Nissan identifies a market for a new kind of sports car. Its product planners envision an agile, compact GT whose performance and comfort would outrun its price. Nissan engineers begin work on a prototype, which would become the 240Z.

Marking the end of an era, the last Nissan Z-car imported into the United States will be donated to and put on display in Los Angeles' Petersen Automotive Museum during ceremonies to be held on Wednesday, August 28.

Accomplishments at the race track are an important component to any sports car's claim to high performance, and the Nissan "Z" is certainly no exception. Thanks to nearly 26 years of glorious achievement and championship seasons, the car's status as one of the most important sports cars in history is assured.