and it's Roots in aus were.
The old 24 oz Datsun. aka 240Z.
Lonnnggg Bonnet. Short bum.
Coupe for two.
Six in a row and triple carbs.
IRS arse end.
Did fairly well in the rallys in the early '70s.
Until the locals figured out.
Using the Z running gear in the Datsun 1600 body.
Made some screamers after that!
The original 240/260 Z were gorgeous coupes in the E class Jaguar tradition.
Nissan seemed to lose the plot after that.
[Mind they weren't alone, what excuse has Ford for the Mustang 2 74-77?]
Not until the 300ZX did the Z-Car make a comeback.
By then the Twin Turbo Skyline GTR ruled the Japanese Performance Roost.
The Z Car was just a cruiser.
R.