1978 Datsun 280Z
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Sales of the Nissan Z Car started in October 1969 (for the 1970 model year), with separate versions for the Japanese and US markets. The Japanese Fairlady Z featured a 2. 0L SOHC L20A inline-6 producing 130 hp, while the US 240Z featured a 2. 4L L24 inline-6 with twin Hitachi SU-type carburetors that produced 151. In Japan, the Z was still known as the Fairlady to keep the car in line with the previous generation Datsun Sports roadster. However, Yutaka Katayama ensured the American version had all Nissan, Fairlady Z, and 432 badging replaced with 'Datsun' and prevented all dealer shipments until they were replaced. The 240Z was released in America on October 22, 1969. Combining good looks, and powerful performance, it sold over 45,000 units through the 1971 model year and over 50,000 and 40,000 in 1972 and 1973, respectively. The 280Z was released in 1975 in North America, not to be confused with the 280ZX, which is a second-generation Z-car, and featured another engine displacement enlargement to 2. 8 L. A major change was the introduction of Bosch fuel injection, replacing the previous SU carburetors. This resulted in a power increase to 170 hp offsetting increased weight...