Datsun 240Z

For those tempted by Datsun’s MGB alternative, there were some obvious improvements for owners looking to compare the two. Japanese build quality and reliability were two main positives, and road testers at the time certainly appeared to be impressed – firstly by the ergonomics of the interior and the controls, but more importantly by the handling. Although some claimed the 240Z to not live up to the initial expectation of power and speed, its feel on the road was more than favourable: pleasantly light steering, high-speed stability and ‘reassuring’ brakes were all reported.

Motor Sport suggested that the car’s only hope of keeping up with the Lotus Elan would be on a motorway, but acknowledged that it was a different type of car – capable of cruising at high speed all day long with relatively little wind noise, rather than offering an enlightening experience on twisty B-roads. Yet it was their final statement that actually bought into Katayama’s commercial vision, admitting that it was the car that the MGC-GT should have been and a shame that the British Motor Industry couldn’t offer something similar. They may not have been bowled over by the 240Z, but they could clearly see how important this landmark car would be.