The Datsun 240Z, known in some markets as the Nissan S30, was a sports car largely credited for starting the height of the sports car craze. It took pre-existing parts and systems and blended them into a cooperative, practical, functional vehicle that, at one point, was the world's best-selling sports car. It was produced by Nissan Motors, Ltd. of Japan initially for American markets, but massive popularity engendered a worldwide appeal, so Nissan took its sales overseas as well.

Read on to find out just why the Datsun 240Z was such a special sports car.

Related: The Evolution Of The Nissan/Datsun GT-R In Pictures

It Started The Japanese Sports Car Craze

Orange Datsun 240Z from side view
via Car and Driver

To be perfectly accurate, the sports car craze technically didn't begin with the arrival of the Datsun 240Z. The sports car craze had started forty years earlier, but it really didn't catch on and become significant until the 240Z arrived in 1970.

It had challenged sports cars from other countries, such as Britain, Italy, and Germany, thanks to its sharper handling and reliability, with a bigger emphasis on performance. The Datsun 240Z had an overhead-cam six-cylinder powerful engine that put out 150 brake horsepower. Sports cars from competitors only used 150 horsepower.

Not helping the competitors' case were tighter federal emissions regulations, so manufacturers with the most available cash naturally had more of a presence, as they were able to spend more money on making their vehicles compliant with new regulations. Other manufacturers with less cash decreased the horsepower of their new vehicles in an attempt to meet these revised regulations. The Datsun, meanwhile, was rolling along nicely, catching on with the masses, and riding the wave of the sports car craze.

Other competitors attempted to follow suit, like when Toyota unleashed their Celica four-cylinder coupe in 1971. Further, even the Nissan 370Z was inspired by the Datsun 240Z. This model Datsun was so inspiring that collectors would sooner have them restored than give up on them. Sometimes they would even swap out parts from other engines to make them functional again.

It's Personal

Blue Datsun 240Z inside tunnel
via Engine Swap Depot

People had an initial tendency to see the Datsun as a personal vehicle instead of as a sports car. Part of this tendency was that Datsun incorporated previously-existing parts and systems into their cars, as opposed to inventing or adapting the parts or systems themselves.

The overhead cam engine, disc brakes, and independent suspension were all available prior to the Datsun's arrival, but Datsun was able to take these parts and make a cohesive and affordable vehicle. Car and Driver reported that “the difference between the Datsun 240Z and your everyday three-and-a-half thousand dollar sports car is that about twice as much thinking went into the Datsun. It shows.”

Despite this, Datsun's own employees tend to think of this vehicle as a personal car instead of a sports car, though they know their audience would rather see the 240Z as a sports car. It even garnered the nickname “Z-Car” soon after its release.

That said, the Datsun employees think the description of a “personal” car is applicable here in that it keeps the 240Z distinct from other superficial and less mature sports automobiles, and implies a purpose beyond that of simple amusement.

Datsun wanted to market it as a car that could do both- drive around for adventure on warm summer days, while also being a practical transportation choice for a work commute. This flexibility is partially why surviving Datsuns tend to be immediately acquired.

Related: It's About Time This Rare Datsun 280z Barn Find Got Washed After 44 Years Collecting Dust

American Success Lead To Global Success

Orange Datsun 240Z from above
via AutoTrader Classics

The Datsun came from Japan, but it was initially targeted for the US Market. However, its success in the United States prompted its manufacturers to take it to a more global market. After that, it headed to Britain and Italy to grace their showrooms before moving on to the rest of the world.

At one point, the Datsun 240Z became the world’s best-selling sports car because the Americans wanted much more of the Datsun.. The Datsun sported 60 MPH in only eight seconds and it could reach a top speed of 125 MPH. The design was also a beneficial factor, as buyers appreciated the packaging, build, and attractive lines when they saw it in the showrooms.

The benefits didn't end there. The interior of the 240Z also had a lot of space for cargo, noise suppression, a fairly large gas tank, and comfortable seats with high backing. Unfortunately, rust has done significant damage to not only the remaining Datsun 240Zs, but also to other Datsun models, and with repair costs rising, many people hope Datsun will resurrect the 240Z and other models, like the 510, for a more modern audience.

Specs Are Solid

Black Datsun 240Z parked outdoors
via Reddit

The Datsun 240Z sports impressive horsepower, engine, fuel economy, and other features, showcasing some solid specs. It had an iron-block engine, with 150 brake horsepower and 148 lb-ft maximum torque. It had front disc brakes and rear drum brakes, as well as rack and pinion steering. It got 30 MPG and had independent suspension. Further, the Datsun 240Z featured a five-speed manual or automatic transmission, as well as a rear-wheel-drive.

Sources: caranddriver.com, classicandsportscar.com, hemmings.com, ourridelife.com, classicmotorsports.com,

Next: Watch A Turbo LSX Swapped Datsun 280Z Run 10s At The Strip