Great Cars: NISSAN Z

In the fall of 1969, the Italians, Germans, British, and American built the car that satisfied nearly every consumer's need - from dependable performance to driving excitement. But with the introduction of a sporty, Japanese fastback called the Datsun 240Z, the automotive world was about to change. On October 22, 1969, the Datsun 240Z made its debut in the United States. Since that time, five generations of the Z series have sold over one million units, making it the best selling sports car in history. However, the story of the Z is even more amazing considering its humble beginnings.
EP 206

[@Drew_peaballs_128]

I love Datsun z cars 😍

[@sebdupree1]

me to

[@ShadowACE1998]

To this day the original 240Z is a sexy beast. I love it's styling. My buddy had a 260z that he plans on restoring. I hope to still be around when he gets it done cause I wanna drive it. Every time I go to his house I look at that car and I am in love.

[@505197]

The Z cars rusted like crazy. The Supra was a much better automobile. But to each his own, both were fun cars. I'm 70 and just bought a Miata, a wonderful little English sports car made in Japan.

[@jaycreate7701]

@@505197 they were, and still are very reliable. and tend to have long lifespans.

[@BennysBenz]

One of the best ever built

[@wholeNwon]

Out of grad school I had a 280Z and loved it. Good times.

[@michaelloach9461]

Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, Datsun to Nissan wont stop the rust!

[@michaelloach9461]

@Tessa Rossa like it!

[@thetreblerebel]

280ZX....oh my lawd! Beautiful

[@gixerahrnair]

Yass Sadly they're quite underrated :C

[@invaderraven1]

I know i love my zx

[@rondyechannel1399]

I own a 83 280zx, red, black, completely restored down to NOS T-tops! Tons of thumbs up driving it.

[@sonic1212121]

Nice, I bought a 240Z when I was 16 but recently sold it to pay for college...one day I’ll buy one again

[@disco0752]

Totally blew my mind and I knew eventually I could afford one!

[@billramsey8695]

Totally enjoyed this video. My first car was a 73 240Z. My second car was a 81 280 ZX. I would love to have them both right now. Awesome machines. So much fun.

[@nigelmccure6640]

I am actually 100 percent 90s kid who grew up on the twin turbo z car but definitely missed out on the 240z and it's racing history dominated the roads in 60s and 70s god do I ever love that decade

[@garryskinner7316]

I had a 76 280Z it was one of the best cars I have ever owned

[@michaelhorn4540]

When I was going to school to be a mechanic, a Korean classmate of mine had one of these and loved it. He would brag about going over 100mph

[@HigzyTeflon]

I thoroughly enjoyed watching this. Though, I am biased. Since I was a wee lad, always loved the Z cars.

[@bongodrumzz]

Another ex-240Z owner here, I had a '74 240 in black, it was a guaranteed girl puller, never failed lol

[@rockets4kids]

@Markus Patients that's what happens when you ride them hard and put them away wet

[@bradx2333]

Do you mean a 260z? Or was it just another year

[@bongodrumzz]

@@bradx2333 no I said a 1974 datsun 240z, that was the plate registration year in england

[@bradx2333]

@@bongodrumzz That's really interesting, as far as I was aware the 240z only existed for the 1969-1973 model years. I knew there were some differences with the car in other parts of the world but I thought the 1974 switch to the 260z or 280z was universal.

[@dv8.mp4]

This is my favorite car to this day.

[@ominous-omnipresent-they]

I've always loved the 90-96 300 ZX.

[@hybridAbsol]

I love it as well , its rivaled to its cousin , the Skyline GTR ( R32 and R33 ) , if the GTR was available at the Nissan dealership , would you buy one ?

[@ominous-omnipresent-they]

@@hybridAbsol The R35? Because they have at least one of those.

[@Roo2ooR]

I owned a 1993 300ZX I special ordered in 1992. It is my favorite car I ever owned to this day. I eventually lost it in my divorce in 1996! Miss that car more than I ever have what's her face...lol.

[@ominous-omnipresent-they]

@@Roo2ooR Honestly, I love the 1993 models the most.

