The Z-Series began in the 1969, for the 1970 model year with the Fairlady Z in Japan and the Datsun 240Z in the US. These models were developed after three years of research and design to create a modern-styled, two-seater six-cylinder coupe for the North American market."
First Generation
Nissan Fairlady Z and Datsun 240Z, 260Z, 280Z (S30)
The Fairlady Z premiered in 1969 as the first generation of Z Cars in Japan. The “Z-Car” was manufactured for nine years selling roughly 520,000 units around the world, which was a record for sports cars within a single model.
Americans got their take on the model the same year, rebadged as the Datsun 240Z. It featured a 151-horsepower, 2.4-liter inline-six engine. An upgraded version of the model, the 260Z, was released in 1974 and yet another take came in 1975 when the 280Z was introduced.
Second Generation
Nissan Fairlady 280ZX and Datsun 280ZX (S130/Z30)
The second-generation Z was launched nearly a decade later in the 1979 model year keeping the Datsun name for the U.S. market and retaining the Fairlady moniker in Japan. With new interior and exterior styling, the Datsun 280ZX attracted more luxury interest to meet the growing demands of the sports car customer. The 280ZX offered four wheel disc brakes, came in a Turbo model and was the first Z to be offered with a T-top. Its design, engineering and drive dynamics were extremely popular with critics and customers.
Third Generation
Nissan 300ZX (Z31)
By 1983, Nissan had started over again, reworking the Z in from a clean sheet. The third-generation 300ZX (Z31) was introduced to American markets the same year and manufactured through 1989. This version of the Z-Car brought standard air conditioning, leather upholstery and offered a more affordable option for sports car enthusiasts. However, the hottest new addition to this model was the newly designed turbocharged V6 engine, which played a big part in the model winning the 1985 All Japan Rally Championships.
Fourth Generation
Nissan 300ZX (Z32)
The fourth-generation Fairlady Z, known as the Nissan 300ZX, was released in 1989 with a completely new design with the only holdover from the previous model being the engine. This version of the car was wider and sleeker than the previous models with its wide, low-proportioned style, distinctive front end with slanted headlights and the short overhang that increased maneuverability and performance. T-tops were standard and a convertible option was available beginning in 1993.
Fifth Generation
Nissan 350Z (Z33)
The Nissan 350Z tee’d off production for the fifth generation of Nissan Z-Cars 2002, ending a six-year production hiatus in the U.S. The 350Z showed off a sleek redesign of the original 240Z. This car rejuvenated Nissan’s market presence by offering the model a a modest starting price of $26,000. Adding to the allure, Nissan sold the model in a wide variety of trim levels and upgraded the engine in 2005 and 2007.He
Sixth Generation
Nissan 370Z (Z34)
The Nissan 370Z coupe remained one of the staples of the Nissan vehicle lineup when the next-gen car was introduced in 2008 as a 2009 model year vehicle. The sixth-generation Z was equipped with a 3.7-liter V6 engine and a seven-speed automatic transmission under the hood. A manual transmission was available. A roadster version of the car was made available for sale.
Seventh Generation
Nissan has introduced the new Z, a two-seater coupe that features design inspired by the heritage of the model, coupled with a powerful engine and modern amenities. For the new generation, Nissan has returned to the Z name, simply calling the new model the “Nissan Z”. It is expected to arrive stateside in early 2022.
