Datsun 240z

The 1970 240Z was introduced to the American market by Yutaka Katayama, president of Nissan Motors USA operations, widely known as Mr. K. The 1970 through the mid-1971 model year 240Z was referred to as the Series I. These early cars had many subtle but notable features differing from later cars. The most easily visible difference is that these early cars had a chrome "240Z" badge on the sail pillar, and two horizontal vents in the rear hatch below the glass molding providing flow through ventilation. In mid-1971, for the Series II 240Z cars, the sail pillar emblems were restyled with just the letter "Z" placed in a circular vented emblem, and the vents were eliminated from the hatch panel of the car. Design changes for the U.S. model 240Z occurred throughout production, including interior modifications for the 1972 model year, and a change in the location of the bumper over-riders, as well as the addition of some emission control devices and the adoption of a new style of emissions reducing (and performance compromising) carburetors for the 1973 model year.

Typical fuel consumption: 21 mpg-US (11 L/100 km; 25 mpg-imp)The 1970 240Z was introduced to the American market by Yutaka Katayama, president of Nissan Motors USA operations, widely known as Mr. K. The 1970 through the mid-1971 model year 240Z was referred to as the Series I. These early cars had many subtle but notable features differing from later cars. The most easily visible difference is that these early cars had a chrome "240Z" badge on the sail pillar, and two horizontal vents in the rear hatch below the glass molding providing flow through ventilation. In mid-1971, for the Series II 240Z cars, the sail pillar emblems were restyled with just the letter "Z" placed in a circular vented emblem, and the vents were eliminated from the hatch panel of the car. Design changes for the U.S. model 240Z occurred throughout production, including interior modifications for the 1972 model year, and a change in the location of the bumper over-riders, as well as the addition of some emission control devices and the adoption of a new style of emissions reducing (and performance compromising) carburetors for the 1973 model year.

The 1970 models were introduced in October 1969, received the L24 2.4 liter engine and a 4-speed manual. A less common 3-speed automatic transmission was optional from 1971 on, and had a "Nissan Full Automatic" badge.

In 2004, Sports Car International named this car number two on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 1970s. One of the most appealing Japanese cars ever produced, it nevertheless disappeared almost entirely from American roads within two decades, presumably because like most Japanese cars of the time it had insurmountable rust issues.

Specifications[]

Engine: 2,393 cc (146.0 cu in) L24 I-6, cast-iron block, alloy head, seven-bearing crankshaft, single overhead cam, 9.0:1 compression; Maximum recommended engine speed 7000 rpm.
- Bore: 83.0 mm (3.27 in)
- Stroke: 73.7 mm (2.90 in)
- Fuel system: Mechanical fuel pump, twin Hitachi HJG 46W 1.75 in (44 mm) SU-type carburetors
- Power: 151 hp (113 kW) at 5600 rpm (SAE gross)
- Torque: 146 lbf·ft (198 N·m) at 4400 rpm (SAE gross)
Transmission: Four-speed manual, five-speed manual, or three-speed automatic (after September 1970)
- Final drive ratios:
- Four-speed manual transmission: 3.364:1 (37:11)
- Five-speed manual transmission: 3.90:1 (39:10) (not available in US)
- Three-speed automatic transmission: 3.545:1 (39:11).
Brakes:
- Front: 10.7 in (270 mm) discs
- Rear: 9.0 in (230 mm) x 1.6 in (41 mm) drums
Front: Independent with MacPherson struts, lower links, coil springs, telescopic dampers, anti-roll bar
Rear: Independent with Chapman struts, lower wishbones, coil springs, telescopic dampers
Steering: Rack and pinion, 2.7 turns lock to lock
Wheels: 4.5J-14 steel wheels with 175 SR 14 tires
Wheelbase: 90.7 in (2,300 mm)
Length: 162.8 in (4,140 mm)
Width: 64.1 in (1,630 mm)
Dry weight: 2,355 lb (1,068 kg)
Top speed: 125 mph (201 km/h)
- 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h): 8.0 s
Typical fuel consumption: 21 mpg-US (11 L/100 km; 25 mpg-imp)

260Z[]

This model was sold in the United States for the 1974 model year only, but was available in other countries until 1978. The engine was enlarged over that of the 240Z with a longer stroke to 2.6 L. In the U.S., federal emissions regulations forced a reduction in ignition timing and compression ratio, resulting in a lower power output (140 hp) for the 260Z despite the additional displacement, whereas in other countries the power output increased to 165 bhp (123 kW; 167 PS). The 1974.5 models had the full 165 bhp (123 kW; 167 PS) that other countries had by default.

A 3-speed automatic transmission was an option, and the 4-speed manual remained standard.

1974 brought for the first time to the S30 line a new 2/2 (2+2) seating option, which offered room for 4 passengers and an extra 11.9 in (302 mm) of wheelbase. These cars have a notably different roofline from the 2-seat coupes, incorporating larger opening quarter panel windows.