[@Roo2ooR]

@@ominous-omnipresent-they My favorite too but I am biased...lol. Mine was Super White with the Tan leather and Suede-ish interior. Not actually the color I special ordered. I ordered the burgundy red exterior (can't remember its actual name now) with the black leather and suede-ish interior but after waiting 6 weeks (was originally supposed to take 3 weeks) Nissan sent my special order exactly as I had selected except in both the wrong interior and exterior colors. I was so disappointed and infuriated once I knew but went down to see the car anyway just because another 3 to 6 week wait was going to kill me not intending to take it but just trying to satisfy some of my impatience by experiencing my car just in the wrong colors. When I saw the car I knew instantly that the mistake was a blessing in disguise. The Super White was very glossy and bright unlike most whites and looked so much cleaner than the pearl white that had been overly popular on them. The pearl was very off white...more of a tan with pearl over it. That tan interior was absolutely beautiful with the white and made the cabin feel so light and airy and clean. If I had seen the color together prior to ordering mine I would have chosen the white /tan. I have forever since seen the Burgundy/black 300ZXs and just felt relief every time that Nissan screwed up. My car was so much better looking and aged better too!

[@kaylahallaire7337]

I have always had a soft spot for z cars having owned 260 280 280ZX z31 turbo and non never a dull moment with these now classics. In the process now of restoring a 1972 240Z it has been my dream to drive the one that started it all.

[@larrydabkowski4864]

The 370Z NISMO is one beautiful car, not the fastest in line sports car itself was never intended to be, but a extremely well handling, powerful enough two seater that WILL deliver a smile on your face every time you drive it, sure, it doesn't have all the new modern gizmos that so many spoiled people need now, but it doesn't need it, it's the last of its breed, but one and enjoy it!!!! Mustang's, Camaros and vettes are a dime a dozen , 370Z nismos are not.

[@markf.langenauer1985]

I did on a 240 Z, 260Z and 280ZX fantastic car and a lot of emotions and memories

[@jierancao1343]

I love FairladyZ so much!240Z,Z432 and 300ZX is my favorite,I love them so much!

[@neilmacleod5371]

Love the Datsun 240Z

[@donmoore5716]

I owned an '82 280ZX Turbo from '83 to '92. Hands down the best handling car I ever owned. Extremely well designed and easy to work on. I miss that car. Yeah, it had turbo lag, but oh how it handled. I was looking at BMW's and didn't know anything about Z cars, until I saw and bought mine. I had my eyes on a BMW 2002, but quickly forgot it.

[@alfredogarnier7219]

I loved my '71 Datsun 1200 , and my '76 Datsun 710 Station Wagon. I would like to buy one of each from factory if being built today as yesterday.

[@TRUTH4U2NO]

Long Live the Datsun Z. The S30 models are finally getting starting to get the sale value they deserve as a classic. In fact 1 just sold for $314k!

[@thomasleemullins4372]

I think that was very informative. I like Nissan Z cars.

[@maryrafuse2297]

Datsun sold well in many other countries. I remember the first Z Car in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. It caused a lot of excitement in this University Town. :)

[@simonriley983]

They need to hire the previous designer of the z32 to design the z34. The stance and proportions are amazing 😍

[@b16mabmh]

Simon Rileyn

[@navret1707]

Bought a new ‘71 240Z, after a 3 month wait, for $4081.00 delivered. About the same price as a BMW 2002. Only had 2 problems: 1. rusted like a ‘55 Ford; 2. ditched the knock-off Zenith carbs for Weber side drafts. Great piece of engineering. Much later restored a ‘72 Z. Same 2 problems. Wish I still had either car. If

[@kevinpeterson1398]

I had a 1985 Datsun 280ZX for a while. It was a rusty old fuel leaking death machine with no suspension; but I loved it and so did everybody else who saw it.

[@erikhertzer8434]

Kevin Peterson: Actually you didn’t...in 1984 the 300ZX appeared, superseding the 280ZX.

[@maureencora1]

I Always Liked the 2+2 Nissan Zs.

[@donmoore5716]

Personally I don't like the hump in the back in the roof, and the seats are almost useless in my view - but everyone is different.

[@mikehunt8375]

The 76 and 91 are my favorite models.

[@WhateverHappenedToFun]

One of the few japanese car that I like and there's an entire episode dedicated to it! That's amazing!

[@KingRoseArchives]

Thanks. I thought so too. A great story.

[@67cuda38]

Still miss my 79 Datsun 280Z.

[@jimmie200]

I had a 1972 24Z. It was the funnest car I have every owned. Unfortunately I could not keep up with the rust on it. I bought it in Connecticut and I think it was rusty from the salt in the streets in the winter.

[@lightdp]

Even today old Nissans were still appreciated and desirable on drift arena.

