We were lucky enough to have the opportunity to speak with Matsuo-san several times over the past many years, and he was a very passionate and fascinating designer. When Mr. K and Matsuo-san began working on the Z project in the 1960's, they were quite literally making automotive history and they paved the path for the Japanese sports car in America. It's unfortunate that they aren't here with us today to see the newest generation Z. Side note: as mentioned Matsuo was adamant about not changing the roofline to accommodate taller drivers. Instead, the floor of the car was lowered to add another inch (or so) of clearance.

I have a wonderful memory of being out on a rural Arkansas highway driving an '89 Mustang GT convertible in the early '90s. A Z pulled in front of me as we left a small town and he took off. We weren't racing, but I decided to keep up with him. I was amazed at how often I had to downshift to keep up with that Z, and how hard I had to push that 5.0L engine. I never looked at Z's the same way again.

Just saying, the opportunity to title the episode “the great conspirazee” was right there.

James: "not without a little thing called..." Me: "Wangan Midnight" James: "A conspiracy theory"

Regardless of what happened, I’m just glad we have our Fairlady.

Yesterday my Nissan dealer tried to get me as a 20 yr old broke college student to finance a 2020 370z 50th anniversary and this is making me wanna go back

“SSS, I got venom, brother” put it on a shirt it’s GOLD

My first car was an 81 280zx. It was everything I ever hoped it to be. Restored it and it was so damn fun. Easy to work on, gorgeous to look at, and insanely fun to drive. Thanks for doing this video, it was amazing.

"Without them we would all be driving Mustangs, and there would be a lot less of us around because we would all be dead" ~James Pumphrey 2021 *Stares at Nolan*

Mr.Matsuo was about the nicest person I ever got to meet. The joy he had to see the love we have for our cars and that we still drive them was overwhelming.

The 240z was what made me fall in love with cars. I didn't know what it was, I didn't know who made it, I wanted it. I love this car so much, and I'm so grateful for its existence. Thanks to the Z team for making my dream car!

I lived in Japan a few years, where I learned the Japanese phrase for "Fairlady" translated to English is "Fairlady."

“ A conspiracy.” That had me dying at the beginning. 🤣 you guys are definitely my favorite channel in KZfaq.

As someone who just bought a z (z31), seeing z vids makes me secondhand happy, like a coach who's student just won the tournament

12:37 Not only did I learn how "real" engineering is, I got to learn a new word, "Vore" - Thanks team!

Mr. K is like the Japanese Shelby, absolute legend who we should thank more for combining American and Japanese influences.

That Zulu flag carries quite a tradition in Japanese naval history. Zulu, as a gift, is quite possible the most japanese "go forth and fight, for our honor" sort of message. Japan just vibes like that.

Once the 400z goes out, someone please make a modernized version of the Devil Z using it.

Not even mad that KZfaq hit me with an ad immediately after James said “poopin butt” five times The most logical ad break of all time, really

I'm a Jazz musician and 1:15 had me in tears. The music is a meme for Jazz players.🤣🤣. Can't wait for the new Z to arrive in my country, if it isn't already here.

"If your watching this channel, chances are you've drawn on a door or two" - James Pumphrey (door artist)

So you did Initial D, and Nissan’s Z line. I think it’s time for an Up to Speed on Wangan Midnight

My DaD bought a Datsun 1600 in the early 60's in Hawaii and LOVED it. Then he got married in '65 and drafted in '66. He had to sell it. After his tour of duty, the Z cars came out. He wanted one SO bad, but now he had a family. One kid (me) with another on the way. DaD's hot rod days were over. 😢 He bought a '62 Chevy impala. In the late 70s, one of our neighbors had a 280ZX. DAD practically drooled every time he saw it. He would then take our family out to eat in our '76 Plymouth station wagon. At least we had something in common with Fantasy Island. 😂

Watching the Up To Speed cartoon animation, other James Pumphrey, jokes about James's dad are my favorite! Never gets old!

Really looking forward to seeing the new Z in person!

I googled "Is there anything more real than engineering" and the first result actually was "NO," but it was some Quora question asking if the only good jobs left are in engineering. Also, what's with that second search result at 12:39, Donut?

As a past Z owner, my first used Z was a brown 260ZX, only had it a couple of months until I bought my Metalic Orange & Brown, Mamual 5 Speed, 82' 280ZX T-Top...Burgundy, tinted windows, spoilers, wings, Manual 5 speed, T-Tops, 88' 300ZX...Silver 2004' 350Z Manual 6 Speed Convertible. I loved all my Z's. They never gave me any problem, only your typical flat tire and once the 04' over heated on a very hot day. I was going to buy the 380Z but always dreamed of a Corvette Convertible. I'm so happy to have experienced the feel of those cars. They were also very fast. It's a miracle I've never got a speeding ticket, any guy that wanted to race me, I floored it it waved them 👋 BYE. Wished I would have kept my 280ZX, it was the only one that spoke to me 🤣🤣🤣

thanks now my 240z value went up just a little bit more and my 1970s nissan hat signed by matsuo just went up in value now that the public knows his name! got to meet him at z fest and I will never forget that super cool dude!

