When Datsun launched the 240Z in 1969, It was the British who ruled the affordable sports car market in Europe and the US, but the 240Z - with better build quality, far superior heating and ventilation, hatchback practicality and an ultra-durable straight-six engine â offered an amazing alternative to the World with tremendous fun.
Itâs like the Japanese Porsche 911, except that they were far more affordable when new and enjoyed legendary Japanese reliability. When the original was introduced, all models had standard four-wheel independent suspension and front disc, rear drum brakes. Its 2.4L inline-six engine with 151 horsepower made it a great performer, it boasted more horsepower than a Porsche 911 of the same year. Coupled with a 4-speed manual transmission and Hitachi carburetors in the earlier models, the engine delivered great performance for a fraction of the price of BMW and Porsche. The overhead-cam straight-six can be tuned to give a reliable 250bhp, however with just 151bhp in standard form, experts say that a Z engine will easily dismiss 250,000 miles.
Besides their reliability, the cars were tough too, having won the 21st East African Safari Rally in 1973, with Shekhar Mehta behind the wheel. They also competed in motorsport in all over the world and best known due to the Brock Racing Enterprises Datsuns of the early â70s, run by Mr. Peter Brock, who campaigned the 240Z in US club racing.
Sports Car International named the Datsun 240Z the number two sports car of the 1970s. Examples from1970 are the best bet for appreciation due to their first-year status, followed by 1971 and 1972 models.