[@davidconner-shover51]

abolutely

[@cloudk2088]

22:36 ... curbs that RR wheel hardcore :P

[@HigzyTeflon]

Thought I was the only one who noticed. Just brutal!

[@theodorebennett7938]

Ummmm.... that mark was already there. I swear!

[@HigzyTeflon]

@@theodorebennett7938: That's because they did 3 takes and somehow, blind Ching Pow curbed it all 3 times. In Japan, they know how to make great cars, but don't know how to drive them so well.

[@nicholasagnew2792]

Give him a break he was 95.

[@kevinpeterson1398]

Maybe that is the "Tatiyama Test" The infamous curb check.

[@michaelhorn4540]

When I was a teenager, I desperately wanted to buy a new Datsun truck

[@kylesoler4139]

I guess with the price increase of the Z was the reason for the Silvia/180/200/240sx to be introduced. would be cool to see both in the new car market.

[@n2nfps437]

ya we need the sx back

[@burlatsdemontaigne6147]

The first Nissans were, in fact, British Austin sevens built under license. Same as BMW in Germany.

[@dizzywow]

Not one mention of the technical aspects. (Inline 6, independent suspension) Sad.

[@donmoore5716]

It does mention the independent suspension. I didn't hear mention of the inline 6.

[@justinturner4850]

11:20 “inline 6, overhead cam, and independent suspension” but no mention of trans, differential, brakes, or weight balance.

[@jspecs13]

@@justinturner4850 fucking A let's just keep moving that goalpost eh? lol

[@allwinds3786]

why doesn't anyone in these articles about Lizzie ever mention the fact that much of its engineering is Capri directly from the Mercedes Benz 230 250 and 280 SL of the earlier vintage

[@kristensorensen2219]

Another historical figure we never studied in history class!

[@Mark-nl1up]

They need to update this video. They last z was a 370 and no has heard anything from them since.

[@hybridAbsol]

When the 370Z came out , it was a nice car to have until Nismo ruined them

[@dalehall2067]

Almost bought one until I lost my job

[@rapscallion3506]

I, myself, am a Demming devotee.

[@richardquarles5208]

The 240Z was built by Datsun, before it became Nissan.

[@dj33036]

You don't have to start in 1935 to tell this story.

[@mikeg8698]

no mention of the Skyline..?

[@KingRoseArchives]

Hard to fit it all into 25 minutes.

[@p__jay]

Total different chapter - its about the Z

[@hybridAbsol]

The video is about Datsun/Nissan of the US , not worldwide

[@mikehunt8375]

This is about z's I think. Maybe I read the title wrong

[@randysurratt9919]

I wish NISSAN would make a 2020 280Z. I loved ❤️those cars

[@tomashton1781]

the 4 cylinder and six cylinder engines were reversed blue prints of a Mercedes engine

[@jpdavis6042]

Z's styling still lacks far behind the 240Z. Bought a 70 & 76 new, first year available was only in a distinctive orange. Funny, just yesterday was thinking when Nissan Z would (if ever) get it's design groove back and I found this video. Perhaps hire BMW designers, scratch the current design, but always the long nose.

[@racketman2u]

Nissan will never get its mojo back while it is being run by a French accountant. RIP Datsun.

[@NJTCOMET]

The 370z borrows very heavily from the 240z with the long nose, canopy style roof and sloping rear end. I think it's a very beautiful car, the only Zs I didn't care for were the 280z and 280zx 2+2s.

[@paulazemeckis7835]

I loved every Z i met until i saw the changed body style in 1989. It was over for the Zs. They looked like turtles then and forever thereafter. Miss my fire engine red 1986 300 zx. Most fun I've ever had in a car. I am so glad I had the opportunity to own a Z.

[@rudolphguarnacci197]

Yeah, the new z body looks exactly like a turtle (and the Murano looks like a shoe). New z's can't hold a candle to the original. Nissan (and Infiniti) are irrelevant today. Boring. This was one long commercial with that original designer reading from a script at the end.

[@ooohhenrybmblm]

Goertz never had a contribution to the design of the Fairlady Z.

[@overcastfriday81]

Sad, Carlos turned out to be a executive criminal...wait...maybe that's redundant.

[@journeyquest1]

They started out great and just got worse as time went on.

[@aussieguy1012]

Fun fact the z32 used a vq30det motor whilst the newer 350z uses the newer but same engine family vqhr35de

[@kerriwilson7732]

Ironic the cars were badged Datsun, to protect the respected name of Nissan. After the company gained respect in North America they unveiled the Nissan name, & quality dropped.

