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Launched in 1969, the Datsun 240Z was destined to become the best-selling sports car of the '70s. What the badge lacked in romance and cachet, the 240Z more than made up for with its well-balanced muscular lines, penned by Albrecht Goertz, father of the beautiful BMW 507.
With its long bonnet, recessed lights and those flowing, tense rear haunches, the Z clearly took its styling cues from the E-Type Jaguar fixedhead, yet it was pure and elegant enough to have an appeal of its own. A well-equipped two-seater with a rear hatchback, the 240Z concealed few surprises beneath its skin, yet lacked for nothing. The engine, a smooth, punchy straight-six making 151 bhp from 2393 cc, drove through a five-speed gearbox to a well-sorted strut-and-wishbone rear end. There were struts at the front too, and precise rack and pinion took care of the steering. The car handled superbly, if traditionally, and went like the wind, topping 125mph with ease. Sales took off and Datsun never looked back, selling 150,076 before the 260Z took over in 1975.
In search of more refinement, Datsun made the 260 a softer, less aggressive car and, inevitably, a heavier, slower one. Eventually the Z descended into the realms of medallion-man pastiche, with the awful 280 and 300ZX models. A new Z-car, true to the purist ideals of the original, is due in the showrooms soon.
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