Nissan · S30
Nissan Fairlady Z S30
Known as the Datsun 240Z in export markets, the original S30 Fairlady Z is the car that proved Japan could build a genuinely great sports car — a long-hood, short-deck GT with European-inspired styling and a price a fraction of a Jaguar E-Type.
Spec Sheet
- Generation / Chassis Code
- S30
- Years Produced
- 1969–1978
- Manufacturer
- Nissan
- Country
- Japan
- Body Style
- 2-door coupe
- Engine
- 2.4L–2.8L inline-6 (L24/L28)
- Horsepower
- 150–170 hp
- Torque
- 146–177 lb-ft
- Transmission
- 4/5-speed manual
- Drivetrain
- RWD
- Weight
- ~2,300 lbs
- 0–60 mph
- ~8 seconds
History
Launched in 1969, the S30 became a runaway sales success in the US as the Datsun 240Z, out-selling every European sports car in its class and establishing Nissan/Datsun as a serious performance brand in the West for the first time.
Why It Became Famous
It single-handedly changed Western perceptions of Japanese cars, proving they could combine beautiful styling, strong performance, and genuine reliability at an accessible price — a formula many credit with kickstarting the entire JDM performance car movement.
Strengths
- Gorgeous, timeless long-hood/short-deck styling
- Light weight and simple mechanicals make it an engaging, analog drive
- Strong classic car community and parts support worldwide
- Historically significant as Nissan's first global performance icon
Weaknesses
- Nearly 50 years old now, so rust and wear are major concerns on unrestored cars
- No power steering or modern safety equipment
- Values for clean original examples have risen substantially
- Finding genuinely unmodified survivors is increasingly difficult
Common Problems
- Rust in the floor pans, hatch area, and frame rails is extremely common
- Aging carburetors need regular tuning and rebuilding
- Deteriorated wiring harnesses from age
- Worn suspension bushings and steering components on unrestored cars
Modification Potential
A huge and mature restomod scene exists — everything from mild carburetor and suspension upgrades to full LS-swap and modern EFI conversions is well documented and supported.
Buying Guide
Rust is the single biggest risk — inspect frame rails, floor pans, and the hatch area closely, and prioritize cars with documented restoration history over 'barn find' projects unless you're prepared for extensive rust repair.
Enthusiast Popularity Today
A beloved classic on both sides of the Pacific, with a passionate restoration and restomod community keeping the model alive over 50 years later.
Fun Facts
- It was sold as the Datsun 240Z in the US and outsold every rival sports car in its segment for years
- Its styling was influenced by European GT cars like the Jaguar E-Type, but at a fraction of the price
- The S30 laid the foundation for every Z-car that followed, up through the current Nissan Z
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