THE 240Z: JAPAN CONQUERS THE WEST
1969 · Datsun · 5 min
An affordable sports car that out-handled cars twice its price — and rewrote the rules of the American market.
THE GAMBLE
Nissan bet that American buyers wanted an affordable, well-made sporty coupé. The 240Z, sold under the Datsun name, delivered European-style performance at a domestic price.
THE MACHINE
With a 2.4-litre straight-six and clean fastback styling, the 240Z became one of the best-selling sports cars of its era and proof that Japan could lead, not follow.
Timeline
- 1969 — THE LAUNCH: 240Z debuts to acclaim.
- 1973 — THE LEGEND: One of the era's best sellers.
