The S30 Nissan/Datsun 240Z (known in Japan as the Fairlady Z and later in other markets as the 260Z and 280Z) are sports cars from Nissan of the 1970s. The 240Z was introduced in 1969 with a 2.4 L straight-6 L-series engine, rear wheel drive, and a stylish coupe body. The engine, based on the Nissan 510's I4, produced 150 hp (112 kW) and only came with a 4-speed manual transmission. A 4 wheel independent suspension consisted of MacPherson struts in front (borrowed from the Nissan 1800) and Chapman struts in back. Front disc brakes & rear drums were standard.

The 240Z and 260Z used a carburetor. Fuel injection (L-Jetronic electronic fuel injection, designed by Bosch) was added for the 280Z. This was primarily in order to cope with the difficulty faced in getting enough power using carburetors while still meeting emissions regulations. The early 240Zs, prior to smog controls, had significantly more power than the post 1973 models. Those levels of power would not be achieved again until the 300ZX was introduced.

The 240Z was the first sports car from Japan to be widely popular in the US and the first major success for the Nissan Motor Corporation, which at the time sold cars in North America under the name Datsun. The 240Z also broadened the image of Japanese car-markers beyond their econobox success.

In 2004, Sports Car International named this car number two on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 1970s.

260Z

The engine was enlarged with a longer stroke to 2.6 L for the 260Z in 1974. A 2+2 seating option added with an extra 11.9 in of wheelbase. This engine was sold in the United States for the 1974 model year only, but was available in other countries until 1979. In the US, federal emissions' regulations forced a reduction in ignition timing and compression ratio, resulting in a lower power output (140 hp) despite the additional displacement. A 3-speed automatic transmission was an option to the standard 4-speed manual.

Most people regard the 260Z as the least desirable of the line, because of the reduced performance. This has resulted in lower prices on average for the 260Z.

Despite these deficiencies, the 260Z also claims a few improvements over the 240Z. The heating and air conditioning controls are more sensibly laid out, and easier to work, and there is additional stiffness in the chassis due to a slight increase in the sheet metal thickness used in certain areas. The US model also featured heavier, safer, impact-absorbing bumpers. The 260Z was also the first Z car to be offered in a 2+2 (four-seat) model. The wheelbase was increased by 10 inches (250 mm) in order to create space for a back seat.

280Z

Engine size was up again, to 2.8 L, for the 280Z in late 1975, and fuel injection was added. A 5-speed manual transmission was added for 1977, along with cosmetic updates to the exterior.

The car was redesigned and released as the Nissan 280ZX in 1979.

See also

• Z-car