1970 Datsun 240z

The 1970 Datsun 240Z, with its Spartan features and impressive power, is a true driver’s delight. As Berkley One Classics celebrates the big 5-0, we’re hosting an exciting virtual car show for collectors and enthusiasts alike. We’ll share our love of classic cars by spotlighting 50 cars for 50 years that have been chosen and beloved by our employees. Each will showcase the evolution of design and engineering and provide a nostalgic journey through auto and pop culture history. Read on as Joel Corallo, Senior Underwriter at Berkley One, tells us why he loves the 1970 Datsun 240z.

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The Car:

The 1970 Z Car was introduced by Yutaka Katayama, the President of Nissan Motors, and was considered a true driver’s car with quite Spartan features. It was well-engineered with the reliable 2.4L Nissan inline 6-cylinder powerplant paired with a 4-speed manual transmission. Collectors see these as getting rarer as rust is a concern and finding well-preserved examples is becoming increasingly difficult. Its other special features include: 2.4L Inline 6-cylinder with 151 hp mated to a 4 Speed Manual transmission, and front disc/rear drum brakes.

The Collector:

This is a first-generation Z Car with a first-year production of roughly 16,000 examples produced. The 1970 Z Car is one of the first mass-marketed Japanese sports cars produced.

The Love:

The 1970 Z Car is an analog sportscar in every sense, with beautiful styling for the early 1970’s. Over time, between impact and emission requirements, engine displacement would grow to 2.6L (260Z) and 2.8L (280Z) before a grander tourer would debut in 1979 as the 280ZX. The 240Z is regarded as the “purest” of examples before larger bumpers (extra weight) and more stringent emissions requirements began to impact performance in the mid-late 1970’s.

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Contributed by Joel Corallo

Photo: Garage Kept Motors

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This car feature is part of our 50 Cars for 50 Years campaign in honor of Berkley One Classics celebrating 50 year of insuring collectors and their vehicles. See the other cars we love here.

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Berkley One Classics is a Berkley Company who recognizes that classic cars are unique and require insurance that’s equally distinctive. Let us help you protect your beloved vehicle so you can enjoy it for years to come. Learn more here.