At this moment, the DATSUN 260Z is the most talked-about sports car in the world. And once you get to know the 260Z a little better, that will no longer surprise you. Then you will understand what a great many GT enthusiasts have known for some time: the 260Z is a Gran Turismo in the purest sense of the word.
An automobile that may bear a Japanese signature, yet succeeds in combining all the strengths of the ambitious Italian GT concept: unmistakable style, spirited engine performance, and at the same time high-quality comfort and genuine safety.
Max Power (DIN bhp)
Displacement (cc)
Max Speed (km/h)
What does that Japanese signature stand for? First and foremost, the ingenuity with which the car is engineered — something typically Japanese. Secondly, the amount you have to pay for it. The DATSUN 260Z leaves nothing to be desired even for the most demanding motorist, yet asks less of your wallet than any other car in its class. And that is typically DATSUN.
The 260Z is available as a two-seater or in the “2+2” version, with rear seats.
To truly deserve the title Gran Turismo, a car must deliver exceptional performance. And to deliver that performance, a respectable powerplant is essential. The 260Z has exactly that.
It is equipped with an impressive 2,565 cc inline six-cylinder engine — a power unit that produces 150 DIN horsepower at 5,600 rpm. This gives the 260Z its lively acceleration (0–100 km/h in 10.7 seconds), its high top speed of 195 km/h, and, not least, its calm and smooth driving character.
Performance of this level usually results in generous fuel consumption. That is not the case with the 260Z.
Its fuel efficiency will surprise you.
As stated, a true Gran Turismo is not only capable of delivering maximum performance, but also offers a maximum of comfort at the same time. A requirement that the DATSUN 260Z 2+2 meets better than most sports cars.
To begin with, the 260Z 2+2 is a surprisingly spacious car. At the front: sporty, solid bucket seats that are nevertheless pleasantly comfortable and adjustable in every direction. At the rear: a bench seat spacious enough for growing children.
Other comfort features of the 260Z 2+2 include a clearly laid-out dashboard with instruments that are recessed and perfectly readable thanks to anti-glare glass. All switches and controls are positioned within easy reach. In that respect, you feel like a captain in his cockpit when driving the 260Z.
Naturally, the 260Z is equipped with all the features required for optimal driving comfort.
Fully synchronized 5-speed gearbox. Heated rear window and hazard warning light system. Right sun visor fitted with a make-up mirror. Combined switch for lighting and windshield wipers mounted on the steering column.
Even if it is possible to build a sports car with as much space as the 2+2, there will always be people who swear by a true two-seater. And if you don’t need the extra space, that is perfectly understandable. A two-seater remains a very attractive concept. The former 240Z was not a great success for nothing.
The two-seater version of the 260Z is now also available on the Dutch market. A car with all the distinctive characteristics of the 240Z, but with the power and refinement of the 260Z. That combination is bound to appeal.
A car with such performance ambitions demands optimal safety provisions — and the 260Z delivers. To begin with, it is equipped with crumple zones and an exceptionally strong safety cell body. And, of course, a rack-and-pinion steering system — the best available: light, precise, and quick to respond.
In addition, it features a collapsible steering column, four independently suspended wheels (McPherson struts) for excellent road holding, and a dual-circuit, servo-assisted braking system. Disc brakes at the front, drum brakes at the rear. An NP valve helps prevent the rear wheels from locking.
All of these features are not merely fitted to the 260Z — they have also been thoroughly tested, in the toughest rallies in the world. And throughout those trials, the safety and reliability of the 260Z have never been compromised.
The DATSUN 260Z is a car with a storied past. The 260Z is a car with character — a true GT, combining simplicity and reliability that many “ordinary” cars can only envy.Here we show the technical refinement that makes the 260Z such a complete Gran Turismo.
The Engine Over the years, DATSUN has consistently incorporated the most modern technologies into its cars. The 260Z features an inline six-cylinder engine with an overhead camshaft. It is equipped with two carburetors operating on the SU principle. Power output is 150 DIN hp at 5,600 rpm, with a maximum torque of 21.9 kgm at 4,400 rpm. It is an engine noted for its remarkably economical fuel consumption and its famously low maintenance costs.
The Suspension A true GT must have a well-balanced suspension system to deliver both excellent road holding and comfort at high and low speeds. For this reason, the 260Z features fully independent suspension at both the front and rear — a reliable system that guarantees excellent handling.
The Steering Rack-and-pinion steering is used on virtually all racing cars because of its outstanding precision. That is why you will also find this system on the 260Z. For a GT, it is simply the best solution, both at high and low speeds.
The Brakes Everyone knows that disc brakes are now standard practice. They are more efficient and far less prone to fading, even under repeated heavy braking from high speeds. Naturally, the 260Z is also equipped with disc brakes, combined with a powerful brake booster. The braking system additionally features a pressure regulator that reduces the likelihood of rear-wheel lock-up. It is split into separate circuits for the front and rear wheels. Together with the pressure regulator, this provides that extra margin of safety that a GT like the 260Z requires.
