Golden anniversary Nissan 370Z arrives

Nissan Australia is commemorating half a century since the release of its very first Z-car, the 1969 Datsun 240Z, with the Nissan 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition.

Based on the sixth-generation Nissan 370Z launched in 2008 (April 2009 in Australia), the special Z is available only in coupe form given the imminent end of production of the Nissan 370Z Roadster and a batch of only 50 have been ordered for Australia initially.

The Nissan 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition Coupe is priced at $53,490 plus on-road costs for the manual (automatic: $55,990 plus ORCs), making it $3000 more expensive than the $50,490 entry-level coupe on which it’s based.

The NISMO Coupe ($61,990 plus ORCs) continues at the top of the 2020 Nissan 370Z range and, for now, the 370Z Roadster remains available from $61,490.

Like all 370Zs except the 253kW/371Nm NISMO, the 50th anniversary model is powered by a 245kW/363Nm 3.7-litre petrol V6, matched to either six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmissions with downshift rev-matching (and paddle shifters for the latter).

Other features across the 370Z range include 19-inch wheels, a 7.0-inch infotainment touch-screen, satellite navigation with 3D mapping, 9.3GB of music storage, Bluetooth, eight-speaker BOSE AM/FM/CD player, keyless entry/start, powered and heated seats, climate control, cruise control, trip computer and leather-accented steering wheel and gear shifter. Safety equipment extends to six airbags, stability control and anti-skid brakes.

In addition, the Nissan 370Z 50th Anniversary Edition scores a distinctive two-tone colour scheme that recalls the #46 BRE (Brock Racing Enterprises) Datsun 240Z that won the 1970 and 1971 SCCA National Championships in the US.

Available in white paint with red decals or silver paint with black decals, the special 370Z wears stickers on its bonnet, roof, boot, A-pillars and side mirrors, plus two signature stripes on the doors.

A thin line also runs along the side of the car from the headlights to the rear glass, culminating in a small triangle inspired by the C-pillar of the Datsun 240Z, while updated 19-inch wheels incorporate red rings.

Inside, the special Nissan 370Z adds red leather mesh and a 50th anniversary wreath around the Z logo on the cloth seat trim, and red stitching on the doors, knee pad, shifter boot and steering wheel.

There’s a dark chrome Z logo on the kick plates, 50th Anniversary logos on the gear shift surround and tacho, and the NISMO’s red gear shift stripe and red centre mark for the steering wheel also make an appearance.

“The Nissan 370Z is an iconic car with a strong following in Australia,” said Nissan Australia managing director Stephen Lester.

“Since its arrival here we’ve sold almost 22,000 Zs, and this 50th Anniversary commemorative edition is sure to attract passionate Z fans and buyers.”

How much is the 2020 Nissan 370Z?
Coupe — $50,490
50th Anniversary Edition Coupe — $53,490
NISMO Coupe — $61,990
Roadster — $61,490
* Prices exclude on-road costs