Nissan Z-cars gallery

The iconic 240Z still represents for many the best example of the Z-car brand. With styling cues taken from the Jaguar E-Type and Ferrari Daytona, the original Z-Car was first released in 1969. Its 2.4-litre straight-six engine sounded great, even if its actual performance was less so.

A targa, rather than a pure cabriolet, the 280ZX was nevertheless viewed as a serious grand tourer when it was launched in 1980. A product of that decades oil crisis, the car offered a turbocharged engine, and manual gearbox to deliver its performance. This model also gained some fame as the model that marked the 10th anniversary of the launch of the original Z-Car.

The Z-car has a long racing history, and this 280ZXR won the US IMSA race series in 1979. Some 1,000 road-going versions were produced to homologate the large rear wing which was crucial to its track success. It was said to generate 168kg of downforce.

Launched in 1983, the 300ZX was based on the 280ZX, albeit with an uprated chassis, and improved 3.0-litre V6 engine. it handled and accelerated better than the 280ZX it replaced. Turbocharged models, except for the Shiro Special edition, had an additional innovation: 3-way electronically adjustable shock absorbers - the first for a road car.

The second incarnation of the 300ZX, known as the Z32, came about in 1989. It featured more modern styling, a new chassis design and dual overhead cams, as well as the option of a twin-turbocharged unit. It is generally accepted that the claimed 276bhp was intentionally underrated by Nissan, with real power closer to 300bhp.

First revealed as a concept car at the 2001 Detroit Motor Show, the 350Z's stunning lines were trhe result of a truly global design collaoration. Though work on the distinctive model began in the US, it was finished by a design team in Japan - a process credited with giving the car its unique design. Powered by a 250bhp V6 engine, and offering rear wheel drive the car was an instant hit.

Based on a standard-spec 350Z, Nissan's motorsport division (NISMO) gave the coupe a sporty makeover, including an 'Aero' bodyKit, NISMO-branded sports seats and a louder sports-exhaust.

The most powerful production Z-car ever, the hotly anticipated 370Z will produce 325bhp from its new 3.7-litre V6 engine and will be driven by its rear wheels. The two-seater sports car is due to go on sale next year.