Z-car revisited by Nissan in celebratory half-century model

Nissan’s 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition, complete with distinctive racing livery, has been unveiled in New York, states Iain Robertson, the same city where the original Datsun 240Z made its North American debut no less than fifty years ago.

Reflecting an homage to the #46 BRE (Brock Racing Enterprises) Datsun 240Z that won multiple SCCA National Championships (John Morton driving), it is hardly a secret that the 240Z started the ball rolling for Japanese sports cars in the US market. The Austin Healey-influenced sports coupe (straight-six petrol engine, rear-wheel drive) also provided a more cost-effective route to Jaguar E-Type style and is now a hallowed classic in its own right.



The lightly revised 370Z will be available in four trim levels: base, Sport, Sport Touring and the 370Z NISMO. The 370Z Sport version is the foundation for the 50th Anniversary model, as it represents the true enthusiast spirit of the original model. Naturally, its show car livery, in a choice of white with red accents, or silver with black, is available as an option to a full palette of paint finishes.



Retaining the sleek profile that has defined Zs of the past, characterised by its low roofline, upswept quarter-windows and slope of the rear hatch, the latest Z-car has only been lightly altered for a new generation. High-intensity discharge bi-functional xenon headlights, with an auto on/off feature, allied to LED daytime running lamps blend with the renowned 370Z face.



The car’s driver-centric interior is framed by a sporting instrument panel, while a full-length centre console separates the driver from the passenger. Special touches include a 50th Anniversary steering wheel wrapped in Alcantara, with a centring stripe. The heated, four-way power seats are leather and suede clad and feature adjustable lumbar support, unique stitching, graphics and the 50th Anniversary logo embossed into the backrests. Dark chrome accents are used throughout the interior, including special kick plates adorned with the Z-logo and synthetic suede door panel inserts.



Nissan’s famed 3.7-litre V-6 engine produces 332bhp and 270lbs ft of torque. It is hooked-up to a close-ratio, 6-speed manual gearbox that features a synchronised downshift ‘rev-matching’ system that automatically controls and adjusts engine speed to the exact speed of the next gear position. It blips the throttle automatically. A 7-speed auto-box is also available optionally, with paddle-shifters.



Suspended by lightweight aluminium, double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link rear suspension, the 370Z’s handling balance is of a traditional class that is aided by a viscous limited-slip differential. While it can be urged into oversteer on a whim, the car’s grip levels are quite high. Stopping power is provided by four-wheel vented discs and Bridgestone Potenza S007 tyres connect the car to the road, on a set of Rays forged alloy wheels.  



While it has not been changed much since its launch in 2009, the 370Z is one of those character cars that many potential owners may have forgotten about. It is great to see that it is a living classic, with a life ahead of it.

MSG Summary

While we have not provided a 370Z to any of our customers, perhaps sight of these versions may encourage Z-car owners to consider one for their motoring futures.

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