Is this the bumper that the 240z was emulating?

[dhp123166]

The one up top is a front bumper could be found on a BMW 68-73 E3 BAVARIA 2500 2800 3.0 3.3  

The one behind it is a '73 240z.

Thematically they seem to be on the same page, surprisingly the steel is the same gauge but I would be surprised if they were made of identical steel.

The BMW bumper is much more stout and the better quality is evident, I guess the late 60's early 70's Japanese production philospophy of "How cheap can we make it and how much can we make?" was in play.

[240260280]

Similar application of rubber, however there are pre-1968 Z designs with similar bumper and rubber over rider  design. Convergence rather than copying  I think.

 

 

[dhp123166]

Yes I have seen the pictures. BMW bumper guards had rubber back into the early 60's.

I guess the question for me now is who was being more derivative, BMW or Datsun?

[240260280]

Perhaps the design was somewhat common like a steering wheel or door handle.

[dhp123166]

Would this be the Albrecht Goertz contribution??

[240260280]

A lot of common aspects of design back then.

 

The A550X wheel well shape with more opening in back is similar to the Z.

 

[dhp123166]

I think Mr. Carl Beck enlightened me vis a vis  the A550x to 240z design "evolution".

 

A550x vs. 240z