Alfadog

The point is just because the car is basically the same as something else doesn't mean it is exactly the same.. Mitsubishi Mirage = Proton Satria

And a 260Z 2+2 is just a 240Z? And a X-type jag is just a Mondeo? etc. etc.

Mmm yes I would like to know too! (for the K)

Here is a link to an XR2 Turbo Capri. This one went alright, but suffered much of the same poor build quality problems as the others. The "normal" ones looked the same except without the go-fast bits (bonnet buldges, agressive front/rear bumper) http://members.optusnet.com.au/~engtwn/xr2/xr2t.html

I thought it was you cant get an auto for a while... :-/

Z's are better than Corvettes anyway The RX7 (advertised as the replacement for the 240Z - remember this is the same time as when Nissan introduced the 280ZX...) has its handbrake on the left side of the transmission. The RHD version has it on the left also. I noticed this when driving my friend's one the other day - it's not exactly in the most ergonomic position. Mazda took advantage of Nissan opening the gates for import sports cars in America, and used that as a step-up for their rx7. From what I've seen, the RX7 was really built for the American market - they knew (to an extent) it was going to work. They designed it to be as good as possible for the yanks and perhaps RHD cars came second? That can't be said for the Zed. Mr. K knew it was going to work, but I'm not sure how many accountants did...

Do NOT buy a 90s crapi! They are one of the worst cars ever built - they continually have problems. There was a magazine article about the worst lemons of all time in Australia recently. The Capri rated number 1 if I'm not mistaken...

Are you sure? What do you base this on? You think you've got it bad when you come here! Think about this: what about an Aussie going to live in America. They come over with a lot of their good AUD but once converted they're a porper!! I found that when I went to Europe last year - the prices were the same as they are here, except in EURO.

Yeah, Mike, it's all about the exchange rate mate... didn't you notice how you suddenly became very rich when you visited Melbouring? The 350Z actually starts at 59,990 here, which is $35,296.48 USD. Halz, I didn't drive one! (1) because I'm 18 and I dont think they'd let me, (2) because I didn't even bring my license to prove that I was legal to drive and (3) the queue was rather large... didn't stop my dad from waiting in line for ages though!!! I drove the Z and picked up my brother (who also came along) out the front next to the new Z's. I felt proud, but most of the Nissan people didn't seem to really notice........ ugh

I thought the early(er) ones had fender mounted mirrors, with an option to have them fitted next to the window? I dont know why I think this... btw my front fenders have little "plugs" only noticeable from the inside where the mirrors would be. I love the mirrors on the fenders!!!

I wasn't around in 1970 but I would imagine the Z had to compete with much of the same sort of stuff as it had to compete with in England, only the pommy stuff was much more expensive. We also had Holden Toranas, Monaros (same league?) and maybe a few other Aussie specials. I guess it did more successfully in Australia than England because (1) it was cheaper to import than to England, (2) English cars were much more expensive because they had to be imported and (3) Australians didn't have much to be pompous about... Any other *older* Aussie care to shed some light? btw, my ideal Z is a totally original Z432-R in orange with a black bonnet, some Watanabes and a nice looker in the passenger seat.

They had 2 350Zs on display in the ballroom, plus 3 outside you could test drive. They also had (for "nostalgic" purposes only) another Z there. A Z32 300ZX. Auto. N/A. 2+2. Ugh.

I think you're missing the whole point... Alan has stated numerous times he isn't after production figures and which version is the 'most important'... What you have stated is all true and not much of it is arguable. HOWEVER I do think one thing you said I disagree to: "the RHD car is an important part of the Z history. But, like Left handed people in the human population, it is in the minority" Just because they were made in fewer numbers doesn't mean to say they are any less important. Sure the car was designed with America in mind (no one denies that here correct me if im wrong), but you must remember that they thought of the RHD markets as well. The RHD cars are no less of a car than the LHD cars - IN FACT, the spec levels clearly show that they were, for the first few years, better-equipt. That's not the point of the discussion though. Back to interior mysteries...

Yes, I was about the ask the same thing about Alan's car Escanlon - why do you have a Z pad in the middle of the steering wheel? I thought it should be DATSUN? As for room between the clutch and the foot rest, there is more than enough room in there - the pictures may look a little deceptive however. Or maybe I just have small feet?! Escanlon, I dont see how in those pictures you can clearly see the ignition on the left. I think it is just a tag attached to the windshield wiper/headlight stalk? As far as I know the ignition in all RHD cars is on the right. Indicators on the left.

G260, yes, it is here and I'll tell you I was not impressed when I first saw the 2nd lot of concept pictures, but now that I have seen it in real life, I must admit, I like it a lot. I went to the official launch tonight on the Gold Coast, where we were able to look all through the cars and even get to test drive! I can't speak about how well it drove, but it looks much better in the flesh. I actually LIKE the exterior styling now, and the interior is just fantastic. Before the rest of you start stoning me, I better step down... :sleepy:

Zmokey, are you a cop too? Is this some sort of (not so) covert operation to try to bust someone?

YES I have seen it, in all its glory. Great piece of racing - very similar to Getaway in Stockholm except better camera angles and it's LEGAL ! I saw it at the official 350Z launch here at the Versace hotel oh yes oh yes it looks a hellavalot better in the flesh than in photos.

errm ok ... all manual cars have the clutch on the left, then brake, then accelerator pedal.

You're kidding, right ?? btw love the analogies escanlon!!!

Thanks for clearing that up Alan - I thought that would be the answer...

I thought it was Ford Cortina with Lotus mechanicals (suspension, engine)... but that's not the subject of this thread!!!!!!! grrr

They do ?!?!??! eeeeeep I wont do it anymore then !

"Analyzing humor is like dissecting a frog. Few people are interested and the frog dies of it."

Thought I might throw up a question in the arena for anyone to jump on top of. I see one Gladiator who will no doubt be able to tame this beast, anyone else game?? A few sources have said that the engine was "copied" from the Mercedes 6. How correct is this statement?