Nissan USA Marks Z's 40th Anniversary with Special Edition 370Z

Forty years ago, on October 22, 1969, the 240Z made its way to North America offering Datsun (now know as Nissan) its first true sports car on this part of the world. The 240Z debuted in the U.S. as a 1970 model (click here for our photo tribute on the first Z Coupe) featuring a 150HP 2.4-liter inline 6-cylinder engine linked to either a 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic, and a base price of $3,626. To commemorate the occasion, Datsun's successor, Nissan, today announced the release of a 40th Anniversary Edition of the 370Z that will go on sale in the States in Spring of 2010.

The special edition model is based on the 370Z Coupe Touring fitted with a manual transmission and the Sport Package. The latter adds a rev-matching system for the gearbox, front and rear spoilers, sport brakes, 19-inch Rays forged alloy wheels and viscous limited-slip differential.

To that, the 40th Anniversary Edition adds a unique "40th Quartz" exterior finish, smoked alloy wheels, red brake calipers and special badges on the rear hatch and front strut tower brace.

Nissan also modded the 370Z's interior with red leather seats and door panels, 40th Anniversary seatback and floor mat embroidery, red stitching on the center stack, shift boot and kneepads, smooth leather steering wheel with red stitching and of course, a special plaque of authenticity. Finally, all 40th Anniversary Z's comes with a commemorative premium satin car cover.

According to the Japanese automaker, pricing of the special edition 370Z that keeps the stock 332HP 3.7-liter V6 engine will be revealed closer to its on-sale date in the U.S. next spring.