Sadly the man who went behind Nissan’s back and began importing Datsuns to the USA passed away last month on November 13th. Nobushige Wakatsuki initially saw Nissan/Datsun as a company that could export well to the US market but was shot down for some time by the head execs until he took the job into his own hands.
He started importing the cars in 1960, three years after Toyota, and it took another full year to convince Nissan Corporate to take over the small dealer network. Thankfully for all of us the plan worked and Nissan began importing cars like crazy over the following years. Now almost 50 years later Nissan is a household name on these shores and we owe it all to him. Maybe I will name my ’71 510 “Waka” as a thank you.
Source: Autoblog via Automotive News
More good info at Japanese Nostalgic Car
Below is Rob and Meg’s early Datsun Bluebird sedan
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After the amazing turnout yesterday at Z Car Garage in San Jose we were able to gather up around 40 cars (mostly Zs of all years!) to make the trip of about 2 hours out to Sacramento for the next stop. The quality of cars was top notch as usual and the company of other Zs on the road is always appreciated.
With the Z faithful set to head out, the HIN crew and Nissan and the two 370Zs (with our own Robert Fuller at the helm of the blue car) set out on our way to the show just outside of Sacramento. We were able to get so much great footage taken by the Nissan/HIN/ZCG group that I just want to share all of it with our readers and friends. Impressive is an understatement.
The caravan to the dealer was a blast and went by all to quickly, and after driving along side the new Nissan 370Z for an hour and a half I am definitely more than impressed. I should get a first hand driving experience tomorrow but Rob’s long stint today behind the wheel did nothing but impress the Z car aficionado. Rob quoted, “I couldn’t be happier with the improvements that the new Z has made. The next Z car is here and it will rock!” Enough said.
With the 370Z and the 350Z side by side it is easy to see how improved the new chassis and power delivery are. Along side our powerhouse cars on the drive today the 370Z held it’s ground! Go Nissan!
Here are a few pictures to hold you over until I round up all the media from the different sources on the Follow The Nissan Z tour. There is so much more to come and we start the next 9 hour leg of the tour all the way to Las Vegas tomorrow!!
ZCG Crew For Life!!
WOW!! What can I say about this event? A-M-A-Z-I-N-G… period. The cars were a huge hit with the entire crowd and it all went off without a hitch. I am sure that 370Zs were sold to a few of the enthusiasts in attendance, WAY TO GO NISSAN for stepping up to the plate for such a great car. The crew that travels with the cars were on top of their game the entire afternoon and were more than happy to answer questions as pose for pictures throughout. What a great time.
There was always an activity going on to keep us entertained with the 370Z and we were able to dyno a few past and present Z cars to display the vast improvements that Nissan has made over the years. I can’t wait to get our hands on one of the new 370Zs to experience the car in all of it’s glory.
There was great food and music all day and to cap it off some amazing prizes were raffled off to the lucky Z misfits in the crowd. This is just one of the first stops of this cross country tour so I will encourage any and everyone to attend an event in their area, you’ll have the time of your life with the new 370z.
The Z Car Garage crew and our faithful friends will be making the trip to the next two stops and we would love it for all of you to join us. We are leaving the shop around 8am tomorrow (Saturday) and are headed to Elk Grove Nissan in the Sacramento area. Please meet up with us and share these great cars and good times. See you soon!! Keep rockin and LONG LIVE THE Z!!!
I will be on the next two legs of the tour in the ZCG twin-turbo G35 so expect loads more photos and probably a whole new gallery section of the blog to spring up very soon to handle all these images. I have soooo many photos!!! Check back often so that you don’t miss anyZthing!!
Below is a print out of the directions we will be taking tomorrow, click to enlarge and then JOINS US!
Today is the day that many of us have been waiting for and working towards for a long time now. Both 370Zs showed up last night with a small army of support. As I opened the shop this morning I was greeted with the beautiful blue car so I snapped a few photos to start the day. I also have some more information on parking and today’s other events.
The event is going to start between 2 and 3pm today with free food and drinks for the first couple hundred people so get here and bring your friends!!!! See you all soon. ENJOY!!
There will be some street parking available but we also rented a lot about a quarter of a mile from the shop with parking for a few hundred cars. There is a map of the location below.
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I will have more updates and photos as the day goes on so come on by and check the blog frequently!!!
Z Car Garage
140 Archer St.
San Jose, CA 95112
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Sorry for the lack of updates on the upcoming 370z events. We have been crazy busy getting the shop and all the best Z Car Garage cars ready for the festivities. Those who are attending should be ready to see some amazing vehicles as well as the two 370Zs.
We hope that as many of you will be able to join us as possible to celebrate the release of the newest Z car and also on our trip to the next tour stop in Elk Grove on Saturday the 22nd. Below is a image of the route that we will be taking on our way to the Elk Grove dealership.
We would prefer that you come down to Z Car Garage on Friday for all the Nissan Corporate displays and the EA Games Need For Speed: Undercover setup that will be at the shop but if you can’t then we hope to see you on Saturday. Don’t forget that there will be free food and refreshments on Friday at Z Car Garage. Long Live the Z!!
Click for larger:
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