Nissan/Datsun Z series history lesson

Hey all, let's all take a look back at Nissan's line of Z cars. No matter how you look at it, like it or not, these cars have helped the automotive tuner scene become what it is today. Also I'm a little late on this but Nissan retired the 350z and moved on to the 370z. But enough on the new, let's go back in time. That's right we're going back to 1969!

When we as Americans think back to cars in 1969 I bet the first thing that comes to mind isn't a small Japanese coupe. It's probably something more like this...



1969 Camaro. What a gorgeous car. However, this is not why we're here.
The car I'm talking about is actually more like this.


Datsun 260z. Aint she a beauty. It might not be much today but back in the 70's it had 151 horsepower and about 140ft·lbf of torque. With a top speed of 125mph and a 0-60 time of just 8 seconds. 8 seconds... damn. Okay well maybe this old datsun hasn't aged well. But still a wonderful classic car none the less.


I'm not going to talk about the 280z much. It's more or less a 260z with a bigger engine (2.8 liters as opposed to the 2.6) Incase you didn't know... Interesting to note however that Datsun offered a special edition 280z known as the "Zap Z" Which was used as a pace car. If you look in your garage and happen to see a zap z 280z. KEEP IT (and take damn good care of it) Because you're holding on to one incredibly rare car.

Okay so Let's speed time up a little bit and head on over to the year 1980. Not a bad year. Good music and such. It was also a big year forward for the Z series. The nissan 280zx was a complete redesign and atleast in my opinion, a big leap forward for sports cars. (also add the nissan Z31)



Just look. Now that is a badass car. [for it's time] I still think it looks nice by today's standard. As an 80's car though you're probably thinking about what the average 280zx driver looks like..



Oh. That's bad. ugh...




Jesus christ! Make it stop!

Let's just move on to what most people probably care about. I'm going to assume the 240sx (for tokyo drifting all over the place) But I'm just gonna go ahead and talk about the 300zx. The 240sx isn't a proper Z car. It's more of a sister car if you will and also Because I like the 300zx more. And I make the rules here.

Now the 300zx. What a car. Especially the twin turbo one, if you can find a nice second hand 300zx twin turbo I recommend buying it.



In Top Gear's RWD challenge Richard Hammond bought and old 300zx with very high mileage, yet he was surprised with how new it still felt. He ended up really liking his car. That is until Clarkson threw away the top of his roof...But I'm not getting into Top Gear talk...yet. Anyways, I could keep posting pics of 300zx all day. You might think it's an ugly beast of a car, and it's okay, I thought that too. But it grew on me. Ever since I saw one in person I looked it right in it's droopy kinda eyes, and fell in love. lawls.





What a beautiful thing.

Also...






'Dat ass


Anyways. It's 2003. Nissan comes out with the new 350z. It has a new 3.5 liter engine pushing nearly 300 horsepower. With a 0-60 speed of 5.1 seconds and a top speed of...100.. something. 150? 160? Well it's not important because just look at it.
Have you ever seen such a good looking car? That question was rhetorical. I absolutely love the Nissan 350z. It has huge aftermarket support, a very good community, and an undeniable racing pedigree. Whether you're into drifting or circuit racing, the 350z will not let you down. I know it's hard on gas, and I know it has a tiny trunk. Do I care even the slightest amount? No. I've seen so many beautiful 350z's in my day and it just makes me want one even more.



Those crazy Chinese, drifting with a pregnant lady in the car, but it's okay because shit man. Just look at that car. That wing is kinda...eh. Atleast in my opinion but hey, whatever man.

Sigh, someday I'll be able to afford one. Someday... If you haven't noticed by now the 350z is one of my all time favorite cars. So I'm a little biased towards them to say the least. And without the old and great datsuns I wouldn't have the 350z or 300zx for that matter. It's good to look back into history, it really helps you appreciate what you have now and makes you wonder what's to come.

Which reminds me. Nissan made the new 370z. Which has a 3.7 liter engine and is faster than the 350z in about everyway. But fuck it. I'm not gonna talk too much about that. I'll still prefer the 350 or even 300zx. If you wonder why I'm not talking about the infamous 240sx it's because...I don't like it. Well, I do like them. I just don't like the BROS that drive them. There's plenty of time for a drift article so I'll be sure to talk about them then. But for now, let's just saddle up in our Datsun, Nissan, Whatever it may be and do what they were built to do.
Drive




Edit: Found this video as well, Pretty much sums everything up if you're too lazy to read. Ya bum.