November 1971.... St. Paul, Minnesota.
I had just returned from living in the Philippines for a year and a half and needed a car. I had taken a new Pontiac Gran Prix SJ to the Philippines and sold it there before I left. On a stop in Tokyo on the way back to the States, I saw a Fairlady on display in a window on the Ginza. A lasting memory. While I had considered getting a Volvo 1800 or a Lotus when I returned, the 240Z was just too unique and exciting to pass up.
Unfortunately, at that time, there was a nine month waiting list for 240Zs at every Datsun dealership. However, I found a dealership that allowed me to buy my way to the top of the waiting list and drive off in a new 1971 Datsun 240Z for just 15% over sticker price.
Now, 46 years later, that Z is parked in my driveway and if it wasn't 110º outside, I'd take it for a spin.
Dennis