The history of the Nissan brand stretches back to 1912, when a man named Masujiro Hashimoto created a car named DAT (after three family member's initials). By 1934, the cars were known as Datsun (Son of DAT) and the company was Nissan.

An engineer named Yutaka Katayama, who had been educated in America, advocated in the late-1950s for the use of racing to enhance the breed, and for a special vehicle for the very different roads and drivers in America. To help with the project, Katayama hired German designer Dr. Albrecht Graf von Goertz, who had been involved in the creation of both the BMW 507 and the Porsche 911. Von Goertz and the Nissan styling staff developed the design, while Yamaha would engineer the drivetrain and build the prototype. Unfortunately, Nissan and Yamaha were not able to agree on the engine design, so the project was shelved.

Nissan later decided to develop the new car in-house. Chief Designer Yoshihiko Matsuo and his team developed the car, which would become known as the 240Z, using both the Porsche 911 and the Jaguar E-Type as influences. It was introduced in 1969, the 240Z offered styling, performance, advanced specifications, an affordable price, and exceptional build quality. It was immediately successful and was placed among the top ranks of production sports cars of the period. The luxurious interior included reclining seats, an instrument binnacle, and a host of standard equipment and creature comforts that added to the appeal of the road car. Mechanical features included a single overhead cam engine, four-wheel independent suspension, and disc brakes.

The 1970 Datsun 240Z coupe had a base price of $3,500 and was powered by an overhead-cam six-cylinder (Model L24) engine with aluminum heads, seven main bearings, solid valve lifters, two SU-type carburetors, and offered 135 horsepower. The engine was backed by a four-speed all-synchro manual transmission, and disc brakes were in the front with drums at the rear. The suspension was independent with coil springs and MacPherson struts and the wheelbase measured 90.7 inches.

Standard equipment included radial tires, a wood steering wheel, and gearshift knob, bumper overriders, console box, driver footrest, door armrest, glove box with lock, drip moldings, coat hangers, radio, clock, steering lock, collapsible steering wheel, and three anchor seatbelts.

The first-generation Z-cars (240Z/260Z/280Z) were used successfully in various forms of racing. The S30-series won many races in SCCA/IMSA championship races and were quite successful in rally and Baja races. Brock Racing Enterprises developed the car to be a consistent winner on American shores with a variety of drivers, and finished in the familiar red, white and blue colors.

by Dan Vaughan

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Chassis number: HLS30-05835

This Datsun 'Z' started its racing career in the stable of Bob Sharp Racing competing as a Datsun 240Z in the C Production championship in this chassis and the IMSA GTU title in another chassis. In April 1976, the first IMSA GTU Z car was destroyed in a high speed crash at Road Atlanta. This 1975 C Production championship car was hastily converted to IMSA trim in time for the next two rounds in California. After another incident at Lime Rock, Bob Sharp turned the driving over to Elliot Forbes-Robinson for the remainder of the season. For the 1977-78 season Sam Posy was hired to race in IMSA for Bob Sharp Racing. Sam set lap records at many venues including Lime Rock, Mid America, Pocono, Sears Point, Daytona, Mid Ohio, Road Atlanta and Talladega. The battles for the GTU wins between Walt Mass and Sam Posey became known as the 'Walt and Sam' show. Mechanical failures denied Sam the GTU titles both years by a narrow margin. Posey later raced this chassis HLS30-05835 for National Treaty Services in IMSA for the 1979-80 season along with Fred Stiff. Other drivers of note include Paul Newman.

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In 1970, there were quite a few choices when it came to small and sporty import cars. The Jaguar XKE, easily the most recognized, would see competition from several countries, including the United States with the Corvette, and Japan's new offering, the Datsun 240Z.

Designed with a distinctive long hood and sweeping rear hatchback, the Datsun 240Z was first introduced in October of 1969. The 1970 and 1971 models, considered Series 1, are to this day among the most popular sports cars ever produced. Based on the Fairlady Z, the 240Z is powered by a 2393cc six cylinder engine that produces 153 horsepower, providing plenty of power and impressive performance. A choice of a 4 or 5-speed manual, or a 3-speed automatic transmission, was offered. With full independent suspension, these cars are enviable performers both on and off the track.

