Nissan S30

Also known as the Nissan Fairlady Z, and the Datsun 240Z, 260Z and 280Z. The S30 was the first generation of the successful Nissan Z cars that would continue on to the S130, Z31, Z32 and the current Z33. The S30 was produced from 1969 to 1978 with several variants and revisions along the way. Design was done by a team led by Yoshihiko Matsuo, the head of Nissan’s Sports Car Styling Studio. Inspiration for the design comes from European sports cars such as the Ferrari Daytona and Jaguar E-Type/XK-E. All the S30s had four-wheel independent suspension which featured MacPerson struts in front (sourced from the Nissan Laurel C30.) and Chapman struts in rear. Standard Brakes was front disc and rear drums.

Datsun Variants.
Datsun 240Z
In October 1969, Nissan introduced the S30 to the American market as the 240Z for the 1970 model year. These cars received the L24, which is a 2.4L inline six-cylinder mated to either a 4 speed manual or a less common 3-speed automatic that was optional from 1971 on. This engine produced 151 horsepower and 146 lb-ft of torque. The 240Z was light at a curb weight of only 2,355 lb (1,068 kg). The 240Z can accelerate from 0-60 in just 8.0 seconds.

Datsun 260Z
The 260Z was a one year only model for the United States in 1974, but was available in other countries until 1978. Due to federal emissions regulation in the United States, ignition timing and compression ratio had to be reduced. To combat the reduction of performance due to these regulations, Nissan enlarged displacement to 2.6L (L26) to try to recapture the lost power. At the end of the day, the engine produced 140 horsepower which was less than the previous 240Z. The good news was outside of the U.S., the 260Z produced 165 horsepower due to not having to comply with emissions regulations. 0-60 acceleration times were about the same as the 240Z.

Datsun 280Z
Produced from 1975 to 1978, the 280Z replaced the 260Z. U.S. emissions and safety standards continued to get stricter. In response, Nissan again increased engine size to 2.8L by increasing bore of the L26 engine. This larger displacement engine produced 150 horsepower and 163 lb-ft of torque The U.S. spec 280Z is also known for its giant federally required 5 mph crash test bumpers. Curb weight had increased to 2,875lbs (1,304 kg).
A five-speed manual transmission was added as an option, still remaining were the four-speed manual and three-speed automatic.

Fairlady Variants.
Fairlady Z
Introduced in late 1969 as a 1970 model, the Fairlady Z was powered by a 2.0L inline six-cylinder (L20) that produced 150 horsepower and was mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.

Fairlady ZG
Produced and sold exclusively in Japan, the Nissan Fairlady ZG was released in Japan in October 1971 to homologate the 240Z for Group 4 racing.

Fairlady Z432
A rare version of the Fairlady was the Z432, referring to 4 valves per cylinder, 3 carburetors, and 2 cams. Only 420 were produced.

Fairlady Z432R
This variant was used to homologate the S30 Fairlady Z for rally racing. This version was known for its orange paint, black steel wheels and its black hood. This version had further engine improvements compared to the Z432.

Motor Sports.
The S30s won many SCCA/IMSA championships and even became quite successful in rally and baja races.