Datsun 280ZX

The Datsun 280ZX was the second generation of the Z-car, a sports coupe that Nissan built in Japan from 1978 until 1983 and sold under different names by market: Datsun 280ZX in North America and Australia, and Nissan Fairlady Z in Japan. It replaced the first generation Fairlady Z (S30) in late 1978 and was itself replaced by the Nissan 300ZX in 1984. The 280ZX was a complete redesign that kept only the L28 inline-six engine and driveline parts from the 280Z, and it moved the Z-car toward a softer, heavier and more comfortable grand tourer, offered as a two-seater and a four-seat 2+2. It was the first car to carry the by Nissan subscript beside the Datsun logo, and Motor Trend named it import car of the year for 1979. A turbocharged 280ZX Turbo followed from late 1979 and was the first turbocharged production Japanese automobile.