The Datsun Zs have been popular performers in the Sports Car Club of America racing series. Many remember the team of Bob Sharp Racing with Elliott Forbes-Robinson, and later actor Paul Newman, as successful team drivers. Their red, white and blue Zs are instantly recognized and often copied to this day.

This is a fine example of a factory stock first generation Datsun 240Z.

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Jack Scoville acquired this low Vin number Z and was one of the first racers to campaign a Z Car in the Northwest. Jack won many races and eventually sold it in the early 1970s to Brad Frisselle.

In 1974, Brad Frisselle made the decision to compete professionally. He formed Transcendental Racing who designed, constructed, and tested a Datsun 240Z prototype for the IMSA Camel GT Series. In 1975, Brad had his first three professional victories and was awarded IMSA's Most Improved Driver award, becoming the only man to win these coveted awards in both IMSA and the SCCA.

Frisselle went on to win the IMSA GTU championship in 1976, scoring eight victories out of the eleven races. Brad and Transcendental Racing had soundly defeated the factory Datsun team as privateers.

This 240Z is the 1976 IMSA GT/U Championship winner. The car's beginnings certainly had no aspirations to win at the race track; this 240Z was Datsun's North American show car, and the first 240Z imported to the United States in 1970. Frisselle and his team saved the car from the crusher and turned it into a potent racecar. Mac Tilton designed the suspension. The chassis, roll cage and body were all constructed by Dave Kent with assistance from Yoshi Suzuka. Yoshi was also responsible for the design of the aerodynamics. John Knepp of Electramotive built the engine. After the car was finished Trevor Harris developed the chassis and suspension. In 1976 this car was the most advanced and fastest GTU car racing in IMSA.

Transcendental Racing's preparation of their cars was always at the highest level, more like that of a top Indy Car team than a GTU team. The restoration was done in the same mindset. Joe Cavaglieri, the team's original crew chief, was chosen for the task. The car was stripped to bare metal and totally rebuilt from the group up to exact 1976 specifications.

This Datsun is powered by an inline six-cylinder engine with a wet sump and triple Mikuni carburetors.

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Chassis number: HLS3004359

The Nissan Motor Company was formed in 1933 and marketed most of its exported products as Datsun's until the latter name was dropped in 1983. Datsun introduced their 240Z to the press in October of 1969 and made its public appearance a few days later at the Tokyo Motor Show. This was the first Japanese-made sports car to achieve worldwide recognition. The 240Z was designed at Nissan by a team headed by Yoshiko Matsuo, with input from consultant Count Albrecht Goertz, stylist of the BMW 503 and 507.

Power was from a 2.4-liter overhead-camshaft six-cylinder engine backed by a five-speed manual (or optional three-speed automatic). It had an independent suspension, a top speed of 125 mph, and a zero-to-sixty time of eight seconds.

Along with commercial success, the Datsun 240Z enjoyed a successful career in motorsports, particularly in club racing in the United States and on the world rally stage. The 240Z won outright at the Safari Rally in 1971, 1972, and 1973. Leading drivers included Edgar Hermann, Rauno Aaltonen, Harry Kallstrom, Shekhar Mehta and Tony Fall.

This early production series 1 example has a Code 907 Racing Green exterior with a Mustard colored interior. Power is from an L24 inline 6-cyllinder engine fitted with twin 50 carburetors. It has been upgraded to a 5-speed transmission. The car has been in the same ownership since 1988.

by Dan Vaughan

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Chassis number: HLS30-19996
Engine number: L24-2459

In the late 1960s and the 1970s Datsuns were a power in American sports car racing. On the East Coast, Bob Sharp led the charge. In the west, the factory supported (Pete) Brock Racing Enterprises. Once a year, they would meet for the annual SCCA 'Runoffs' and in 1970 and 1971, the 46 car driven by John Morton became the C-Production National Champion.

The BRE Team, owned by Peter Brock along with driver John Morton, won the C Production Championship in 1970 and 1971 at the runoffs at Road Atlanta. The original body shell was scrapped in 1977 after a crash and most of the parts survived. This racer was resurrected over the past three years and has the 1971 championship winning motor, transmission, triple Mikuni carburetors, heat shield, catch can, radiator overflow, gauges, roll bar and many other original parts. Peter Brock and John Morton assisted in the build.

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Chassis number: HLS30-05836

This car was the second 1970 Datsun 240Z race car built by the east coast Datsun team of Bob Sharp Racing and became the primary C-Production race car of legendary driver and car builder Bob Sharp. Sharp won six SCCA National Championships for Datsun, with five runner-up finishes during his racing career.

