2007 NISSAN 350Z TRACK (6)

The 1970 240Z is rightly regarded as one of the most important sports-GT cars of the twentieth century. Seemingly out of nowhere came a potent, fast and extremely capable coupe with a timeless design penned by Albrecht Goertz (who had earlier designed the BMW 507). Costing just over US$3500 at launch, it revolutionised the market for such cars in America.
The businesslike cockpit marked a welcome advance in Japanese cabin design while the hatchback practicality made the most of the Zed’s design and broadened its appeal. Trademark round central dials and deep-set instrumentation are still in the 350Z along with excellent seat comfort for two tall occupants. The difference in length between the 240Z and 350Z is just 18cm.
The 240Z’s straight-six was good for 112kW. That might be less than half our car’s output but the 240 was grunty enough to embarrass much more expensive machinery. It flew to 100km/h in 8.4 seconds and cracked 200km/h, thanks to a 1040kg kerb weight. And the near-perfect distribution of that ton and a bit contributed to immediate rally and race track success.
Subsequent incarnations of the Zed failed to capitalise on the 240’s massive initial promise. Marque experts reckon the 300ZX of the 1990s was well regarded but it was the 350Z that marked a genuine return to form.

Driven one? Own one? Share your 350Z experience: keepers@kiwigarage.co.nz