How Many 240Z 260Z and 280Z Cars Were Produced in Total?

Have you seen how legendary Nissan Z cars are that you still find on the roads today? The famous Nissan Z series - like the 240Z, 260Z, and 280Z - holds a very special place in our hearts.

These models came out between the late 1960s and 1970s and they really shook up the sports car market with their sleek and eye-catching design and performance. When you learn about how these classic vehicles were made, you'll appreciate their value and why these cars are so treasured. Then you'll get a real sense of how available they are today.

Let's dig in!

Disclaimer: This article is authored by a member of the Skillard community and reflects their personal views, not necessarily those of Skillard. We welcome your feedback and corrections in the comments to help us continually improve this content.

The 240Z

The Datsun 240Z is part of Nissan's famous Z-series and first showed up in October 1969.

In Japan, they call it the Nissan Fairlady Z, but in the US, people know it as the Datsun 240Z - it was made from 1969 until 1973. But what made it so well-loved? You really get a sense of its charm when you look at its history, design, and features.

Yoshihiko Matsuo and his dedicated Nissan team brought the 240Z to life, drawing inspiration from Yutaka Katayama. Can you see how this car tried to blend the sleek look of a Jaguar E-Type with the speed and performance of pricier cars like Porsche and Alfa Romeo? That's quite an ambition, right? The ambition behind the design was to try to create a car that was beautiful and fast, and appealed to the American market. I'd say they succeeded and were way ahead of their time!

Even though it shares its base with the Datsun 510, the 240Z stands out. Under the hood, the 240Z really delivered. You get completely independent suspension with MacPherson struts up front and Chapman struts at the back. Think about how much smoother the rides and better handling this gave compared to the different setup in the Datsun 510 - this was really significant for a sports car. Once more, the choice of suspension made all the difference - it provided a level of driving comfort that wasn't usual in sports cars at that time.

So, what made its engine stand out? In Japan, you'd find a 2.0-liter SOHC L20A inline-six engine pushing out 130 hp. In the US, it had a 2.4-liter SOHC L24 inline-six with twin Hitachi SU-style carburetors, and it puts out 151 hp - this change made it flexible for different markets.

The Z432 (PS30) model went more with a DOHC 2.0-liter S20 engine, cranking the horsepower up to 160 hp. These variations allowed the car to meet different market needs. All these flexible engine configurations showcased its adaptability.

The 240Z also wasn't just about looks. It had practical features too, like suspension and steering that were designed for zippy performance and driving comfort. The brakes included 270mm discs at the front and 230mm drums at the rear. These brakes were pretty common for the technology of that time - not great, but they worked. You could choose from a four-speed manual, a three-speed automatic, or a five-speed manual depending on where you lived. These options provided drivers with the flexibility to match their driving preferences - it ensured that the car catered to a wide range of users.

Between 1969 and 1973, production numbers varied. However, only a handful of units were made in 1969 - about 538 in total, according to Zhome.com.

But then in 1970, it jumped to 17,005 units. The next year, 40,000 units were made, and production peaked in 1972 with 60,000 units. Even in its final year (1973) a whopping 51,332 units were produced. Pretty interesting for a car that wasn't even a decade old, right? This definitely shows the massive demand the car had back then.

It received a lot of praise for its performance and handling, too. Magazines like Road and Track and Car and Driver loved its driving feel and comfy interior. Sure, some reviewers pointed out things like spongy brakes, but overall, it set new standards in the two-passenger sports car market. It helped put Nissan on the map globally. Such acclaim from automotive magazines boosted its reputation - it showed that the car had a big influence on the industry.

When it comes to its legacy, it's clear why the 240Z still holds a special place in car lovers' hearts. You get style, performance, and affordability all wrapped into one - this car was a game-changer in the automotive world.

The 260Z

The Datsun 260Z showed up in 1974, and you could enjoy driving it until 1978. Think of it as a bridge that connects the popular 240Z to the later models - this car brings in fresh and fun design features that keep the Z series alive and kicking.

