Glendale Nissan Official Blog
Flashback Friday History of the Nissan 370Z
By Product Expert | Posted in Nissan 370Z on Friday, February 26th, 2016 at 6:09 pm
Evolution of Datsun Roadsters and the Nissan 370Z
Hey, the groundhog didn’t see his shadow this month so that means we’re more than ready to welcome some top-driving weather! But, because the weather still is so up and down, and the tops on our convertibles are unfortunately staying up for the time being. But, we’ve decided that this Flackback Friday, we would focus on our favorite little roadster. You won’t be snoring Z’s in today’s history lesson because it’s all about the Z.
The evolution of the Datsun roadsters and the Nissan 370Z date back to 1960 when Nissan made the decision to enter the sports car market. Let’s rewind the roadster:
1961 Datsun Fairlady 1200 Roadster.
Pictured above, this was the first Datsun sports car that was imported to the United States. The engine was a 4-cylinder with a “4 on the floor transmission.” Today, we don’t see any vehicles dip below 100 HP but the roadster of this time managed 48.
1967 Datsun Fairlady 1200 Roadster.
Meet the first Japanese produced sports car that was equipped with a five speed. Horsepower has now climbed to 150 hp. The 2000 Roadster was a champion racer, winning 10 SCCA National Championships between 1967-1987.
1969 Datsun 1600 Roadster
Similar to the Datsun Bluebird, here we have what eventually transformed into the Fairlady roadster. British-built sports cars were the main competition and horsepower on this production model was 96 HP produced from its 4-cylinder paired with a 4-speed manual.
1971 Datsun 240Z
Between 1960 and 1969, the Japanese and US markets teamed up and created a strong rapport and paved the way for the Datsun “Z.”This is when we find standard features like: carpet, radio, and the choice of a/c. Powered by 2.4L 6-cylinder engine, it mustered up 150 HP.
2003 Nissan 350Z
Between 1960 and 1969, the Japanese and US markets teamed up and created a strong rapport and paved the way for the Datsun “Z.”This is when we find standard features like: carpet, radio, and the choice of a/c. Powered by 2.4L 6-cylinder engine, it mustered up 150 HP.
2010 Nissan 370Z
Starting to look familiar? Here we find the newest Z family member which chooses a 3.7L 6-cylinder as its performance poison. Paired with a 6-speed transmission, horsepower has climbed up to 332 and all of the aggression and luxury we love about this roadster is present.
The Fate of the 2017 Nissan 370z
As you might have noticed by the date range, the Nissan 370 is about up for a redesign but the fate of its platform is currently to-be-determined. Too many rumors have been flying around because Nissan has not yet come out to confirm or deny the fate of its iconic roadster. There has been talk that the halo GT-R would be the only one to rule the roost, but there also have been interesting cases cropping up that point towards a crossover version of the Z. With 2017 slowly, yet steadily approaching, Nissan will more than likely give us some insight at one of the upcoming auto shows.
Learn More>>> Nissan introduces all-new Maxima SR Midnight Edition
Speaking of auto shows, be sure to stop by and take advantage on all of sale pricing a number of the top 2015 and 2016 Nissan sedans at Glendale Nissan during the Auto Show Sale. This is your opportunity to get the best price this year on the Sentra, Versa, and Altima.