The greenscreen spot on James' shirt driving me nuts lol

An editor prolly spent hours just to trace that finger movement for the intro.

Bro, Donut Media’s video editing is the main reason why I’m still supporting this channel until now. Y’all A1 since day 1, thanks for ur amazinggg work!

My Mom bought a Brand New 280Z in 1977, It was Gold and she selected the Mag Wheels.. She had this 280Z till 1996.. I Loved that car..👍

The DonutWars set was fabulous 😂. Can’t wait to see some of those Z’s on the road

I can't wait to see someone doing photoshoot at sunsetting Daikoku PA with the new Z in blue.

“Are u familiar with the concept of foreshadowing???” 😂😂Too funny bro

I have watched this many times, it's superb. My (bloody old) dad has owned a 260 for as long as I can remember. I showed him this video and he was speechless, just so impressed, and he loved learning so many things he didn't know about his beloved Z car. This has been superbly researched and the presentation is entertaining af, its amazing, thankyou donut media

"A wise man once said, the best way to predict the future is to invent it"

That ad was touching. I feel bad for clumsy Carl. He secretly just wants his cousins love and respect. He genuinely enjoys his cousins company and just wants to prove that he's more then people make him out to be. Carl is so wholesome, stay clumsy man never change who you are 😌

Another great video guys, really dig what you're doing. I love my 08 350z, daily drove it several yrs but now mainly just track it. I have beat the ever-loving shit out of mine from when I bought it with 35k miles and now it has over 265k miles, same engine. I plan to buy a new Z, but waiting a yr or two so hopefully any bugs will be worked out. Thank you for the Z, Japan. And thank you, Donut Media, for the always entertaining/informative content, you guys are by far my fav car channel!

9:41 OH MY FREAKING GOD!!! that truck in the background is a first gen NIssan Junior!!! even more see Mr. K using a shirt and hat that say NIssan Junior I never thought see that in Donut media videos!!

Always loved the Z's growing up. I preferred them over skylines and I'm so happy it's returning 🤪

370z owners during the intro " Am I a joke to you?" -370z owner

I love stories like this. I am excited for another one of these kinds of videos. Thank you Donut and Phumphrey.

I love how these videos are funny and cool but an educational af history lesson at the same time. Dudes a teacher and I won’t be late for this class. Thanks man…

That second search result when googling "Is anything more real than engineering?" is very... concerning lol

“SSS! I got venom brother. “ I felt that.

You guys rock!! Thank you for covering one of my favorite car family, the Z family.

So glad I've met Mr K and Matsuo-San over the years and have been a part of the Z family for a while. Mr K's life was full of incredible stories from his Datsun Days.. Thanks Donut for making a new video covering it, to share with more people!

As someone who’s first car was a 1989 mauve notchback 240SX this video got me emotional! What an amazing legacy that helped get SOOO many young car enthusiasts in the USA hooked on JDM cars!

James the best story teller in game.

Thank you so much for bringing back the animation!!! This was a great video!

Yall didn't mention how it came over as a Datsun first because Nissan was unsure of how the Z would sell here. Awesome video though as always dude. "I wish I could still eat chili dogs...I'd go to Cinicinnati right now boy!"

Yeeah, James knows about the Cincinnati chili cheese coneys! Aaand now I'm homesick.

The fact this video isn't called the ConspiraZ is a shame

The fighting scenes and conspiracy talk had me cracking up 😂🙌🏼 there’s no better way to learn about cars than with laughter involved!

Soooo glad they ended up doing it as a hardtop. So beautiful. Ya'll see the concept on the wall of the Z as like a breadvan? Gnarly : )

I’m just happy that it actually happened, think of the history that would’ve been changed

James, Could you say: "Projecto Zeto", with a anime boss character, like Malboro voice? PLx

The research and storytelling is obscenely informative and entertaining... As usual. Shout out from the 270, formerly of the 502 and 859...and briefly the 606.

People often tell me, “you know what? If you were taller, chubbier, and funnier, you’d remind me so much of that guy from that car channel” and I’m like, Jay Leno? And they throw a double A battery at me and say “NO! The Mo Powa Babeh guy” still clueless I look it up, cool channel almost me, definitely diggin it

The 240Z is unironically my favorite car of all time. Its heavy, its underpowered by today's standards, and above all else its god damn beautiful.

Always love a new Up to Speed! I had a 350z for a while and it was one of the most fun cars I've ever had; Nissan really nailed it with those things.

