My insurance company uttered the terrible words "beyond economical repair" and she sat in the driveway bearing grievous scars.