From Datsun 240Z to Nissan 300ZX: 26 Years of a Classic

1966
Nissan identifies a market for a new kind of sports car. Its product planners envision an agile, compact GT whose performance and comfort would outrun its price. Nissan engineers begin work on a prototype, which would become the 240Z.

1969
The 240Z goes on sale in the U.S. on October 22, 1969. It features a 2.4-liter, six-cylinder, 150 horsepower engine and delivers a 0-60 time of under nine seconds -- all for a price tag of only $3,526.