The Nissan 240Z Devil Z represents the pinnacle of Z-car lore, a machine forged in the fires of racing adversity and elevated to mythical status through sheer engineering audacity. Emerging from the competitive crucible of 1960s motorsport, this iconic variant transformed a capable grand tourer into a relentless weapon, capturing the imagination of enthusiasts for generations. Its story is not just one of modified horsepower, but of clever weight distribution, race-bred suspension, and the pursuit of homologation glory.
The Birth of a Legend: From Fairlady Z to Devil Z
To understand the Devil Z, one must first appreciate the foundation: the Nissan Fairlady Z 240ZG. Nissan’s factory racing team, backed by the formidable Yamanashi factory, needed a car to compete in the grueling Japanese GP Series. The standard 240Z, while a sales triumph, wasn't initially competitive. The solution was the 240ZG, a evolution featuring a lightweight fiberglass hood, a stripped-down interior, and a reinforced chassis. However, the true dark horse emerged not from the factory, but from the workshops of Yoshikazu Sunako, a legendary driver and tuner whose modifications birthed the Devil Z.
Key Modifications that Defined a Demon
Sunako’s approach was holistic, targeting every system to extract maximum performance and reliability. The heart of the transformation was the engine. While the standard 2.4-liter L24 I6 was good, the Devil Z received a heavily revised version with larger twin Mikuni-Solex carburetors, a high-lift camshaft, and a freer-flowing exhaust system, pushing output well beyond factory specs. This power was sent to the rear wheels through a reinforced transmission. The chassis was aggressively lowered and bolstered with stiffer springs and dampers, while the iconic wide arches hid wider wheels and performance tires, improving grip and aesthetics dramatically.
Racing Pedigree and Homologation Hero
The Devil Z wasn't just a street-legal monster; it was a proven winner on the track. Sunako and his co-driver, Tony Adamowicz, dominated the SCCA C-Production class in North America during the early 1970s. Its success was so profound that it forced rule changes. Crucially, the Devil Z played a vital role in Nissan’s homologation strategy. To legitimize the car for racing, Nissan had to produce a street-legal version. The Devil Z became the blueprint for the legendary 240ZG export model, ensuring that the knowledge gained on the track directly benefited the road cars sold worldwide.
