FIVE TRIALs
We enjoy the Datsun 260Z and put it fully to the test
1 dailY driving
The fact that a single stalk controls most of the electricals takes a little getting used to, but there’s a pleasing Japanese logic to it. There’s ample space for six-footers (achieved in the American market by a slightly deeper floorpan), the pedals are comfortably positioned and tools are housed in a separate compartment behind the seats. Visibility is plentiful when you’re sweeping through the countryside, and not inordinately terrifying when you need to manoeuvre in to a small space. Ride refinement is a little wanting at speed, but are such things likely to bother you?
2 in tHE sErviCE BaY
Z cars soon earned a reputation for British Leyland-shaming reliability. They offer the weekend enthusiast plenty of manageable tinkering and tuning opportunities, aided by thoughtful little design features, such as inspection flaps in the wings and a wired-in inspection lamp in the engine bay. Whether you want to keep your car stock or pimp the life out of it (see online for some epic builds), parts supply won’t cause problems, thanks to the large production numbers. Keeping on top of corrosion is likely to be your main headache, as well as being alert to any dodgy repairs that might make themselves known.
3 on tHE sHoW CirCUit
Early Z cars probably still creep under the radar for some show-goers, but classic Nissans have their own dedicated following, and those in the know will really appreciate what you’ve got. Don’t forget to make friends in the Datsun and Nissan Owners’ Club (datsunclubuk. co.uk) and especially the Z Club (zclub.net), which is already making plans for a 50th anniversary event in 2019. If tuning and drag racing are your style, then there’s the annual Jap Show ( japshow.co.uk) to attend at Santa Pod Raceway, where the 260Z’s discreet styling would – ironically – stand out a mile!
4 tHE long WEEKEnd
Camping trips and caravan holidays are obviously out of the question, but you’ll get a few suitcases in the luggage area behind the front seats, accessed from a large, glass rear door, hinged at the top. Storage for odds and ends up-front is minimal, but such shortcomings are more than compensated by the simple driving pleasure offered. Slotted into fifth, the 260Z is a long-legged GT car, thanks to its slightly taller gearing than the 240Z. Pick a distant point on the map, and you’ll enjoy every minute of the drive. If you have children, look out for a 1975-on 2+2.
5 tHE B-road Blast
Head into the countryside and you soon realise how much enjoyment the 260Z can deliver. It’s a beautifully balanced car, with firm, responsive steering and a highly communicative drivetrain, making it easy to exploit the engine’s power without risking excursions into nearby hedgerows. Keeping the revs in the mid-range and planting the throttle on the exit of a wet corner results in a delicate little smear of the rear tyres on the road surface, the car’s attitude barely disturbed, followed by a suitably smart getaway. A rampant beast it is not, but a poised performer it most certainly is.