This perennial front-runner was campaigned from 1970 through 1978, later being driven by Elliot Forbes-Robinson, Bruce MacInnes, and Paul Newman. In 1986, this car was updated for Sharp's son Scott to drive in the GT2 class. Scott Sharp would go on to win his first SCCA National Championship in the 17-year-old-war-horse.

This Datsun 240Z is powered by a 2753cc inline 6-cylinder (L28) engine fitted with three dual 44mm Mikuni-Solex carburetors and produces 310 horsepower.

Chassis number: HLS30-02036

This Datsun 240Z was produced within the first 90 days of 1970 240Z production. This car was delivered to Jack B. Pray, an Air Force serviceman in Okinawa, April 1970. Shortly thereafter it was returned to the factory where Datsun Competition converted it to a Group 4 race car. Special equipment included: factory lowered racing suspension, FIA brakes, forged pistons, aluminum flywheel, oil cooler, enlarged oil sump, headers, works rally triple Mikuni carbs, fiberglass doors and rear hatch with plastic windows and more. The fiberglass pieces and most mechanicals are the same type as used on the factory European RAC rally cars. In addition, a prototype front European RAC rally cars. In addition, a prototype front body section with elongated nose was fabricated by the factory. The car was presented wearing #16 and the traditional white and blue racing colors.

The car was raced by Pray throughout 1970 and 1971 in Asia at such places as Suzuka and the Mt. Fuji circuit. In November of 1971, #16 was entered by Pray in the Macau Grand Prix. He placed first in Class H for GT cars and Sportscars.

In 1972 the car was shipped to the United States where Pray brought on Trans-Am driver Lothar Stahlberg of Utica, NY, to drive the Northeast circuits. Stahlberg drove the car to two wins, one at Lime Rock and one at Watkins Glen, but due to the prototype 'long nose' the car was classified in A Sports Racing.

In November 1973 the car was purchased by Don Thompson, ST Racing of Syracuse, NY, who removed the prototype nose and brought the car to SCCA C Production specifications. The car was then raced as #42 at Watkins Glen, Lime Rock, Pocono, Nelson Ledges, Road America and Thompson by Don on and off until 1976. At Watkins Glen in 1975, Thompson finished second behind Bob Sharp after giving him a good run for his money.

Later in 1975 the car was sold to Jay Britschge. In November of 1976 the car was accepted for entry in the Daytona 24 Hour for Charlie Rainville, but finances came up short. In 1978 the car was sold to Allen Brady who occasionally raced the car for novelty and after that, the car sat up for the next 12 years.

In 1991, Mike Cammerata acquired the car and it has since been restored back to the Macau Grand Prix specifications.

IN 2015, Steven Bernheim acquired the car, built a new motor partly prepared the car then put in storage. This car is presently owned by Adam Workman of Sydney Australia. The car is currently competing in vintage races both in the United States and Australia in various events.

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This car was first SCCA raced in the 1970s and in the 4 decades since has raced in SCCA ITS, CP, EP, GT2 and in many 'Vintage races' as 'C' production. It currently has been restored and prepared to Pre-1972 specifications, and is one of the few heavily raced Z's that still retains its 2.4-liter engine, original type interior, console, stock front brake calipers and rear drum brakes.

This car has been raced all over the United States and Canada - from Mt. Tremblant to Colonado and from Road America to Laguna Seca.

This car was the overall winner at HMSA's Portland Historic's 3 years in a row in its mid-bore run group. In 'Vintage trim' this car qualified for the SCCA National Runoffs held at Laguna Seca in October of 2014.

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In 1976 a team of six Nissan Technical Center and Competition Department employees set out to break the Land Speed World Record for the stock body F/GT Class. The employees did all of the design, engine building, assembly, testing paint and graphics. The team took the car to the Bonneville Salt Flats and set a new record of 166.037 mph. This mark stood until 1985. 'Racer Brown' also drove this car in 1972 in F/GT with a record of 152.134 mph

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When the Datsun 240 Z was introduced in October of 1969, it took the sports car world by storm. With a sleek and stylish body, it was squarely aimed at the high-end European competitors. With impressive performance, excellent handling, and a long list of standard features, it garnered national attention and rave reviews.

