Yutaka Katayama, father of Nissan’s Z car, died last Thursday at the age of 105. Fondly known by the Z faithful as “Mr. K,” Katayama morphed the Datsun brand from a no-frills, rough around the edges bargain transportation provider into a performance and value leader.
As the owner of a 1971 240z and a 1976 280z, I have a deep connection with the tiny Japanese sports cars that took the United States by storm in the 70’s. Even 44 years later the straight six, four speed manual transmission and lightweight chassis continue to thrill every time I take it out on the road.
Rest in Peace Mr. K. Thanks for thinking about the everyman and building a car that he or she could own and maintain on a tiny budget.
Just a sample of the coverage of the Datsun/Nissan Z on AutomotiveAddicts.com:
2015 Nissan 370Z NISMO Review & Test Drive
2014 Nissan 370z NISMO Quick Spin
2013 Nissan 370z Touring Roadster Quick Spin
2011 Nissan 370z NISMO Review & Test Drive
2011 Nissan 370z Touring Sport Roadster Review and Test Drive
2009 Nissan 370z Touring Review & Test Drive
Interview of Doug Mitchell of Fever Racing
