One of the strong points of the 370Z is its styling, which manages to pay homage to the original, first-generation Datsun 240Z/260Z/280Z without looking contrived. The long, aerodynamic nose with single headlights that wrap around the corners, the fastback roofline, the kicked-up beltline and the side window shapes all harken back to the clean, classic sports car look of the original. Yet there are modern touches, such as the aggressively-flared wheelwells and free-form headlights. But if I had to pick one over the other purely based on styling, however, I'd have to go with the sleeker and cleaner original.
Between that first Z car and the current one, Nissan's sports car has gone through many iterations. If you want to brush up on your Z car history, we've got it all right here.
John DiPietro, Automotive Editor at 13,094 miles
firstwagon says:
02:59 PM, 10/ 8/09
The original 240Z is one of those rare cars that just looks right. To me it's the only Z car that will ever be considered a collectible.
bankerdanny says:
03:12 PM, 10/ 8/09
+1 at Firstwagon.
Given the coice I would take a mint 240 over a brand new 370 every time, even as a daily driver.
texases says:
03:23 PM, 10/ 8/09
240Z: Best looking Japanese car. Ever.
compliance says:
04:34 PM, 10/ 8/09
I wish all modern cars weren't so chunky
hybris says:
04:57 PM, 10/ 8/09
If Nissan could make a body like this with a modern engine and a fairly spartan interior then I would go out and buy today.
hondacura4 says:
05:03 PM, 10/ 8/09
"Best looking Japanese car. Ever."
Maybe a very close 2nd to the 1968/69 Toyota 2000GT coupe. That car was gorgeous!
altimadude00 says:
05:23 PM, 10/ 8/09
Personally, I would be much happier with one of these than with a new muscle car. My pocketbook would be happier too. Less than $10k for a good example of an original Z? Are you kidding?
carfreak8394 says:
05:54 PM, 10/ 8/09
What a good looking car!
Much better than the 370Z.
norsairius says:
06:24 PM, 10/ 8/09
A local dealership around where I live actually has a 1977 Datsun 280Z on sale. It's in great condition and I wish I could get it! I took a look at the pictures they posted and I was surprised at how good the condition of the car is overall. I haven't stopped in to take a look at the car in person though. They also have a Ferrari 355 that I wouldn't mind looking at either!
That said though, I think the 370Z has the right design cues from the original Z cars. I love the side profile of both the old Z cars and the new 370Z.
jasond52 says:
06:41 PM, 10/ 8/09
Wow, the Z series has really gone downhill over the years. Those early Z cars are so good looking, the new ones are bloated and contrived looking.
johnnyr3 says:
03:35 AM, 10/ 9/09
I don't think it's gone downhill. You really can't look back, I think, when it comes to design. You have to try a move forward while never forgetting where the product's come from.
The first generation Z is unforgettable, but the 370Z is almost as nice. Nissan has done this properly, while the new Camaro & Challenger are cartoons.
http://twitpic.com/kten0
bodyblue says:
05:11 AM, 10/ 9/09
I see virtually nothing of the old Z in the new. The new one looks like a disco Nike. Seeing this pic makes the new one just look hideous.
drhorrible says:
06:22 AM, 10/ 9/09
+2 at Firstwagon.
Just keep it out of the rust belt states. One of my all time favorite cars. I know two people who owned the 240Z and they both wish they had them back.
rlg86 says:
09:58 AM, 10/ 9/09
Beautiful Car; still one of the best looking cars ever. When I was growing up in Western PA my uncle had a 260Z in dark green; no s@#$ about how fast it rusted out. It was pretty much dead in 6 years, even though it was garaged all winter.
johnnyturbo says:
10:17 AM, 10/ 9/09
Way back in 1980 my brother had a '76 280Z with a "BAE" (if memory serves) aftermarket turbocharger and wire wheels. He bought it off the original owner (from Texas) who pampered it. It was medium blue with white vinyl interior and was absolutley mint. It made about 230 hp, versus the stock 150, and was seriously quick. Sadly, he totaled it late in a New England Fall when he got caught driving it in sleet, slid off the road and hit a tree.
estreka says:
12:17 PM, 10/ 9/09
One of the greatest classics of all time.
cruiserhead1 says:
01:06 PM, 10/ 9/09
The 240 is a classic. Best Z ever.
the best 240Z is the G-nose Z.
bkochuk says:
01:33 PM, 10/ 9/09
ha! reminds me of my very first car, a Datsun B210 hatchback.
but only from the back, of course...
Rage0329 says:
02:53 PM, 10/12/09
I must be too young at 25 to think that the 240Z is better than the current 370Z. Don't get me wrong, the 240Z looks cool, I saw a really nice restored green one the last time I was north of Atlanta. However, the 370Z just looks so much better.