Nissan Fairlady Z 1969

The first-generation Fairlady Z, launched in November 1969 (announced in October) was available in the high-power 432 model equipped with the same 6-cylinder in line DOHC 24-valve S20engine (160PS) as the Skyline GT-R (PGC10). The name '432' refers to 4 valves, 3 carburetors and 2 camshafts. Magnesium wheels were fitted as standard. Announced in October, launched in November.

Z Cars (1969-1999)

1966
Nissan identifies a market for a new kind of sports car. Its product planners envision an agile, compact GT whose performance and comfort would outrun its price. Nissan engineers begin work on a prototype, which would become the 240Z.

1969
The 240Z goes on sale in the U.S. on October 22, 1969. It features a 2.4-liter, six-cylinder, 150 horsepower engine and delivers a 0-60 time of under nine seconds -- all for a price tag of only $3,526.
A Brief History : Six Generations of Z

October 22, 1969, the Datsun 240Z arrived in North America, heralding a new era in sports car design. The 240Z was a revelation to the automotive world -- an affordable sports car that could be driven every day and was accessible to anyone with the $3,626 base price.

When the original Datsun 240Z debuted as a 1970 model, its design and performance were considered state-of-the-art: a 150-horsepower 2.4-liter single overhead cam inline 6-cylinder engine, 4-wheel independent suspension, 14-inch wheels, choice of a 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission, and a quarter-mile acceleration time of 17.1 seconds at 84.5 miles per hour. The 240Z was conceived as a closed coupe body, rather than the typical open-top sports cars of the age, to enhance body rigidity and, therefore, improve handling and durability.

The journey from the original 240Z to the current Z cars. Interestingly, the 240Z might not have made the journey to America in the first place, if not for the efforts of one man.