Z History 1969-1979

1969
Yutaka Katayama introduced the datsun 240z in October 1969 to the U.S. Powered with a 2.4 liter in line 6 cylinder with 2 sidedraft S.U. Carbs, which produced 150 Horsepower. The car only came with a manual 4-speed transmission, 4 wheel independent suspension, and front disc brakes & rear drums.
1971
The crankshaft was redesigned due to vibrations. The transmission and rear differential were also improved. A new option came available: 3-speed automatic transmission produced by Jatco. The rear hatch and rear quarter panels were given a new style.
1972
The combustion chamber shape altered, lowing the compression ratio from 9.0 to 8.8:1, which in turn, lowers the emissions and power band. A rear crossmember and differential mounting were extended back 35mm to reduce the angle of the driveshaft. The driveshaft became now a 1 piece unit with only a single universal joint which reduced drivetrain roughness. Automatic seat belts were installed with a retractor. Rear window defroster lines were changed to be horizontal instead of vertical. Stock rim sizes were also changed to 5" from 4.5".
1973
Flat top Hitachi SU carbs where installed, different manifolds and cylinders were also changed to lower the emissions. Distributer changed to transistorized breakless ignition system. Intermittent windshield wipers were added as standard equipment. Tinted Glass. 3-point adjustable seat belts installed, and reclining seats. collapisible steering column with fire retardant interior was also introduced to the datsun 240z.
1974
The datsun 260z was introduced to the market. The datsun 260z offered an increase stoke of 79mm, engine displacement was increased to the 2.6 liters, increasing the horsepower from 129 to 139. An optional 2+2 body style, with quarter windows which opened, was also introduced which lengthen the datsun 260z by 12.2 inches and adds 200 pounds. Only available with a 4-speed transmission. Seatbelt interlocking system was introduced to some models before being dropped by production. Rear sway bar was added to all models, along with simulated wood grain steering wheels which was replaced with vinyl padded version. Bumpers recieved only minor updates.
1975
The datsun 260z was inproduction this year till mid year. The front and rear bumpers of the datsun 260z was inlarged to meet Federal Regulations to have the 5mph regulation, which added approx. 130lbs to the weight of the car. Front turn signals were moved and were mounted above the bumper. Midway thru the year to datsun 280z was introduced to the market. It was designed with withstand the tougher emission codes which includes: 3mm bore increase raised engine displacement to the 2.8 liter, producing 149 horsepower, Bosch's L-Jetronic fuel injection replaced the SU carbs on all models, transmission and differential changed gear ratios, and all california models required a catalutic converter in the exhaust system. The datsun 280z was only sold on U.S market.
1976
Voltage regulator replaced the ammeter in the center console.
1977
Engine horsepower raised to 170HP. 5-speed manual overdrive made available. Bumper enlarged once again.
1978
Limited Edition Black Pearl for teh datsun 280z was introduced on coupe models which featured black metallic finish with red and silver striping.
1979
Second generation datsun z car, the datsun 280zx was introduced to the market. Engine, transmission and differential were original to the datsun 280Z were carried forward to the 280ZX model. Horsepower was down to 135, 5 speed manual became a standard option, front tension rods replaced with compression rods, semi trailing arms were added to the rear, 4 wheel disc brakes (Front brake vented), A/C and power steering were standard on the 2+2 edition, GL (Grand Luxury) package was offered which includes: power steering, cruise control, headlight washers, and power windows. datsun 280ZXR special edition was offered in limited numbers to homologate the large rear wing for racing.

1969-1979 • 1980-1989 • 1990-1996