The Datsun/Nissan Z (1969-Present):
https://www.flickr.com/photos/cadencrawford/15591909210/in/photolist-c7MzZ1-q3gQBN-dMN9TY-dN3ijf-dHGGJb-eGX1xY-dNV6u9-dPrcYy-dJnhf5-dKgYpb-dKxRQJ-pKNBoS-pKKxeU-pKKtj9-dEQi4X-q2Ygrx-dPPoVr-dUH5HJ-frxc84-dM8qNX-c34Pqy-c3GwVE-eJkRYL-dD7M6J-dXeQah-kcbjPt-dRnJx3-dNDiJ3-dLGn6G-eHwdnM-dGzPcj-pKLSp4-fT93Xb-q2Yigp-dSqJkQ-dT7Tao-oVnmri-dQrbWp-dQfuXY-pKHquM-eRgW3y-pzM8Bm-eBd7TT-dVZDSp-pSDKtw-dLro6N-dVpiRf-pSfrgb-hEgopY-c354Ww
This model has its roots in the Fairlady roadster which was also sold abroad. However, in the place where it sold the most units, the United States, the 1970 model lost the "Fairlady" moniker and was simply called the 240z. With a new name came a sexy new shape and purpose. This car was designed to compete with the world's best (including Porsche) for a fraction of the price. The 240z stormed into lots across America often incurring price markups and waiting lists due to the high demand. Frankly, more people wanted the 240z than the manufacturer had the capability to produce.
The car had all the right ingredients to create a performance car hit. It was light weight with a torquey engine and independent suspension at all four corners. The car also benefited from the reliability that was only available from Japanese manufacturers at the time. The 240z is a legendary sales success that spawned multiple iterations and sold over 1 million units worldwide. In fact, the Nissan 370z produced today can trace its origins to this very car.
Mazda Miata MX-5 (1989-Present):
https://www.flickr.com/photos/tobiastoft/7078903017/
Something happened in the late eighties. At that time a certain generation came of age and wanted a sporting vehicle which reminded them of their youth. They would've never expected a vehicle as good as the MX-5...yet, Mazda delivered. Penned by legendary designer Tom Matano and praised by the automotive press worldwide...the Miata became instant automotive royalty.
Many roadsters produced in a similar vein as the Miata suffered from drawbacks such as poor build quality and dismal reliability. However, the MX-5 rewarded owners with a reliability record as carefree as its top-down drive. Needless to say, the Miata was also a sales success and became Guinness World Records' best selling roadster with over 1 million cars sold to date. The level of inspiration the Miata created within the marketplace was unprecedented and it singlehandedly reinvigorated the sports car segment. The Miata continues to delight owners and car enthusiasts today with the recently released fourth generation model.
Acura/Honda NSX (1990-2005, 2016-Present):
https://www.flickr.com/photos/85936767@N08/16785123619/in/photolist-9BA3mh-4u3G4-rzf9t6-89CEFe-7mh4yk-ECBMz-7mkXMU-Kjf7h-KjeXm-7mh4qx-sgrGaX-59Q4ck-ieTMU-9XTQKp-9qKBez-9qUgLq-Jsfjf-dmv1ey-dmV2HA-bV3BG1-bV3BgN-bV3Bz3-g3P6fB-abrZoo-6ytc2c-59Q3oV-aDWbKd-bHMAui-bV3BCm-4mbshY-7mkYkq-bV3BP5-bV3BvL-9XTQTn-4mbrJb-7mkYsw-b5ik78-bV3Bmq-fBJf5X-ECBVr-7J75Ty-D6v1tL-g3NPHY-bV3BKL-bV3Brw-bV3Btm-bV3BEf-b5ijVD-bV3Bjy-bvt2oT/
The NSX was the brainchild of some of Honda's best engineers and was even co-developed with Formula One racing champion Aryton Senna. It featured a slick aluminum chassis and mid-engined layout. The car was designed to compete with the best that Italy had to offer. It had Ferrari in its sights and astounded the red, prancing horses with unparalleled build quality...and reliability. The NSX was also released to the glory of unending acclaim and adulation from the automotive press.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/128326674@N06/16319297721/in/photolist-qS5EE6-qzNSLK
The NSX completely redefined what a supercar should be and continues to do so today with the second generation model. The new car has proven to be a force to be reckoned with by featuring a dynamic hybrid powertrain and striking good looks. Don't expect Honda to rest on its laurels either...They're known to cater to the true enthusiasts by releasing race-inspired models based on their performance platforms.
The NSX will continue its fabled history of setting the bar with a formidable combination of performance and refinement.
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