[@NoCanDojack]

The 70's & 80's Z's were the ultimate best designed models when customize. They need to bring them back!! The 2000 & up looks like crap, Seriously. The newer design had been around for so long. They are ugly as "F" !!!

[@ralphlazio505]

Yeah. But, now their crappy cars, (except the GTR) and their ceo is in prison

[@SteelRider]

and that's how a devil was born

[@gogatbilisigeorgia]

where other legendary nissans? legends like patrol and skyline? murano , altima deservs to be in this, and patrol not? and one thing: renault killed nissans legendary models

[@nrken1]

I'll take the 370Z over any Corvette, more power please

[@bryandickens387]

nrken1 C6 zr-1 has more horespower, it's much faster and has quicker road race lap times than 370z....

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

you would think this would go turbo like the last time soon

[@patrickperry6945]

I had a ‘70 Z. Those dual sidedraft carburetors sucked.

[@evettsmodelshop662]

That's why everybody does the tripple webbers, man.

[@muddshshshark]

My friends Dad bought him the first 280Z in Canada Maybe 1974-1975? I took corners marked 35 mph at 100 mph He always let me drive it cuz I drove better than him and he would always push me to go faster we were maybe 17 or 18 RIP Davey

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

they ruined that car when they let that kid cut off the nows,,, they never should have stopped making the first design like the Porsche 911

[@thetreblerebel]

90s Z cars Not as pretty as the the 70s Datsun Zs

[@thetreblerebel]

Then comes the 2000s. Much better

[@hybridAbsol]

Still better looking than the tasteless Skylines :p

[@joshhall2323]

@@thetreblerebel other way around, the 70s look pretty blah, 90's looks amazing and the 2000s look gay af

[@thetreblerebel]

@@joshhall2323 will have to say the 2000s are hairdresser cars. 70s models look like actual sports cars. The 90s look like Ford probes

[@Roo2ooR]

@@thetreblerebel I actually knew a male hairdresser that drove a 2000's 350Z...lol

[@DaddyPants]

It's a shame looking at the garbage they put out now lol

[@spaceoner1]

370z is dated but is a powerhouse and is affordable. GTR is also dated but is godzilla. There are tuned Nismo versions of each. The new Altima is very nice...Maxima is decent. What exactly is the 'garbage' that you're referring to?? (I do concede that all SUV's suck).

[@hybridAbsol]

Mitsubishi does it worst

[@nicholasagnew2792]

The convertible 350z EWW

[@kaitospence18]

Sorry but including the word EWW is INVALID

[@nicholasagnew2792]

@@kaitospence18 Fair enough

[@eddieraffs5909]

Datsun didn't exist in the 70s.

[@aussieguy1012]

In aus they sure did. Swapped to nissan in 84 i believe

[@imperialfragments]

My 78 280z says NISSAN on the valve cover.

[@danr1920]

The 240's were great. Now Nissan marks rent a cars. The Chrysler of the Japanese brands. Was this video made by Nissan? Their pickup is crap. All their cars are substandard. They are at their second low point in their history.

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

contemporary sports car proportions,, killed a legend,, this was the affordable Ferrari 250, the xke jag,, but nope CUT THE NOWS OFF.

[@johnmiller5679]

It started out as Datsun not Nissan. I had a 1987 280ZX and it was good but rusted out in some weird places. The first Z's and maybe even now it was a Corvette ripoff and in that way I mean cheaper, slower and far worse then a real sports car.

[@jefferycrawford9963]

Than...

[@billdougan4022]

I thought they quit making the 280ZX in 1983. Maybe you bought one in 1987. 🤷

[@rocketsurgery1085]

i sold nissan from 2001 - actually started on 9/11/01... whenever someone came in to test drive a 350Z, we all groaned and tried to hide. the cheapness and ugliness of the interiors was stupefying. i think in all the years, of the 350, i sold 2 of them. in florida, by the way.

[@DANTHETUBEMAN]

Fascist USA started "government safety standers" AND "EMISSION REGULATIONS" to slow down the sales of the DATSUN Z CAR! and it worked, the added crash bumpers where vary heavy so the 260 was not as fast as a lighter 240z.

[@nexussymbiosis9270]

Renault destroyed Nissan Datsun

[@FrenchTutorials]

Nissan was already going down. Without Renault, they probably would have gone under.

[@PinchnerHouse]

Always hated these cars.

[@evettsmodelshop662]

Always hated cats. That's why I don't watch or comment on videos about them.