40 years of amazing innovation. 40 years of astonishing design. 40 years of the Nissan Z – the fastest-selling sports car of all time. 6 vehicle generations. 1 hell of a ride. Watch our exclusive film now and follow the Z from conception right up to the launch of the new 370Z in 2009. Innovation. Exhilaration. Adoration. The Legend continues, with no compromise.

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370Z History

1966. The Z is a twinkle in the eye of the Nissan design team. But the desire is strong – to create and build a new kind of sports car. A car that’s stylish, powerful and affordable. A car to take on the establishment.

1969. The west coast of the USA and the realisation of a dream. Yutaka Katayama launches the first generation Datsun 240Z onto an unsuspecting world. The world sits up and takes notice, as this two-seater, 2.4 litre, six cylinder beast hits the streets on the back of 130 PS. The retail price? A princely $3,526.

1974. While tighter emissions regulations have ended production of the iconic Skyline 2000GT-R C110, the rise of the Z continues. Design wizardry gives Z a bigger engine, keeping power output up at 126 PS.

1979. The second generation Z takes up the mantle. A redesigned body brings greater aerodynamic efficiency, with a lower centre of gravity providing more stability at high speeds. The über-classy black and gold 20th anniversary edition is also launched in a swirl of dry ice, soft lights and slick facial hair.

1983. ZX now available with T-Top and 200 PS engine for those who think they can handle it. One who can is Paul Newman. The veteran actor has enjoyed unparalleled racing success for Nissan – and Nissan produces a special edition Paul Newman Version R30 to celebrate. The Newman model was a top spec GT-R ES turbo that, to this day, is guaranteed to get Japanese collectors hot under the collar.

1989. The fourth generation 300ZX is the first Z to share a name with its predecessor. Apart from the addition of a twin cam, the engine remains the same – otherwise it’s all change, as styling and aerodynamics for the ’89 model are completely overhauled. The 300ZX remains in production until 1996 and then…

Nothing. For 6 years, the world watches. And waits. Is this the end for Z?

2002. No chance. The new century heralds a blistering new beginning. Not just a continuation of the Z legacy, but something truly special in its own right. The awesome 350Z. A unique modern coupe with sloping fastback roof. With a top speed “limited” to 155mph. And with the ability to rocket from 0-100km/h in 5.7 seconds. This growling, road-hugging 3.5 litre V6 is also the first Z to be available globally as a roadster.

2009. What can you do with the world’s most successful sports car? If you’re the Nissan Design team you make it lighter. Curvier. More powerful. You embellish it with a glorious 3.7 litre engine delivering 328PS and a stunning 0-100 km/h time of 5.3 seconds. You call it the 370Z and you let it loose. The world falls in love all over again. And the legend continues…