The S30 Nissan/Datsun (AKA Fairlady Z, 240Z, 260Z and 280Z models) was an early series of Sports cars from Nissan produced from 1969, to 1978.

In 1969, the popular Fairlady Z first saw the bright lights of the Japanese dealerships showrooms. The first version of the Z-car sported a 2 liter straight-6 SOHC engine, the L20A, as well as rear wheel drive, and a stylish coupe body. The engine was a 5 cylinder 150 hp Datsun, and came with a 5-speed transmission. In 1973 the carburetor was changed to meet US emission standards, but the resulting performance loss was partly made up in 1975, with the inclusion of a electronic fuel injection system.

Due to its relatively low price compared to other foreign sports cars of the time (Jaguar, BMW, Porsche, etc.), it became popular in the United States and was a major success for the Nissan Motor Corporation, which at the time sold cars in North America under the name Datsun. The Z is also credited as a catalyst for the import performance parts industry. The S30 Fairlady Z was the beginning of a hugely popular line of cars, that still continues today.

The L28 engine is a popular tuning engine among the nostalgic tuning crowd. Although an ancient engine from the 60's, there are still a few L28's putting out quick times on the drag strip. The Mecha-Tune style is common for L28 tuning, however HKS and Trust/Greddy have made Twin-Turbo kits for them. To compete with much more modern cars and the owners want for more power and speed, engine swaps to RB25DE, RB26DETT, and SR20 engine are common. An influential S30 comes from the Manga world in the Wangan Midnight comics. The blue Devil Z was a L28 twin-turbo S30Z packing 600hp. Its real life counterpart which some say it was based off of was a red S130Z which was part of infamous Tokyo highway racing team, Midnight Racing Club.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nissan_S30