On October 22, 1969 the first Z sports car made its debut in North America.  At that time the Z was part of the Datsun family and had been known as the “Fairlady Z” in Japan (it is still known as such today). Before landing on American shores the name was changed to the more sporty “240Z” to appeal to a new western audience. Prior to 1969 sports cars were imported from England or Germany. This Japanese import had the looks of a Jaguar and the performance of a Porsche for about $3,700. It was the first sports car suited for everyday use and America and quickly fell in love.   

The first 240Zs were unlike other sports cars of the time, the 240Z had a closed coupe design which increased body rigidity and improved handling and durability. The zippy 6-cylinder engine packed 150-horsepower and 4-wheel independent suspension further enhanced the driving experience. The 240Z could hit a top speed of 84.5 miles per hour in 17.1 seconds.  The original model was available in either a 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission and included specialty items such as roll-up windows and a radio.

Over the years the Datsun 240Z gracefully evolved. In the 1970’s the 240Z became the 260Z, 280Z and 280ZX.  In the ‘80s T-tops and turbo engines became available in the 300ZX.  The ‘90s saw the birth of the 300ZX Turbo and multiple awards such as Motor Trend’s “Import Car of the Year” and a spot on Car and Drivers’ “10 Best” list.  By 2002 the Z had been almost completely reinvented and released as the 350Z.

In 2009 the New Nissan 370Z was launched.  This sixth generation Nissan Z has come a long way from the original “Fairlady Z”.  With a 332-horsepower 3.7-liter dual overhead cam V6 engine, lightweight 4-wheel independent suspension, 19-inch super lightweight alloy wheels, and either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic transmission, the Z has definitely changed with the times. Oh, and those specialty items now include; Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Start, XM Satellite Radio and Navigation System, Bluetooth Hands-free Phone System, XM NavTraffic, Real-Time Traffic Information and digital music storage and playback with a USB port for iPod connectivity.

In celebration of the Nissan Z and its 40 year journey Nissan has designed a limited edition version of the current 2010 Nissan 370Z Coupe.  This 40th Anniversary Edition is anticipated to arrive at dealerships sometime during spring 2010. It will have unique features such as premium exterior“40th Quartz” finish, red leather-appointed interior including red door panel inserts and 40th Anniversary seatbacks , high-luster smoke wheel finish, red brake calipers,  and  40th Anniversary floor mat embroidery.  Pricing for this exceptional and soon to be rare edition Nissan is to be announced closer to its release date in spring 2010.