This Series 1, serial number 509, has a 2.4-liter inline six-cylinder engine backed by a 4-speed manual transmission. As an early production model, it has the chrome 240Z badges on the sail panel with twin horizontal vents in the rear hatch. Additional features include 4-wheel independent suspension with MacPherson front struts, front disc brakes, and rack-and-pinion steering.

This duplicates the car the owner shipped back from Okinawa in 1971 at the conclusion of his military service. He personally restored it to be exactly the same as his original car, right down to the Okinawa front license plate.

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The Datsun 240Z was produced from 1970 to 1973 and had a (USD) base price of $3,526. Nissan was branded as Datsun in the United States from 1958 to 1981. Series 1 240Zs were produced between October 1969 and January 1971. Series 1 had unique features such as hatch vents and emblems. The 2.4-liter inline six-cylinder engine produced 150 horsepower and gave a top speed of 125 mph. This example is unrestored and was purchased from the original owner.

The 240Z was not a new idea. Sturdy engineering, excellent performance, low price, attractive styling, and average interior had been achieved by many manufacturers prior to the Z-car. The reason the 240Z car was so great was that it capitalized on all these criteria and perfected the concept of a low-cost, reliable, sports car. Mr. Yutaka Katayama is considered the 'Father of the Z Car' and is responsible for the design and creation of this legendary vehicle. As recognition of his contributions to the automotive world, in 1998 he was inducted into the Automobile Hall of Fame.

The Datsun 240Z was introduced in 1969 as a 1970 model. The engine was a derivation of the Datsun 1600. The Datsun 1600 engine was a copy of the 1960's six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz 220 engine, but with two fewer cylinders. By adding two extra cylinders in the 240Z the cylinder count was back to six. With 151 horsepower and 146 pound-feet of torque, the vehicle could propel from zero-to-sixty in eight seconds. The independent suspension and the rack-and-pinion steering added to its quick response, performance, and handling. The front disc brakes brought the car to a stop from high speeds in just seconds. With a price tag of just over $3,500, it cost much less than anything else on the market. Due to demand, a year later Kelly Blue Book rated the value of a used 240Z at $4,000.

The 240Z dominated the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) C-class production category for 10 years ranging from 1970 through 1979. In 1970 and 1971 John Morton, driving for Brock Racing Enterprises was the first to claim victory in SCCA C-Class production racing using a 240Z. Bob Sharp claimed his first win in that category in 1972 and again in 1973 and 1975. Walt Maas continued the streak in 1974. The Z-car competed in the IMSA (International Motor Sports Association) where it captured many victories, including the IMSA GTU title. In 1982, Devendorf and his Electromotive racing team win Datsun's first-ever IMSA GTO championship.

In 1985, Paul Newman set 10 track records in a 280ZX Turbo.

In 1994, a race-modified Z car won the 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours at Sebring. It also captured the GTS Class at the 24 Hours of LeMans, making it the only car ever to accomplish such a record within the same year.

In 1974, the engine displacement was increased to 2.6 liters and the vehicle was dubbed the 260Z. This brought an end to the 240Z series which had sold 116,712 examples during its lifespan. The United States emissions regulations were increasing every year. Thus, the 260Z had less horsepower than its predecessor and was rated at 139.

The 260Z was available in 2+2 configuration. With the fold-down rear seats, the 260Z offered a higher level of practicality over the 240Z. During its first and only model year, 63,963 examples were produced giving it the all-time Z-car sales record to date.

In 1975 the displacement was increased to 2.8 liters and the vehicle dubbed the 280Z. A Bosch L-Jetronic fuel injection system was included which helped bring increase the horsepower to 149.

In 1977, the horsepower rating was 170. A five-speed overdrive transmission was now offered, giving the vehicle better performance and fuel economy. The sales of the Z car once again hit a record high, with 67,331 units sold.

In 1979, the second generation of the Z-car was introduced as the 280ZX. It was more refined and luxurious than the previous Z's. The formula was correct and it was named Motor Trends 'Import Car of the Year'. A new all-time sales record was achieved with 86,007 units being sold.

In 1980, over 500,000 cumulative American Z-cars had been sold. It had reached the half-million sales mark faster than any other sport car. A new T-bar roof option was now being offered.

To add to the appeal and performance of the 280ZX, a turbocharged engine became available in 1981. Sales continued to remain strong through 1983.

