1974 Datsun 260Z

The Datsun 240Z was part of the first generation of the 'Z' two-seat coupes, produced by Nissan in Japan from 1969 through 1978. The other models in the 'Z' lineup included the 260Z and the 280Z. The dramatic looks sourced much of its appearance from a 1960's styling concept drawn by Count Albrecht Goertz for Datsun. The early cars received their power from a 2.4-liter, straight six, overhead cam engine offering around 150 horsepower which gave them a zero-to-sixty MPH time of 8 seconds. The top speed was 125 mph. A five-speed manual gearbox was standard and the car featured independent suspension all round with MacPherson struts at the front and Chapman links at the rear. Rack and pinion power steering and front disc brakes helped complete the modern package on the 240Z.

The 260Z, produced from 1975 through 1978, served as the replacement for the 240. It had an enlarged engine with a longer stroke and a 2.6-liter displacement size. Power rose to 165 horsepower.

For 1974, the Datsun 260Z was available as a 2-passenger coupe or a 2+2 passenger coupe. The 2_2 version was nearly a foot longer than its 2-passenger sibling.

The 260Z received new protruding 5-MPH bumpers in 1974, and a built-in chin spoiler. It also had an electro-magnetic fuel pump and transistorized ignition. Pricing began at $5,290 for the coupe and rose to nearly $6,100 for the 2+2 version.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jan 2017