The Gearbox The 260Z is equipped with a five-speed gearbox, with the fifth gear functioning as an overdrive. This overdrive keeps engine revs relatively low even at high speeds, which not only helps reduce fuel consumption but also enhances driving comfort.
| Model and Type | DATSUN 260Z 2+2. DATSUN 260Z 2-seater |
| Engine | Water-cooled petrol engine with overhead camshaft, inline six-cylinder, four-stroke, seven-bearing crankshaft. Bore x stroke: 83 x 79 mm. Displacement: 2565 cc. Compression ratio: 8.3 : 1. Maximum power: 150 DIN hp at 5600 rpm. Maximum DIN torque: 21.9 kgm at 4400 rpm. Engine oil capacity: 4.7 liters (including oil filter). |
| Transmission | Front-mounted engine, rear-wheel drive. Fully synchronized 5-speed gearbox operated by a centrally mounted short gear lever. |
| Gear ratios | 1st: 3.321. 2nd: 2.077. 3rd: 1.308. 4th: 1.000. 5th: 0.864. Reverse: 3.382. Final drive ratio: 3.545. |
| Clutch | Single dry-plate clutch with diaphragm pressure plate. |
| Brakes | Hydraulic, split-circuit braking system with brake booster. Front disc brakes; rear drum brakes (self-adjusting) with cooling fins. Rear brake pressure limiter via N.P. valve. Warning light responds to both hydraulic system faults and applied handbrake. Mechanical handbrake acting on the rear wheels. |
| Cooling System | Pressurized cooling system with thermostat and thermostatically controlled fan. Cooling system capacity: 9.6 liters (including heater). |
| Suspension and Axle: | Front: Independent strut type with coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, stabilizer bar and compression rod. Rear: Fully independent strut type. Coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, stabilizer bar. |
| Fuel System | Two SU-type carburetors. Mechanically driven fuel pump. Dry air filter element. Fuel tank capacity: 65 liters. Manual choke. |
| Electrical System | Battery: 12 V, 60 Ah. Alternator: 12 V, 60 A. |
| Lubrication System | Full-pressure lubrication with full-flow cartridge-type oil filter. Mechanical oil pump. Engine oil capacity: 4.7 liters. |
| Suspension | Front: Independent suspension according to the MacPherson principle. Rear: Independent suspension with control arms, coil springs, and gas-filled shock absorbers. Anti-roll bars front and rear. |
| Wheels and Tires | Light-alloy wheels 5½J x 14”, fitted with radial tires 195/70 VR 14. |
| Steering | Rack-and-pinion steering. Collapsible steering column. Steering lock. Leather-wrapped three-spoke steering wheel. |
| Body | Two-door 2+2 or two-seater; self-supporting body with integrated safety cage and front and rear crumple zones. Fuel tank mounted above the rear axle. |
| Instruments | Speedometer with total and trip odometer, tachometer, quartz clock with date display, temperature gauge, fuel gauge, oil pressure gauge, voltmeter. Warning lights for charging system, high beam, turn indicators, handbrake and/or brake fluid level in the reservoir, and rear window heating. |
Standard equipment on both models: Tinted safety glass all around. Laminated windshield. Anti-lift windscreen wipers with two speeds. Intermittent wiper switch. Push-button electric windscreen washer combined with wipers. Fully adjustable seat backrests. Combined fabric/vinyl upholstery. Head restraints. Carpeted flooring. Trimmed luggage compartment. Large tunnel console and lockable, illuminated glove compartment. Full-flow ventilation system. Air extraction via rear side pillars. Three-speed blower fan. Fresh air supply via adjustable vents on both sides of the dashboard. Fresh air supply to front footwell. Passing light. Combined stalk for lighting and wipers on the steering column. Radio (AM/FM). Electric antenna. Heated rear window. Ashtray in center console. Safety interior mirror with anti-dazzle position. Map reading light. Driver footrest. Passenger footrest. Illuminated heater controls. Steering lock. Make-up mirror in right sun visor. Adjustable dashboard lighting. Hazard warning system. Inspection light in engine compartment. Rubber strips on front and rear bumpers. Chrome exhaust trim. Dual-tone horn. Lockable fuel filler cap. Tool kit. Exterior mirror. Two side indicator repeaters. Manual choke. Safety steering column. Safety cell body construction. Three-point seat belts with inertia reels. Radial tyres 195/70 VR 14. Alloy wheels. Front and rear spoilers. Push-button lock on tailgate. Hydraulic tailgate struts. Five-speed gearbox. Steering wheel trimmed in soft-touch material. Towing eyes front and rear.
Extra on 2+2 models: Swing-out rear quarter windows. Two-seat rear bench that folds down. Additional door-opening handle for rear passengers. Rear ashtray.
| 2 + 2 | 2-seater | |
| Length (cm) | 442.5 | 411.5 |
| Width (cm) | 165 | 163 |
| Height (cm) | 129.5 | 128 |
| Wheelbase (cm) | 260.5 | 230.5 |
| Front track width (cm) | 135.5 | 135.5 |
| Rear track width (cm) | 134.5 | 134.5 |
| Total weight (kg) | 1200 | 1130 |
| Maximum permissible weight (kg) | 1540 | 1360 |
| Towing capacity, braked (kg) | 1000 | 1000 |
| Towing capacity, unbraked (kg) | 500 | 500 |
| Turning circle (m) | 11 | 9.6 |
| Maximum speed (km/h) | 195 | 200 |