Guide: Nissan Fairlady Z432 (PS30)
Background
Launched at the Tokyo Motor Show in October 1969, the S30 Fairlady Z / 240 Z was a breakthrough model for Nissan.
It became arguably the first mainstream Japanese car that Western customers wanted to own for reasons of design and speed as opposed to price and economy.
With its handsome baby E-type looks, spirited performance and high quality construction, the Z-car proved massively popular. It was over-subscribed from the start and an astonishing 168,000 were built during four years of production.
The Z-car was sold in the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) as the Nissan Fairlady Z and elsewhere as the Datsun 240Z.
Because of punitive taxes levied on vehicles sold in Japan with a capacity greater than two-litres, the Fairlady Z was equipped with a 1998cc motor. By contrast, the engine in the export-only 240Z displaced 2393cc. Otherwise, the two variants were practically identical.
Initially, two versions of the JDM two-litre Fairlady Z were offered: the entry level S30S (Fairlady Z) and the slightly better equipped S30 (Fairlady Z-L).
In December 1969, Nissan rolled out a third variant: the PS30 Fairlady Z432.
Based on the pared down S30S, the new PS30 most notably came with an engine from the C10 Skyline GT-R.
Whereas other Z-car variants used a two-valve, twin carb, single overhead camshaft engine, the Z432’s power unit was a four-valve, triple carb, dual overhead camshaft unit (hence the 432 moniker).
This high performance derivative was sold in only in Japan.
At nearly double the price of an entry level Fairlady Z, the Z432 was created for those customers who wanted the ultimate Japanese GT car of the day.
Other upgrades were similarly driver-focused: a close-ratio gearbox, limited-slip differential and lightweight magnesium wheels.
The Z432 would represent an ideal platform for Nissan to demonstrate the Z-car’s ability on-track. A series of high profile domestic races were contested by the factory in 1970 and a competition variant (the Z432-R) was sold to customers.
Nissan dovetailed the Z432 competition programme of 1970 with that of the R383 Group 7 car, but the race department’s main focus was on the C10 Skyline GT-R.
Engine / Gearbox
The Type S20 engine used in the Z432 was the same unit found in the C10 Skyline GT-R. It was developed by Nissan’s competition department from the Prince GR-8 unit that had been conceived for the R380 Group 6 Prototype.
At 1989cc, the S20 engine was actually 9cc smaller than the single cam twin carb motor used in the normal Fairlady. Because of a 4mm bigger bore and 6.7mm shorter stroke, the S20 was naturally a more responsive engine.
It utilised a cast-iron block and a trick light alloy cross-flow head with four valves per cylinder, dual overhead camshafts and pent-roof combustion chambers. Each head was meticulously hand ported and polished prior to installation.
Compression was 9.5:1 compared to 9.0:1 for the standard two-litre Z-car.
Breathing was through three Mikuni 40 PHH-3 twin-choke sidedraught carburettors, tube headers and a free flow dual-pipe exhaust.
Nissan quoted a peak output of 160bhp at 7000rpm. Single cam Fairlady’s produced 130bhp at 6000rpm.
A little more torque was on offer, but it came on stream 1200rpm higher: 130lb-ft at 5600rpm against the standard car’s 127lb-ft at 4400rpm.
Transmission was via a close-ratio five-speed, single plate clutch and R192 limited-slip differential.
Chassis
Nissan’s Z-car bodyshell comprised a pressed steel monocoque with fully independent suspension.
The front end used MacPherson struts with lower transverse links, drag links and an anti-roll bar. At the rear were Chapman struts and lower wishbones. Coil springs and telescopic dampers were fitted all round.
Braking was courtesy of discs up front and drums out back.
A 60-litre fuel tank was installed underneath the rear storage compartment.
Instead of standard 14 x 4.5-inch steel wheels, Z432s generally came fitted with magnesium Kobe Seiko wheels that were 5.5-inches wide.
Bodywork
Cosmetically, a ‘432’ badge was added above the ‘Fairlady Z’ script on each front fender.
Otherwise, there was little on the outside to differentiate the Z432.
As per all Z-cars, single headlights were set back from the nose in fibreglass bowls either side of a wide rectangular intake that fed fresh air to the radiator and engine bay.
The long hood was home to an elaborate power bulge.
Slim pillars meant visibility out of the fastback cabin was excellent; the window frames were stainless steel like most of the brightwork.
The Kamm tail fascia was painted Datsun Grey.
As the Z432 was built on the base Fairlady Z (Model S30S), these cars came with plain bumpers and lacked some of the carpeting and soundproofing found on the Z-L luxury model (S30).
Interior
Inside, a wood-rimmed three-spoke steering wheel fronted two primary cowls that were home to a rev counter and speedometer. Three smaller cowls were mounted above the centre of the dash. These housed a clock and combined gauges for battery amps / fuel and oil temperature / water temperature.
The central console directly below contained the ventilation controls and (if specified) a radio.
Vinyl leatherette was used to upholster the seats, side panels and gear gaiter with carpet pretty much everywhere else.
The large rear hatch was supported by two gas-filled struts. Once opened, it provided a generous amount of luggage space. Two straps helped secure any load in place.
Options
6-inch wide wheels were optional as was a rear spoiler and audio system.
Weight / Performance
Nissan quoted a dry weight of 1040kg for the Z432.
Top speed went from around 125mph to over 130mph.
The 0-62mph time dropped from around eight seconds to under seven seconds.
Production
In total, 420 examples of the Z432 were built, all of which were right-hand drive.
This figure comprised 299 assembled in 1969/1970, 98 in 1971 and 23 between 1972 and 73.
Four Z432s were used by the Japanese police as high speed pursuit cars on the Chuo Expressway in Tokyo.
Demand dropped off a cliff in November 1971 when Nissan began to sell the bigger-engined 240Z at home for a fraction of the price.
Text copyright: Supercar Nostalgia
Photo copyright: Nissan - https://www.nissan-global.com
