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[Home] [History - The Z] |
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|Intro| |1960's| |1969| |1970| |1971| |1972| |1973| |1974| |1975| |1976| |1977| |1978| |1979| |
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AN UPDATED MODEL FOR THE US, THE LOSS OF A MODEL IN EUROPE Prices in the UK during 1976 were £3,468 for the 2-Seater and £4,499 for the 2+2. At this time, the Ford Capri 3000S was just £2,549. With competition as strong as this, a decision was therefore taken to limit Z-Car sales in Europe to the 2+2 model. In February of this year the last 260Z 2-Seater was delivered (Chassis # 05107). A radio/cassette palyer with an electric aerial became standard equipment on the 2+2 and the interior was improved with cloth facings. Meanwhile in the US the 280Z had a new lease of life, because the fuel injection system, a joint venture between Nissan, Diesel Kiki and Bosch, had done wonders for the cars driveability. The new 2.8 litre engine was enough to the Z in the upper area of the sports car market. The top speed was 117mph and 0-60 was acheived in 8.3 seconds, combined with teh more precise metering of fuel injection, fuel consumption had improved also. The price however was still going skywards, $6,594 for a 2 seater and $7,394 for the 2+2. The Auto option was $300 and Air Conditioning was $485. What had started out as a “truly sensuous machine, gracious and almost gentle in its haste” (Car&Driver) has taken a serious turn toward macho. The weight of the 280Z had made the steering and brakes much heavier, this combined with the throatier growl had made the Z more attuned to a male audience. For the 1976 model model a voltmeter replaced the ammeter. SALES
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