Datsun 280, Nissan 300 Zx (Hardcover)

~ Brian Long (Author) "Japan developed a motor industry at a very late stage compared with Europe and America..." (more)
Key Phrases: Tokyo Show, Bob Sharp, T-bar Manual (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

This complementary volume to Datsun Z by the same author tells the story of the sporting grand tourers built first as Datsuns, and then as Nissans when the Japanese automaker changed its name in the late 1980s. Beginning with the Datsun 280ZX in 1978, this history continues through two generations of the 300ZX until the model was discontinued outside of Japan in 1996. This history includes a generous helping of black-and-white photography.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Veloce Publishing (October 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1901295060
• ISBN-13: 978-1901295061
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8.5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,629,937 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Datsun 280ZX, Nissan 300ZX, April 2, 2000

By	Anthony J. Nip (Windham, NH USA) - See all my reviews

This book is a "must have" for enthusiasts of the legendary Datsun / Nissan Z-car. Brian Long does a good job describing the continuing story of the original Datsun Z-car, as it evolved from a sportscar into a GT and finally into a supercar. The book starts with a recap of the history of Datsun / Nissan and the original 240Z, 260Z, 280Z series, which Long covered in his earlier work - Datsun Z.

As the title suggests, this book picks up on the Z-car story with in-depth coverage of the 280ZX (the second generation Z-car) and both generations of the 300ZX, including the 1990s Twin Turbo supercar which the Z-car finally evolved into. Long also describes the various versions of the 280ZX and 300ZX which Datsun / Nissan sold in different part of the world. This gives the reader a more comprehensive picture and a real global understanding of the Z-car. Long's book is wonderful reading, and the text is supplemented with excellent photographs and illustrations, including pictures of Nissan's original marketing materials for the 280 and 300ZX.

If you are a fan of the Z-car, if you are a member of a Z-club, if you own a Z-car, then this book definitely belongs in your bookcase.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, Exciting, Couldn't put it down!, December 14, 1999

By	Preston Pratt (United States of America) - See all my reviews

Although I have an extensive library of Datsun Z Car related books in hard cover and paper back, I found this book extremely enjoyable. Even though, Brian Long is a British writer, often if not permanently living in Japan, he provides a worldwide perspective that is often missing in most books about the Datsun Z Car. He seems a master at uncovering facts in the history of the Datsun and the Z Car previously known to only a very few Datsun insiders. Within its cover, there are great pictorial representations of Datsun cars, many not seen often. It is an excellent write up about the Datsun car history, the early Datsun Z car as it progressed to the touring GT becoming the 280ZX and first generation 300ZX ('84-'89), to the Super Car it became in the 1990's with the 300ZX Twin Turbo. The author outlines the racing efforts of some well known drivers with some great photos. Some advertising photos of the period are also captured within the pages of this marvelous book. I have had and continue to have a love affair with the Datsun Z Car, as I have owned over 200 of the early 240Z's, but Brian Long's Book on the 280ZX to the 300ZX, gave me a greater appreciation for the car and the history behind it. It was thoroughly enjoyable reading, and a welcome addition to my collection of Datsun Z Car books. I couldn't stop reading it to the end. Whenever possible I spend some time reviewing the chapters on racing and design work history, over and over again. I never get tired of it. This book and his companion book entitled, 'Datsun Z, From Fairlady to 280Z', are probably the only two Datsun Z Car books a person really needs, although there are several other good ones. But it is of course, nice to own them all.

5.0 out of 5 stars The definitive 280/300ZX guide, October 11, 2005

By	John B (Melbourne, Australia) - See all my reviews

This book has pride of place on my bedside table at the moment. Patiently waiting on the real thing (a 1990 Twin Turbo 300ZX to ship from Japan). It's the sort of book that an enthusiast can read and refer to time and time again.

Mine was a second hand copy but virtually new condition. Brian Long does an excellent job on the history of Nissan/Datsun. And for 280ZX and 300ZX owners lots of interesting photos, period advertisements and background info.