In 1984 the third generation of the Z-car was introduced and was dubbed the 300ZX. It featured distinct styling and a new 3.0-liter V6 engine. The normal-aspirated engine produced 160 horsepower, while the turbocharged version offers 200 horsepower.

In 1989, the American automotive economy was continuing to evolve. Minivan's and sport utility vehicles were gaining in popularity. In response, Nissan introduced the fourth-generation Z-car in 1990. The new 300ZX featured improvements both mechanically and aesthetically. Under the hood sat an all-new DOHC 3.0-liter engine with a horsepower rating of 222. A twin-turbocharged version of the engine was available and brought the total horsepower output to 300. The body of the vehicle had been improved giving it a more aggressive stance.

Motor Trend awarded the Z00ZXTT 'Import Car of the Year' and 'One of the Top Ten Performance Cars'. Automobile Magazine honored the car with 'Design of the Year' and was added to its 'All Stars' list. Not to be outdone, Road & Track named the car 'One of the Ten Best Cars in the World'. Car and Driver named it 'One of the Ten Best Cars'.

During the 1990 model year, the one-million sales mark was achieved making it the all-time best-selling sports car. The car continued to receive great reviews and awards from magazines and publications. The year 1995 marked the 25th Anniversary of the Z-car. To commemorate this occasion, a limited edition was produced with the help of Steve Millen Sport Cars.

In 1996, the production of the Z-car ceased in North America. Decreasing Sales figures, and increased smog regulations and production costs were to blame. The price of the twin-turbo 300ZX was priced at $45,000, a cost that was too expensive for most consumers. Production of the Z-car continued in Japan until 1999, although it had undergone a major redesign in 1998.

In August of 2002, Nissan introduced the 350Z. This six-gear, two-seater was the fifth generation of the Z-car. Offered in five trim packages that included Base, Enthusiast, Performance, Touring, and Track Editions, the vehicle was an instant success. The base price was around $26,000 with the fully-loaded Track option costing over $34,000. Aesthetic and performance upgrades were available through Nismo, Nissan's motorsport, and performance divisions.

In 2004, a roadster option was offered. The roadster was available in two trim packages which included the Enthusiast and Touring editions.

A special 35th Anniversary model was released in 2005 featuring twice the output of the original 1969 model.

Sales figures, race results, and satisfied customers have proven this to be one of the best sports vehicles ever produced.

by Dan Vaughan

Z SPECIAL EDITION ANNIVERSARY MODELS: A LOOK BACK

NEW YORK – When the original Datsun Z debuted in 1969, it was a revelation for the automotive world.

An affordable, reliable sports car with style and comfort that could be used for daily driving was unheard of at the time. With a base price of $3,626 U.S., the Z – known as the Datsun 240Z in North America – was a sports car that was accessible to anyone.

In short time, customers around the world were enjoying their newfound freedom to explore their favorite winding roads in style. Sales jumped to more than 40,000 globally in 1970. A legacy was born with the first-generation Z, whose value, style and performance has continued to drive innovations in engineering and excitement, keeping the Z a segment leader for decades.

Over the next five decades, Nissan released several limited edition Z cars to celebrate key milestones:

1980 Datsun 280ZX 10th Anniversary Edition

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the first Z, Nissan released a special edition 280ZX model with a limited production run. The success of previous Z cars opened the opportunity to equip 280ZX models with upscale materials such as leather seats and hi-fi stereos – a departure from the sporty yet economical approach of the initial 240Z.

With only 3,000 made, the 280ZX 10th Anniversary Edition is today considered a highly collectible car. The most popular model package featured a two-tone black-and-gold paint scheme with accent pin stripes, of which 2,500 were made. The remaining 500 wore a red-and-black paint scheme. Each 280ZX 10th Anniversary Edition had a dash plaque with the edition number. (Canadian models came with a Maple Leaf emblem.)

The 1980 Datsun 280ZX was powered by a 2.8-liter inline-6 that produced 132 hp and 144 lb-ft of torque. Power was transferred to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox. Other special features include a golden Z hood badge, gold- or black-colored alloy wheels, commemorative wreath decals on the front fenders and hatch, headlight washers, a new style shift knob, tan or burgundy leather seats, a tinted T-bar roof, and a 40-watt, power-boosted four-speaker sound system.

