Nissan Z: History in Brief

Nissan’s Z-car series will celebrate its 40th birthday in 2009. In an interesting twist on the old adage “Life begins at 40”, Nissan have chosen this year to launch their latest addition to the series, the 370Z. In a nod to its past, the 370Z has been compared in terms of its looks to the 240Z – the granddaddy of them all. Of course, the new arrival has more in terms of power than the old guard – but it is still a Z car. 

Way back when things were still in black and white, the 240Z gave 130 bhp – which sounds pretty weak in comparison to the 332 boasted by its grandson, but it was plenty in those days, and it’s been increasing ever since. Five years later, the engine size was increased, prompting a name change and a power boost. The new 260Z gave an increased brake horsepower of 154, but it was only a year until the 280Z was on offer.

The 280ZX was the next big innovation, coming towards the end of the decade (1978), taking a scorched-earth policy and leaving only the gearbox and engine size intact from its direct descendant. Greater luxury was the watch phrase, as turbo charging, leather seats and climate control made their bows. Small changes have been the way of things ever since, with the 300ZX through the 350Z until today, with the 370Z under starters’ orders for an early 2009 release. 40 years of innovation, of keeping the essentials and modifying that which needs modified. Here’s to another forty years!