Like 1960s/70s rock legends Led Zeppelin who belted out “It’s been a long time since I rock and rolled”… it’s been a long time since Nissan (then Datsun) rock and rolled with their first Z-car, the 240Z. Fifty years to be precise.
The “24 ounce” as it was affectionately known, was a sexy, straight six cylinder knock off of Jaguar’s striking E-Type and an instant hit with buyers.
The sleek, long nose coupe morphed over time and became plump, heavy and more of a cruiser than a lithe sporty two seater… until 11 years ago when Nissan launched the 350Z which saw a partial return to the original formula albeit a lot heavier.
That has since progressed to the 370Z and now there’s a 50th Anniversary Edition to mark half a century of the iconic Nissan.
And you know what, having spent a week burbling around in the 50th Edition, I reckon they left the best to last.
It’s based on the standard 370Z and not the upgraded Nismo model but is an engaging and fun thing to drive.
They painted it lurid 1970s Datsun race car colours and added some decals and specific 19-inch alloys with red stripes along with more interior luxury kit.
Because of its age, the 370 Z misses out on any advanced driver assist technology which possibly makes it more appealing for certain buyers.
Exterior
An unmistakeable Porsche-like shape in a chunky two door coupe idiom, there’s plenty of Nissan DNA styling to the front and rear in this case accentuated by contrast paint-outs to roof and bonnet.
Big alloys really make the 50th look tough as do the sundry stripes and decals.
Style is characterised by a low profile, pronounced wheel arch flairs and wide bonnet with a rounded off rear complete with integrated bumper and tail lights.
Designed in the early noughties, the 370 is an old looking car compared to other offerings but is a throwback to a time when sports cars looked muscular, tough and not feline.
Interior
The 2-seater interior is attractive to look at, to be in and easy to use. There are some tricky functions linked to the info’ screen but you get used to them.
It has a thick dash with a big rounded passenger buffer and neatly integrated screen with controls on a shelf underneath and three secondary dials above. The driver’s instrument pod is generic with two large round analogue dials and sundry satellite switches dotted around the dash. A chunky multi-function wheel fits nicely in your hands while the leather seats are a good shape for comfort and to hold you in place cornering fast.
Nissan uses a number of different fascia materials to lift the 50ths interior ambience and I really like the perforated leather upholstery and two storage bins behind the seats. Big Bose audio too, boom boom, thump,thump.
Features
They whacked in some goodies to flog the 50th off to traditionalist front engine, rear wheel drive sports car punters. It scores:
- Red interior and wheel highlights
- Leather mesh seats (heated)
- Satnav with 3D maps
- 7-inch info’ screen
- Multiple wheel controls
- Keyless button start
- Climate control
- Active noise cancelling
- 8-speaker Bose audio
- Premium Nissan brakes
- Limited slip differential
Drive and Engine
The 3.7-litre, twin cam, multi valve VQ Series engine is an old stager starting life way back a decade or more. It is a gruff customer and growls a lot but this particular car seemed less afflicted in this area than others driven.
With 245kW and 363Nm on tap the engine has plenty of punch and sounds good when you give it some welly. Acceleration is strong across a wide rev range and the gear change functions like a rifle bolt – short, sharp and precise. Feed it 98 octane fuel for best results and it might return 10.6-litres/100km.
As you’d expect, the ride is sporty but not overly harsh for our rough roads. The 370Z rides on proper double wishbone front suspension and a multi-link arrangement at the back. A limited slip diff’ controls power feed to the rear wheels.
The fit the 50th with uprated brake lines for better pedal feel along with uprated front brake calipers and sticky tyres.
There’s an engine strut brace for chassis stiffness gains and the slick looking forged 19-inch alloys are from premium manufacturer RAYS.
From behind the wheel the 50th feels engaging, sharp and powerful. Great fun to drive especially when it blips the throttle for you on down changes.
Safety
The 370Z isn’t ANCAP rated so there isn’t much to say about safety though it is air bag equipped and does have a reverse camera, a dynamic control system and other rudimentary safety kit.
Perhaps the 370Z’s fast reflexes will help avoid a crash in the first place. You’d hope so.
Good Bits
- Impressive performance
- Sounds great
- Fun to drive
Not So Good Bits
- No safety rating
- Old
- Should have been based on superior Nismo model
Summary
Yep, I like the 370Z though at 1467kg it’s way too heavy for a ridgey-didge sports car. Goes though and certainly sounds the part and the rev matching function is intoxicating. Great Bose audio and the silver/black car looks awesome, not so much the white/red car.
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Facts and Figures: 2019 Nissan 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition
- Engine: 3.7L V6 petrol producing 245kW/363Nm
- Transmission: Six-speed manual
- Warranty: 5/ unlimited km
- Safety: Not tested
- Origin: Japan
- Price: from $53,490 MLP*, 7-speed auto + $2500
*MLP – Manufacturers List Price includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of any options.