Known as the 300ZX in North America, the Fairlady Z Version S Twin Turbo is the ultimate of the original line of Z cars that started in 1969. With each model that supplanted the previous one, the Z concept has evolved. The “Z31” dropped the inline engine for a compact V6, with a single turbocharger in some variants. By the “Z32” generation, like this one, power and technology had flooded the concept, with the VG-series engine now packing variable valve timing, dual cams, and twin turbochargers. Car magazines loved the Z, and rightly so, as its combination of power, looks, and performance is captivating. Unfortunately, that performance came with a price (not helped out by exchange rates) which made getting the Z outside of Japan (where it was known as the 300ZX) an expensive proposition. Even so, the Z sold well in North America, and was also available in a 2+2 variant, as well as a non-turbo model. Fast and desirable even today, the clean lines of the Z have aged gracefully. Interestingly, if the headlights look familiar, that’s because the second-generation Lamborghini Diablo used them under license.
