I don't know if this has been covered before but I was wondering what path the 240Z would have taken if not for bumper and emisssion and other govt. regulations. How far would the engineers at Datsun let the 240Z evolve and for how long?

The way of 911 porsche.

Just look at what Nissan did for the rest of the world. The USA wasn't the only market. The 260Z (not 280Z) was available with better carbs and the original small bumpers in the rest of the world through '78 or so. Then they moved everyone to the ZX.

Hopefully the way 911 porsche evolved.

The way of 911 porsche.

Heathen....

You choose that for your 3rd post???

Sheesh...

I could afford a Porsche if I wanted one...I drive a Z...

Sorry Arne, I should have stated all markets as I was not referring to just US Z cars. It would have been interesting if technology alone dictated the path of the engineers. I would have liked for the S30 to have stayed around a bit longer . At least to the era where rust prevention was built into the design.

Well, I had a 911 in the years long gone by.... also at least one each of Healey 100-4 / 100-6 / 3000, MGA (twin cam), MGB, Triumph TR3 / TR4 / TR250 / TR6, Jag XKE, '72 240Z, '74 260Z, and some American muscle stuff - a '65 Chevelle SS 283 being my favorite of those. Now own a '72 240Z. By far the Z-car was among my favorites (God, I did love those roll-up windows and a defroster that worked!!!). I drove my first Z for about 10 years and was sorry I let it go ever since the day that I did. Affordability and maintenance costs were considerations when I decided to do stage 3 of my midlife crisis thing and I got my current Z. If funds were not an issue, I would have a '72 240Z, XKE, MGA, and a '59 100-6...... and I would likely drive them about equally. And probably a CJ2 or an MB Jeep for riding around in the hills where the roads are not paved. Aahhh.... I dream. Powerball shall be my earthly salvation.....