The Datsun brand automobile is owned and produced by Nissan. The name originated in 1931 when Dat Motorcar Company came out with a new smaller version of their original car. The company named this car "Datson", but when Nissan bought out the company they changed the name to "Datsun". Many types of this car were produced including the Fairlady, 240Z, and the 140Z.
Datsun 160Z (B210) (1978–1979)
Following the success of the Datsun 140Z, Nissan-Datsun South Africa announced the 160Z in July 1978. The engine was upgraded to the L16 motor as per the 160U SSS, and fitted with high performance camshaft and twin Hitachi side-draught carburettors based on the British SU type carburettor. Although the engine put out 71 kW the car had more torque at 140 N.m at 4,200 rpm against the 140Z’s 130 N.m at 5,000 rpm. The brakes were developed according to the 280L Series pattern of increased calliper and disc size, and both rear springs and shock absorbers were also enhanced to eliminate axle-tramp. The 160Z colour scheme was based on the Datsun 280Z Zap car and came out in canary yellow with red, orange and yellow inlayed black decals, colour matched high back seats and Mexican stripe-cloth stitched in the centre panels. The 160Z also had front and rear spoilers; however, the front spoiler differed from the 140Z. Earlier models included a black rubber rear spoiler, whilst others had a colour matched yellow fibreglass rear spoiler – there is speculation as to whether Datsun-Nissan South Africa could no longer procure rubber spoilers or whether they felt the fibreglass spoiler was lighter and more durable than the rubber one. The 160Z, as with the 140Z, had the DX/GL front grill with a ‘Datsun Z’ badge. Both the 160Z and 140Z had rear window louvres, manufactured by Perana Louvres South Africa. In addition, the 160Z had aluminiumalloy wheels designed by Eddie Keizan of Tiger Wheels which were then later fitted to the 140Y and 160Y GX models, also part of the Y Series. Nissan-Datsun South Africa produced 120 160Z’s in 1977 then retailing at ZAR 5,595, and 121 in 1979 retailing at ZAR 6,395 before being discontinued. By 1980 the final stock was being sold for ZAR 6,530
SpecificationsAuto Data Digest 95/96, Edition 21, Mead and McGrouther (Pty) Ltd pg 406
Engine
Type:1.6 L 4 CYL OHC 1,595cm³, cast-iron block, alloy head, two valves per cylinder, single overhead cam
