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Datsun-Nissan South Africa produced specials based on the Sunny Excellent B210 series, marketed as 140Z and 160Z. These were coupe-only with special tape stripes applied.
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Datsun 140Z
John Conchie, former racing driver and renowned tuning specialist, first came to prominence as co-founder of Alconi Developments in Johannesburg in 1964. He was instrumental in the development of a succession of special models for several South African motor manufacturers, including Renault 8 Alconi, Fiat 1500 OTS, Fiat 124/125 Scorpion, Datsun 1600 SSS Zero and Datsun 140Z.
The 140Z was model number KPB210(GKQ) thus offered only in Coupe (K) form, was equipped with the L14 carbureted engine, manual transmission, and marketed as the DATSUN 140Z.
140Z ID Plate
According to this plate, the 140Z was manufactured by Nissan Tokyo, but assembled by Datsun-Nissan South Africa. They may have received partially assembled units from Japan, and completed them, or they may have gotten CKD (Completely Knocked Down) sets and fully assembled them right in South Africa. At some point in time it is known that South Africa started manufacturing vehicle in-country (notably at their Rosslyn factory).
WA 140Z cardomain
There were minor cosmetic differences between the 140Z and 140Y GX:
- DX/GL front grill (without integrated driving lights)
- front and rear spoilers
- different side marker lights
- blacked-out bumpers
- mag wheels <source?>
- unique exterior graphics
- twin Dellorto sidedraught carburetors
- 'D' grille badge
- '140Z' rear badge
Monochrome
Datsun 160Z
South Africa GB211 160Y Coupe was the basis for the 160Z special.
Early 160Z rear with black spoiler
Datsun 160Z - Limited Series, price R5595 1978: 120 Nov-Dec 1979: 121 1980: remaining 1979 stock sold for R6530 total 241
The 160Z — in Coupe-only form — was introduced for the 1978 model year:
- different spoilers to the 140Z
- Front air dam spoiler
- Rear spoiler, black rubber or yellow fibreglass
- Canary Yellowᴳ with black stripes
- "Mexican Stripe" cloth seats color-matched (yellow and black), high back
- red, orange and yellow inlayed black decals
- Twin Hitachi sidedraft carbs
- L16 engine from the 160U-SSS (9.5:1 compression ratio, 71kw, 140nm)
- Larger brake rotors and calipers
- Revised rear leafs and shock absorbers with anti-tramp properties
- 13" Alloy wheels designed by Eddie Keizanᴳ of Tiger Wheelᴳ
- rear window louvers by Perana Louvres South Africaᴳ
reference: 160Z Road Test (ZA)
The striking Mexican-stripe cloth seats of the new model
new models
DATSUN 160Z SPORTS COUPÉ
Datsun-Nissan South Africa has announced a new high-performance sedan — the Datsun 160Z.
Following the success of its Datsun 140Z sports model, the company decided to bring out an even more potent version, with good fuel-ecomony characteristics.
Basically, the 140Z version is upgraded to a 160Z by introducing the 1,600 engine of the 160U-SSS. "This engine — known for its economy, reliability, and rally-style performance — will have the effect of giving sports-car performance and outstanding petrol economy in the light 'Y Series' body," the company states.
To further enhance the 160Z coupé in performance and economy, Datsun-Nissan has fitted two single-barrel side-draught Hitachi carburettors.
The brakes have been developed according to the new 280L Seriesᵂ pattern of increased caliper and disc size, and both rear springs and shock absorbers have been developed to eliminate axle-tramp.
The Datsun 160Z will have all the traditional trimmings — aluminium alloy wheels, specially designed for Datsun by Eddie Kaizan of Tiger Wheels, front and rear spoilers, and rear window louvre.
The 160Z coupé will be available in canary yellow with black striping and will have colour-matched, yellow-and-black, high-backed Mexican-stripe cloth seats.
The 1978 models in the Datsun "Y" series are: 120Y sedan; 120Y bakkie; 120Y panel-van; 140Y station wagon; 140Y SDX; 160Y GX coupé; 160Y Automatic, and 160Z coupé.
National price of the 160Z Coupé had not been announced at time of writing.
CAR July 1978 [page] 19
Context
The 1978 160Z paint scheme is same/similar to the 280Z ZZZAP "Special Decor Package" offered in the USA the year before. It was used only on paint code 411ᴳ (Sunburst Yellow) cars.
Also in 1978 Nissan-Datsun South Africa released many stripe packages, applicable to all Datsuns. The "Jones Datsun" appears to be a 160Y Coupe with similar colors
Cape Town
Mexican-stripe cloth seats
Tiger Wheel alloys 13x5.5J
Examples
GB211 L16 engine
B210 maru dash, wood console and GX steering wheel with 'Z' horn button from 280Z
Variation
This red coupe has "Z" badges
Clone? Red "160Z"
Racing
Drag Racers
