Nissan S30 Classic Cars for Sale
The Nissan S30 or the Datsun 240Z was a 2-seater sports coupe built by Japanese motor manufacturer Nissan Motors Ltd between 1969 and 1973. With its straight-six 2,393 cc engine producing a top speed of 127 mph and acceleration 0-60mph time of 8 seconds, the car was in high demand, especially in the US. Nissan went on to produce over 172,000 Datsun 240Z units before it was replaced by the larger engined Datsun 260Z.
Early Development History and the Datsun 240Z concept
In 1957 After being convinced by marketing manager Yutaka Katayama, Nissan Motors Ltd corporate management agreed to participation in motor racing, to help market their cars around the world. Seen as a potentially risky venture, Katayama was appointed racing team manager and given two cars to enter the Around Australia Mobilgas Trial in 1958, which they won! Nissan had been building cars for decades, their first true sports car appearing at the 1961 Tokyo Motor Show, the open roadster Datsun Fairlady 1500. This car developed over the 1960’s leading to the Datsun 2000 roadster, Nissan were lagging technologically behind their competitors. Nissan set about conceiving a new sports car, with the North American market in mind. After several years in gestation and the input of Katayama, by now President of Nissan Motors US, the Nissan S30 was unveiled. Released in Japan as the Nissan Fairlady Z in 1969 and in 1970 to other markets including North America as the Datsun 240Z.
Datsun 240Z Series 1 1970-Mid 1971
The 2-seater Datsun 240Z sports coupe with its racing car looks was popular in the US market. Its single overhead camshaft, 2.4 litre, 6-cylinder engine, and 4 speed manual gearbox produced a claimed top speed of 127 mph with rapid acceleration. The front independent suspension had coil springs, telescopic dampers and Macpherson struts. The rear suspension was similar but with Chapman struts and lower wishbones. The car came with twin Hitachi carburettors and 14 inch wheels, front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. Two horizontal vents in the rear hatch providing flow through ventilation and a chrome name badge.
Datsun 240Z Series II mid 1971 onwards
In mid-1971 the Datsun 240Z was restyled with the removal of the rear hatch vents and a change in badge design. 1972 saw interior modifications and bumper over-rider location, and 1973 the addition of emission control devices and a reduction in carburettor size.
Racing success
The Datsun 240Z enjoyed racing success during its lifetime, winning SCCA C Production and IMSA championships, and in 1973 the East African Safari Rally.