The Datsun 240Z long-hood, short-deck proportions are one of the cleanest expressions of a sports car in automotive history. Count Albrecht Goertz, who also designed the BMW 507, is credited with the overall proportion. Yoshihiko Matsuo led the Nissan design team that refined it.

The car was designed to be the Japanese alternative to the E-Type Jaguar at a fraction of the price. It achieved this goal better than any other manufacturer's attempt at the same brief. The inline six, the independent rear suspension, the perfect weight distribution — every element of the design serves the driving experience.

The early cars — 1970 and 1971 — have the most pure configuration: smaller bumpers, round taillights, no emissions equipment. They also have the most corrosion issues because they haven't all been found and addressed yet.