Nissan Z II (S130) photos

Introduced in 1978 under the internal designation S130, the second generation retained the classic front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout while adopting a thoroughly redesigned platform and a more aerodynamic body shell. Compared to the outgoing S30 series, the S130 grew wider and heavier, placing a much stronger emphasis on cabin comfort, sound insulation, and luxury features, while power-assisted recirculating-ball steering replaced the manual rack-and-pinion setup on many variants before power rack-and-pinion was later offered. Body styles included both a two-seat fastback coupe and a longer-wheelbase 2+2 version, and in 1980 the lineup was expanded with a highly popular T-bar roof option featuring removable glass panels. Powertrain choices centered on Nissan's proven L-series inline-six engines: the Japanese domestic market received the 2.0-liter L20E alongside the 2.8-liter L28E, whereas export models marketed as the Datsun 280ZX relied primarily on the fuel-injected 2.8-liter unit. A major milestone arrived in 1981 with the introduction of turbocharged variants—the L20ET in Japan and the L28ET in North America and Europe—which substantially boosted horsepower and torque. Transmissions included four-speed and five-speed manual gearboxes as well as three-speed and later four-speed automatic units. A mid-cycle facelift brought revised body-colored bumpers, restyled tail lamps, updated alloy wheels, suspension refinements, and advanced digital instrumentation options. Sold as the Nissan Fairlady Z in Japan and the Datsun 280ZX across North America, Europe, and Australia, the S130 achieved remarkable commercial success during its production run through 1983.