When you look at the 260Z, you'll see it still holds onto design elements from the 240Z, like the recessed headlamps and the low, wide grille. In 1974, it also received bigger, stronger bumpers to meet safety rules. Early 1974 models have slightly larger and black rubber bumper guards that you might find interesting.

Later in 1974, those were swapped for heftier, tougher bumpers that can manage a 5-mph impact with turn signals moved to the grille edges. Always think about the 2+2 model. It has a longer wheelbase and a flatter roof, which makes it more family-friendly with tiny rear seats for kids - this change helps families enjoy the sporty ride too.

Under the hood, the 260Z sports a 2.6-liter six-cylinder engine with a single overhead cam that gives you 139 horsepower due to stricter emission rules. If you love power, this might feel like a letdown. Adding an electromagnetic fuel pump and transistorized ignition brings cool improvements. Do you like manual driving? The four-speed manual is standard. Sadly, in the U.S., you miss an opportunity to have a five-speed option, though you can choose a three-speed automatic if you want an easier ride. The lack of a five-speed is a letdown for some.

Talk about the suspension and brakes - you'll find the 260Z starts with a smooth ride and good handling. It comes with a four-wheel independent suspension system, coil springs, and MacPherson struts, plus front disc brakes and rear drum brakes, and they added a rear sway bar to help with stability - this change really improves your driving experience. These updates mean better control and comfort.

Inside, you'd find some thoughtful updates. The dash is padded and shaped, housing key gauges like oil pressure, water temperature, fuel level, and an ammeter. You'd appreciate the large speedometer and tachometer too. Always consider the built-in climate control, which makes your ride more comfortable. Seats are deep cushioned vinyl with built-in headrests and adjustable features, which adds a bit of luxury. Comfort and ease are key inside the car.

There are also noteworthy changes like the bump in engine size to 2.6 liters. Sadly, horsepower dropped. Bumpers got bigger to meet strict U.S. car safety rules. Chassis changes with longer rails and a rear sway bar added stiffness and stability - which made a difference in your ride. These adjustments make driving feel safer and more reliable.

So, the 260Z keeps the Z series interesting with a fun mix of performance, design, and tech updates. When you move from the 240Z, this car stays true to its sporty roots while adapting to new rules and expectations. You can't help but admire how it balances the old and new. The 260Z stands as a reminder of innovation while holding onto the tradition of the Z series.

How Many 260Z Cars Were Made?

About 64,000 of the 260Z cars rolled off the line - which is way less than the 168,584 units of the 240Z. Do you notice the difference? This happened because the 260Z had a shorter run - from late 1973 to late 1975. The limited time really cut these numbers down.

The 260Z was made from 1974 to 1975. You see, in 1974 they made around 60,000 units. But in 1975 only about 4,000 units showed up. Surprising, right? The big drop in 1975's numbers was because Datsun planned to switch focus to the 280Z model. This switch marked a big change in their strategy.

You also found different versions of the 260Z on the market - they had a 2-seat version with about 64,000 units made. But, they also made the 2+2 model with around 15,000 units showing up. These numbers show Datsun worked to meet different market needs - they tried to build on the 240Z's success and added features.

Together, the 260Z had around 79,000 cars made. Only a small fraction of them are still on the road today due to damage, accidents, neglect, and so on. 

Most of these cars - just like the 240Z - ended up in the USA and Canada. Why? That's where the demand was highest. Wonder why this was the case? You see, the US market loved these cars for their performance and price point at the time.

When you compare the 260Z to the 240Z made from 1969 to 1973, you see clear differences. The 240Z production hit its peak in 1972 with over 60,000 units. In contrast, 1975 saw the least 260Z units made - this period was notable as Datsun got ready for the new model.

These production numbers matter quite a bit - especially for collectors and car historians. You know, rarer cars can be more valuable to you. Why does rarity matter to a collector? A rare find can really be something special! For historians, these numbers help to understand the car market of the 1970s.

So why are these numbers so interesting to know? Talking about how cars were made and why they were made in those amounts is key. Production drops, changes in focus, and where cars sold all play a role here. When you understand these factors, it gives you a deeper look into the car market of that time.