1980:

•Top song (Billboard): 'Call Me' by Blondie

•Best picture: 'Kramer vs Kramer'

•Most popular TV show: 'Dallas'

•Other notable Nissan models of the year: Sentra (B310), Pulsar (N10)

1984 Nissan 300ZX Turbo 50th Anniversary Edition

The 1984 Nissan 300ZX Turbo 50th Anniversary Edition celebrated the five-decade anniversary of Nissan's founding in December 1933. Only 5,148 of these cars were manufactured for the U.S. market; an additional 300 were built for Canada.

The 1984 300ZX Turbo came equipped with a 3.0-liter V-6 that produced 200 hp and 227 lb-ft of torque. The transmission was either 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic. Inside the cabin, drivers were treated to peak '80s design and technologies considered advanced for the time, such as steering wheel audio controls, digital readouts and electronically controlled sport suspension.

The 300ZX 50th Anniversary Edition's features included: 'Nissan 50th Anniversary' commemorative badging, unique front fenders and rear fender flairs, and turbine-style alloy wheels with gold accents on the fins. In the cabin, unique touches included embroidered badging on the leather seats and floor mats, a futuristic digital instrument cluster with a dominant multi-LED sweeping tachometer, speed display and G-force indicator, and a Bodysonic Amplifier with adjustable intensity that added rumble to the front seats based on the sound profile of the music being played from the head unit.

The year 1984 marked not only a milestone for Nissan's history as a carmaker; it also marked the Z as the best-selling sports car in America.

1984:

•Top song (Billboard): 'When Doves Cry' by Prince

•Best picture: 'Terms of Endearment'

•Most popular TV show: 'Dynasty'

•Other notable Nissan models of the year: 200SX (S110), Datsun Truck (720)

2005 Nissan 350Z 35th Anniversary Edition

After temporarily leaving the domestic Japanese marketplace in 2000 (1997 in North America), a new Z took the world by storm in 2003. The first reborn Z was built on the company's innovative FM (Front Midship) platform and powered by a smooth-revving, high-output 3.5-liter V-6. Called the VQ (short for VQ35ED), the engine produced 287 hp and 274 lb-ft of torque.

In 2005, Nissan created a special version to celebrate the Z's 35th anniversary. The Nissan 350Z 35th Anniversary Edition was available in either Ultra Yellow, Silverstone or Super Black and came with a suite of performance tuning and upgrades.

Nissan's engineers retuned the engine to produce an additional 13 hp, raising the total to 300. Shifting was performed by a 6-speed manual gearbox. Other special equipment for this commemorative model included exclusive five-spoke, 18-inch alloy wheels, a small front spoiler, Brembo® brakes, special badging, and a Bose® six-speaker premium sound system.

2005:

•Top song (Billboard): 'We Belong Together' by Mariah Carey

•Best picture: 'Million Dollar Baby'

•Most popular TV show: 'CSI: Crime Scene Investigation'

•Other notable Nissan models of the year: GT-R PROTO, Frontier NISMO (D40)

2010 Nissan 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition

In 2009, the 350Z's VQ engine received a displacement bump to 3.7 liters, prompting the car's name to change to 370Z. A year later, Nissan introduced the 370Z 40th Anniversary Edition. Limited to just 1,000 units, the special edition model was based on the Touring grade, equipped with a manual transmission and Sport Package, which included front and rear spoilers, Nissan Sport Brakes, 19-inch RAYS forged aluminum-alloy wheels, a viscous limited-slip differential and the company's innovative SynchroRev Match® transmission technology.

The car was visually distinguished by a special paint scheme, '40th Graphite,' as well as red brake calipers and 40th anniversary badges. The rich red leather seats featured 40th anniversary seatbacks with a debossed logo, leather door-panel inserts and shift boot, as well as a leather steering wheel with red baseball stitching. Each car came with a commemorative plaque and a premium satin car cover.

2010:

•Top song (Billboard): 'TiK ToK' by Ke$ha

•Best picture: 'The Hurt Locker'

•Most popular TV show: 'American Idol'

•Other notable Nissans of the year: LEAF, Juke (F15), Nissan New Mobility CONCEPT

The Z was first conceived in 1969 as an affordable, everyday sports car. This notion has stayed at the core of every Z since. It's no wonder fans today are just as excited when they get behind the wheel as they have been for the past 50 years.

by Nissan

by Datsun