The 260Z claimed a few updates or improvements over the 240Z. The climate controls were more sensibly laid out and easier to work, and those cars with air conditioning now had the A/C system integrated into the main climate control panel. There was also additional stiffness in the chassis due to a redesign of the chassis rails which were larger and extended further back than previous models. A Rear sway bar was added as well. The 260Z debuted a redesigned dashboard and console, as well as new seat trim, and door panels for the interior. The tail lights were updated, moving the back up lights from the main tail light housing to the back panel. Early 1974 U.S. 260Z models had bumpers that resembled those of the earlier 240Z, though increased slightly in size, pushed away from the body somewhat, and wearing black rubber bumper guards rather that the previous chrome bumper guards with rubber strips. These early cars still had the front turn signals located below the bumpers. Late 1974 U.S. 260Z models (often referred to as 1974.5 models) carried the heavier bumpers that would remain on the 1975-76 model years of the 280Z. These late cars had the front turn signals relocated to the outer edges of the front grill, above the bumper.

Specifications[]

Engine: 2.6 L (160 cu in) L26 I6, cast-iron block, alloy head, two valve per cylinder, seven-bearing crankshaft, single overhead camshaft
- Displacement: 156.6 cu in (2565 cc)
- Bore: 83.0 mm (3.27 in)
- Stroke: 79.0 mm (3.11 in)
- Compression Ratio: 8.3:1 (93 oct)
Fuel System: Mechanical fuel pump, twin Hitachi HMB 46W 1.75 in (44 mm) SU-type carburetors
Power: 162 hp (121 kW) at 5600 rpm
Torque: 157 ft·lbf (213 N·m) at 4400 rpm
Transmission: Four-speed manual or three-speed automatic
Brakes:
- Front: 10.7 in (270 mm) discs front
- Rear: 9.0 in (230 mm) X 1.6 in (41 mm) drums rear, servo assisted
  - Total swept area: 393.7 sq in (2,540 cm²)
Suspension:
- Front: Independent with MacPherson struts, lower wishbones, coil springs, telescopic dampers, anti-roll bar
- Rear: Independent with Chapman struts, lower wishbones, coil springs, telescopic dampers
Steering: rack and pinion, 2.8 turns lock to lock
Wheels/ Tires: 5.5 by 14 in (140 by 360 mm) pressed steel wheels with 195VR14 radial tyres
Top Speed: 127 mph (204 km/h)
0 to 60 mph (97 km/h): 8.0 sec
Fuel consumption: 20 to 28 mpg_-US (12 to 8.4 L/100 km; 24 to 34 mpg_-imp)
Engine oil (sump): 9.0 Imp pints (5.1 liters/10.7 US pints)

280Z[]

In a further effort to keep the S30 models sporting in the face of increasingly stringent U.S. emission and safety requirements, Nissan Motors released the Datsun 280Z model for the U.S. market in the 1975 model year. Both the 2-seat coupe and 2/2 (2+2) hatchback models remained available throughout the 1975–78 model year run of the 280Z.

For the 280Z, engine size was again increased, this time to 2.8 L, by enlarging the bore of the L26 engine to create the L28, and a reliable Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection system was added.

1975 and 1976 models continued to be fitted with the Federally required 5 mph (8.0 km/h) crash test bumpers that were introduced for the mid-1974 model year of the 260z. These bumpers were smooth surfaced, and blended into smooth black rubber extensions as they met the body of the car. 1977 and 1978 models received bumpers with recessed channels added to the faces of the bumpers themselves, that blended into corrugated or accordion style black rubber extension trim. Also new for the 1977 model year, 280Zs no longer received the full size spare tire, and instead had a "space saver" spare and a larger fuel tank. This resulted in a raised rear deck area made of fiberboard, reducing cargo space. In 1977–78 an optional 5-speed manual transmission was available alongside the 4-speed manual, and the 3-speed automatic options, which included a "5-speed" emblem on the left bottom edge of the rear hatch. 1977 also saw an update from the charcoal painted hubcap style (with a chrome Z floating in the amber center emblems) to a hubcap that resembled an alloy wheel, bearing a center cap with a chrome Z floating in a black circle.

In 1977 and 1978 respectively, Datsun offered two special edition models. The "Zap" edition was offered in 1977 as a "Special Decor Package". Zap cars were finished in Sunshine Yellow paint, and sported black stripes down the center and sides, with yellow, red, and orange chevrons at the front ends of the stripes. An estimated 1,000 "Zap Z" cars were offered in 1977. The "Zap Z" model was also used as the pace car in the 1977 Long Beach Gran Prix. The Black Pearl edition (produced in 1978) came with Black Pearlescent paint and a "Special Appearance Package" (SAP), which consisted of dual racing mirrors, rear window louvers, and a unique red and silver stripe. It is estimated that between 750-1,500 of these cars were produced.

The S30 series was replaced in 1979 by the S130 Nissan Fairlady 280ZX / Datsun 280ZX.

Specifications[]

Engine: 2.8 L (170 cu in) L28E I6, cast-iron block, alloy head, seven-bearing crankshaft, single overhead camshaft
- Displacement: 168 cu in (2753 cc)
- Bore: 86.1 mm (3.39 in)
- Stroke: 79.0 mm (3.11 in)
- Fuel System: Electric fuel pump, Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection
- Compression Ratio: 8.3:1
- Power: 170 hp (127 kW) at 5600 rpm
- Torque: 163 ft·lbf (221 N·m) at 4400 rpm
- Transmission: Four-speed manual, Five-speed manual, or three-speed automatic
- Final Drive Ratio: 3.55:1