The Evolution to The 280Z

Back in 1975, the 280Z came out and really made a splash. It stepped forward from the 240Z and 260Z when car makers were dealing with new emissions rules and an increase in fuel costs. So, Nissan improved the engine to 2.8 liters - this kept the 280Z running strong even with those tough emissions standards. They tackled the problem head-on which is impressive, right?

One big change you'll see is the switch to fuel injection. By getting rid of carburetors and adding fuel injection, the 280Z became more efficient and reliable - this new tech boosted the car's performance, making it more fun to drive. You'll like these upgrades on any joyride or everyday drive.

Interestingly, the design makeover also gave the 280Z its striking look. You still get the long hood and short deck, but Nissan added finesse with bigger and more integrated bumpers to meet new safety rules.

Some people might say these bumpers took away from its sleek look, but they also gave the car a new and modern feel. It's a constant balance between looking good and meeting safety standards. To each their own. But hey, we always sell 240Z style bumpers if you prefer that classic look! They are a best seller for a reason.

Inside, the updates kept on coming. Interestingly, Nissan made sure the cabin was comfier and more user-friendly. Now, air conditioning and better sound insulation became standard features in the 280Z. So, these little updates make each drive much more enjoyable. 

Hop into a 280Z and you'll feel the improved ride quality immediately. The enhanced suspension allows for a smoother ride without losing that sporty edge - this makes for a pleasant driving experience every time.

So, when you check out a 280Z, you're seeing a perfect combination of performance improvements, new regulations, and comfort adjustments - this exactly shows how Nissan kept pushing to make things better while keeping the Z spirit alive and kicking!

How Many 280Z Cars Were Made?

Nissan made about 218,000 units of the 280Z from 1975 to 1978. You might assume they only sold them in Japan, but you'd be wrong - they shipped these cars all over the world.

You probably won't believe that in North America alone, they sold over 190,000 units. It's pretty cool how 280Z cars actually made it to the States. When you put them on the roads or at classic car shows, they're still a favorite among the car enthusiasts.

In 1975, Datsun produced about 41,000 units. Just the next year, they jumped to making around 61,000. Why the spike? You wonder why car buyers loved it even during the oil crises of the 1970s. In 1977, the numbers dipped a bit to around 57,000, but by 1978, they bounced back to roughly 59,000 units - this shows the car's demand and the customers' loyalty.

Again, if you compare the numbers to earlier models, the 240Z made from 1969 to 1973 had less than 170,000 units. The 260Z, which was only around from 1974 to 1975, saw about 50,000 units. It's clear the 280Z kept and even grew the Z car's popularity.

Here's an interesting fact: Nissan created the 280Z in response to tougher emissions and safety rules, and they added electronic fuel injection for better efficiency and bigger bumpers to meet US laws. Did these changes make the car any less awesome? Definitely not! The extra reliability actually made it more desirable.

Have you ever seen how the 280Z looks compared to the older models? It has a longer hood and better aerodynamics. Tiny changes like these kept the Z series fresh and beautiful!

Build Your Dream Car

The production stories and numbers we've looked at show their demand and the creativity and hard work in making each model. What did you find most interesting? Maybe it was the good design and mechanical skill that makes these cars so famous.

When you start with the history of these models, and remember the past - your chance to keep celebrating and preserving these classic cars increases. Have you thought about owning one of these beauties? Maybe you already do. When you drive a car with decades of history it feels special, and improving it can give you a sense of accomplishment. You're restoring its former glory!

Let's talk about how you can take this admiration even further. At Skillard, we know what makes these classic cars stand out. Do you want to restore or upgrade your 240Z, 260Z, 280Z, or another Datsun model? We have awesome custom parts just for you, like bumpers, aluminum door cards, center consoles, and spoilers.

Why wait any longer? Start or continue your Datsun restoration project by visiting Skillard.com.

Check out our complete catalog of quality parts and let's keep these classic cars running and looking their best!