Nissan Fairlady Z S30 (240Z) - Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Sports Car |
| Released At | 1969 Model Year |
| Built At | Yokohama, Japan |
| Engine | 2.4L Naturally Aspirated Inline-6 |
| Position | Front-Engine, Longitudinal |
| Aspiration | Naturally Aspirated |
| Block Material | Cast Iron |
| Valvetrain | SOHC, 2 Valves per Cylinder |
| Fuel Feed | Dual SU Carburetors |
| Displacement | 2393 cc / 146.1 in³ |
| Power | 151 hp / 113 kW @ 5600 rpm |
| Specific Output | 63 hp per liter |
| Torque | 198 Nm / 146 lb-ft @ 4400 rpm |
| Top Speed | 201 km/h / 125 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | 8.0 seconds |
| 0 – 100 km/h | 8.2 seconds |
| Body / Frame | Steel Monocoque |
| Driven Wheels | RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive) |
| Wheel Type | Steel or Alloy Wheels |
| Front Tires | 175HR14 |
| Rear Tires | 175HR14 |
| Front Brakes | Disc Brakes |
| Rear Brakes | Drum Brakes |
| Front Wheels | 14 x 5.5 in |
| Rear Wheels | 14 x 5.5 in |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut with Coil Springs |
| Rear Suspension | Independent Strut with Coil Springs |
| Curb Weight | 1044 kg / 2300 lbs |
| Weight Distribution | Front 52% / Rear 48% |
| Wheelbase | 2305 mm / 90.7 in |
| Length | 4140 mm / 163.0 in |
| Width | 1626 mm / 64.0 in |
| Height | 1280 mm / 50.4 in |
| Transmission | 4-Speed Manual / 5-Speed Manual / 3-Speed Automatic |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | Varies by Driving Conditions |
| Fuel Capacity | 60 liters / 15.9 gallons |

Nissan’s First Global Sports Car Success – The Fairlady Z S30, known as the Datsun 240Z outside Japan, was Nissan’s first true global sports car, achieving massive success in the U.S. and worldwide.
Affordable Alternative to European Sports Cars – The 240Z was designed to compete with expensive European cars like the Porsche 911 and Jaguar E-Type, but at a much lower price, making it a best-seller.
Powered by a Smooth Inline-Six Engine – The 240Z featured a 2.4L inline-6 (L24 engine), producing 151 hp (U.S. version) and 160 hp (Japanese version), delivering strong performance for its time.
Lightweight and Quick for Its Era – Weighing just 1,044 kg (2,300 lbs), the **240Z could accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in around 8.0 seconds, making it one of the fastest affordable cars of the early ‘70s.
Designed with a European-Inspired Look – The S30’s long hood, fastback roofline, and short rear deck were influenced by classic European GT cars, particularly the Jaguar E-Type and Ferrari 275 GTB.
Sold as the Fairlady Z in Japan – In its home market of Japan, the S30 was called the Nissan Fairlady Z, a name that originated from Nissan’s earlier Fairlady roadsters.
First Z-Car in Nissan’s Iconic Z-Series – The 240Z started Nissan’s legendary Z lineup, which continues today with the Nissan Z (RZ34), maintaining the Z-Car legacy for over 50 years.
Dominated in Motorsports – The 240Z achieved multiple racing victories, including class wins at the East African Safari Rally and SCCA championships, proving its performance and durability.
Led to More Powerful Variants (260Z & 280Z) – Nissan later introduced larger-displacement versions, including the 260Z (2.6L) and 280Z (2.8L), to keep up with evolving market demands and emission regulations.
One of the Most Collectible Classic Japanese Cars – Due to its historical significance, performance, and timeless design, the 240Z has become one of the most valuable and collectible classic Japanese cars, with prices rising rapidly.

The Datsun 240Z (Fairlady Z in Japan) revolutionized sports cars with its inline-6 power, sleek design, and affordability. Today, it's a blue-chip Japanese classic.
Here's the EU market breakdown:
1. Price Ranges (EUR, Mid-2024)
By Condition & Origin
Project Car (Needs Full Restoration)
€25,000 – €45,000(Rust repair critical – check floors, frame rails)
Driver-Quality (Running, Minor Flaws)
€45,000 – €80,000(L24 engine, mostly original)
Concours-Level (Numbers-Matching, Restored)
€80,000 – €150,000+(Factory colors like "907 Green")
Japanese-Market Fairlady Z (RHD)
+20% Premium over LHD EU/US models
2. Key Value Factors
✅ Originality
Matching-Numbers L24 Engine (2.4L I6): Adds 30–50% value
Factory "432" (S20 Engine): €300,000+(Rare homologation special)
✅ Rust & Body
Critical Areas: Doglegs, battery tray, spare tire well
Original "SU" Carburetors: Missing? Deduct €5k–€10k
✅ Provenance
Japanese Auction Sheets (if imported) boost value
Early VINs (<HLS30-10000): More desirable
3. Where to Buy in the EU?
Specialist Importers: Japanese Classic Cars, The Import Guys
Classifieds: Car & Classic, Mobile.de
Clubs: Z Club Europe (private sales)
4. Market Trends
📈 Rapid Appreciation
Clean examples up 15–20% yearly (now €80k+)
Last affordable "holy grail" Japanese classic
⚠️ Red Flags
"Restomods" with V8 swaps (hurts collector value)
Fake "432" replicas (verify S20 engine stamps)
(Fun Fact: The 240Z was designed to undercut the E-Type Jaguar – while offering similar performance!)
Pro Tip: Decode the VIN:
"HLS30" = LHD export model
"S30" = JDM Fairlady Z
"PS30" = Rare factory turbo variant
(Bonus: The 240Z's dashboard was inspired by a Boeing 747 cockpit!)
(Note: 1971–1973 models are most desirable – later 260Z/280Z are heavier and less valuable.)
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