Nissan 240Z

The S30 Nissan/Datsun 240Z (known in Japan as the Fairlady Z and later in other markets as the 260Z and 280Z) are sports cars produced by Nissan in the 1970s. The 240Z was introduced in 1969 with a 2.4 liter straight-6 engine, rear wheel drive, and a stylish coupe body. The engine, based on the Nissan 510's 4-cylinder produced 150hp (112kW) and came with a 5-speed manual transmission (USA model received a 4 speed manual). A 4 wheel independent suspension consisted of MacPherson struts in front (borrowed from the Nissan 1800) and Chapman struts in back. Front disc brakes & rear drums were standard.

First built in 1969, the 240Z was introduced to the American market by Yutaka Katayama, president of Nissan's American operations, widely known as 'Mr. K'. The early 1970 model 240Z had a chrome "240" badge on the B-pillar quarter panel. Two vents were included in the rear hatch below the glass molding. In late 1970 the B-pillar side badges were restyled with the letter Z in white, and the vents were eliminated from the hatch.

The 240Z and 260Z used twin one-barrel carburetors. Fuel injection (L-Jetronic electronic fuel injection, designed by Bosch) was added for the 280Z in 1975. This was primarily in order to cope with the difficulty faced in getting enough power using carburetors while still meeting US emissions regulations.

Due to it's relatively low price compared to other foreign sports cars of the time (Jaguar and Porsche), it became hugely popular in the US and was the first major success for the Nissan Motor Corporation, which at the time sold cars in North America under the name Datsun. The 240Z also broadened the image of Japanese car-makers beyond their econobox success. The Z was very successful in racing in the 1970's and is credited as a catalyst for the current import performance parts industry.

In 2004, Sports Car International named this car number two on the list of Top Sports Cars of the 1970s.

The Japanese manga and arcade game Wangan Midnight features a heavily modified 240Z nicknamed The Devil Z.