Datsun

The Fairlady Z was introduced in late 1969 with a straight-six cylinder 1,998 cc engine, rear-wheel drive, and a stylish and sleek coupé body style. Its styling, engineering, relatively low price, and impressive performance resonated with the public and received a positive response from both buyers and the motoring press. The Fairlady Z was marketed as the 240Z in export markets and was initially sold alongside the smaller four-cylinder Datsun Sports, which was dropped from production in 1970. 

When export models changed over to the larger 2,565 cc 260Z in 1974, only 2-liter models remained available to Japanese buyers. The 260Z featured a redesigned dashboard and console, as well as new seat trim and door panels. A 2+2 model option with a 30 cm. stretched wheelbase and length became available. In 1975, a 280Z model with a larger, 2,753 cc engine was introduced exclusively for the North American market. Production ended in 1978 when the second generation (280ZX) appeared on the market.

1974