The Datsun 240Z Returns Digitally To Challenge The Best Modern Sports Cars
Nissan’s Z-cars first appeared in 1969 and are still popular to this day. These cars have taken on a variety of forms throughout their seven generations of production, but demand has remained consistent. Despite the car’s successful evolution, the original model retains a special place in the hearts of many gearheads.
Marketed in the United States under the Datsun brand name, the 240Z was a hit with American drivers until Nissan replaced it with the 260Z in 1974. With that in mind, HotCars digital artist, Rostislav Prokop, has now delivered a redesign of the original 240Z that is faithful to the first generation while bringing many aspects up to modern standards. Read on to find out what this modern interpretation of the Datsun 240Z is all about.
A Modern Interpretation Of The Datsun 240Z
At first, glance, Prokop render takes inspiration from the new Nissan Z. The front end has an obvious link to the original car, despite its headlights being similarly styled to Nissan’s newest modern sports car.
A subtle rectangular grille has replaced the controversial square grille of the Z. There are also sharper contours here that were present in many sports cars from the ‘60s and ‘70s.
A Datsun 240Z For Modern Times
The overall shape of this modern update is very closely linked to the new Z, but the styling around the wings and side skirting is a clear nod to the original. Black racing wheels and side mirrors complement the sporty look of this fantasy car.
The greenhouse slopes directly to the back bumper in a similar fashion to the original, and the taillight arrangement has that first-generation Z look, although these renders boast modern LED lighting.
How Rare Is A Datsun 240Z?
There were 164,000 Datsun 240Zs sold between 1970 and 1973, so it’s not the rarest of sports cars from that era. Finding a clean one isn’t exactly an easy task, though. If you can’t get your hands on one, perhaps Nissan could produce a new version like the one featured in this series of wonderful renders from Rostislav Prokop.
The real Datsun 240Z had a 2.4-liter inline-6 engine that was acceptable for its day. This car would require a new powertrain if it was rebuilt now. If Nissan armed this fantasy 240Z with a variant of the GT-R’s twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6 engine with over 500 hp, it could easily challenge the best sports cars on the market today.
How Much Is A Datsun 240Z Worth?
The Datsun 240Z was a popular sports car for many reasons, including its impressive performance and unique styling. Another reason was the price tag. It retailed at $3,500 back in 1970. But don’t expect to pick one up as cheap these days. Clean models average out at approximately $40,000, but some models have sold for over $300,000 in the past.