The oldest Z car is the Fairlady Z, which first premiered in 1969. This model marked the launch of the first generation of Nissan's globally recognized Z Cars.
The Original Z Car: Fairlady Z
Introduced by Nissan in 1969, the Fairlady Z holds the distinction of being the progenitor of the entire Z Car lineage. It was engineered to be a representative car for Nissan worldwide, quickly gaining popularity for its performance and distinctive styling.
Key aspects of the first-generation Z car include:
- Launch Year: 1969
- Primary Name (Japan): Fairlady Z
- International Names: Widely known as the Datsun 240Z or simply "Z-car" in markets outside of Japan.
- Production Span: This inaugural generation was manufactured for approximately 9 years, solidifying its legacy and paving the way for future Z models.
The Fairlady Z, or Datsun 240Z, established the core identity of the Z car series, combining a sporty driving experience with practicality, making it a beloved classic and the definitive original in the Z car family.
