Nissan Z: 50 Years of Exhilarating Performance

Book Synopsis: Nissan Z: 50 Years of Exhilarating Performance is the Nissan-official chronicle of Z history, from Datsun's planning for the new model in the late 1960s through the latest 50th anniversary Nissan 370Z and the all-new Z Proto. The Datsun 240Z revolutionized the sports car industry and demolished established assumptions about Japanese automakers. With the Z, Datsun gave the world a sleek, sexy, fast product—one that forever banished the idea that Japanese manufacturers could only build economy cars. Over the past 50-plus years, six generations of the Z car have generated a massive, devoted following. More than 1.5 million cars have been sold worldwide. The retro-inspired 350Z followed by the 370Z reinvigorated the Z's fortunes in the 21st century, continuing the tradition of high-performance in a modern, affordable package. In September 2020 Nissan debuted the Z Proto a stunning indication of the next-generation Z car. In addition to a complete history of the Z, this revised and updated edition of Nissan Z details the story of the Z Proto and also examines the car's significant racing history with successes in IMSA and SCCA sports car racing, including extensive racing by Paul Newman for Bob Sharp and John Morton with Brock Racing Enterprises. Special attention is devoted to the cult of Z fans around the world who have supported Nissan's sports car through thick and thin and the early car's emergence as a rapidly appreciating collector car. The story is told by author Pete Evanow, who has enjoyed a long relationship with Nissan. His insights into the history of this automotive icon provide a fresh, compelling perspective on the five decades of the Z that no enthusiast will want to miss.