Only about 40k Datsun Sports roadsters (SR's) were produced over an 11-year period between 1959 and 1970. Meanwhile, the 240z produced 40k *per year* from 1972 onwards. So while the 240z was one of the first Japanese sports cars to appeal to a much wider audience, the Datsun 2000 SRs had a bonafide racing pedigree, consistently winning in C- and D-Production classes in SCCA even after production ceased. Five speeds, 150 HP/150 ftlb torque, only 2k pounds, dimensions smaller than a first gen Miata, front discs this thing was ahead of it's time. The SRs being more rare than the 240z while going for the same *or cheaper* prices as 240z cars demonstrates a basic fact: in order for something rare to be valuable, it has to be desirable. While the SRs are incredibly fun and sporty and perfect for cruises on the California coast, they were produced at a time when boomers were still (mostly) too young to drive. And two, because of the convertible nature, were only really bought in warm climates in the US. Seeing as in the 60s this was pre-Sunbelt boom, this basically limited sales to CA (which is where mine originated from).

Couldn't have done it better, this video is a masterpiece. You taught me a lot and I'm a Datsun freak.

Cincinnati will still be making chili dogs/coneys when you come back here James. Great Up To Speed.

The only thing the Z needs is popup and down headlights.

This was a superb all-around video!! Thank you You guys make it look easy; it isn't. Bravo!

I had a 260Z I got from my dad. It was a blast. My first car was a 280ZX 2+2. Since then I've owned 4 280ZXs. I still have my '82 slick top. Its getting a VH45DETT swap. I'm super excited for the new Z.

Damm you james! I actually paused the video to Google "is there anything more real than engineering " lol

I would love to see up to speed on jaguar

im happy you used the song @abroadinjapan uses for his intro as background music....very city pop

My first two cars? 1971 red 240Z and then a yellow 1970 240Z E31. Just great cars!

The 240Z is my favourite Nissan/Datsun of all time and will remain so. Still the best looking Nissan ever imo.

Great video! As an owner of a z32, I am more than stoked for the new Z. It's what I've been dreaming about for a long time as well. Glad I'm not the only one

Dude the quality of the content of DM is so freaking awesome !!!! Love from Chile

"SSS! I got Venom, Brother!" Needs To become A Shirt🤣

I’m actually debating trading my Tacoma for the new Z. I used to have a g35 and I miss it so much

12:36 hold tf up, vore? Am I the only one who noticed that?

Here is what you missed in your great video: The Datsun 240-Z has one of the major roots of its origin firmly planted in the evolution of the Prince Motor Company. From an engineering perspective the chassis, body structure, and drive train were all existing technologies being applied at Prince Motors when it was merged into Nissan Motor Company in 1966. In comparison, none of these were to be found in any previous Nissan automobile in production at the time. Nissan Motors evolved after World War 2 by buying the designs of other companies, (then producing them) but they really didn't start to advance their own in-house Automotive Design and Engineering capabilities until around 1964. Merging Prince Motors into Nissan Motors couldn't have happened at a better time than 1966 for Nissan. Because by then Nissan knew they had to make revolutionary changes in their approach to Automotive Design and Engineering. At the end of WWII the "Nakaima Aircraft Company" and the "Tachikawa Aircraft Company" (both having produced the ZERO fighter aircraft during the war) were merged along with several others, into Fuji Sangyo. Hence the "Z" name idea. Here is a rough timeline; 1950 - the huge conglomerate "Fuji Sangyo" was broken up into 12 parts, one of which was the "Fuji Precision Machine Company Ltd." 1952 - the "Tama Motors Company" was founded within "Fuji Precision Machine Company" and they marketed a car named the "Prince" (In honor of Crown Prince Akihito's birth). 1955 - the company name was changed to "Prince Motor Company". 1957 - Prince took its cars to the Paris Auto Show. 1960 - Prince showed its Michelotti-designed Skyline Sport Convertible in Turin. By 1960 the managing Director of Prince Motor Company was named Dr. Ryoichi Nakagawa and he was responsible for Prince's Engineering Policy as well. (During the war he had been the designer of the of the "Zero" fighter aircraft engine at the Nakajima Aircraft Company.) By 1961 Skylines are running in the "East African Safari Rally". (De Dion rear suspension, ZF type 4spd. with overdrive 5th, posi-track differential). In 1962 Prince Motors sold three models all built on the same chassis (Prince, Gloria and Skyline) and the Gloria received its first 2.5L OHV engine in 1963. In 1966 the Prince Motor Company Ltd. was merged into Nissan Motors Ltd. From its design phase in 1966 until it's production release in 1968 the Datsun 510 "somehow"" received: a) a super strong and lightweight uni-body (monocoque aircraft technology) b) an over head cam, 1600cc engine rated at 97HP (from Prince) c) fully independent rear suspension (evolved from De Dion to Chapman) d) a ZF style fully synchro's 4spd. From 1966 to early 68 The Dastun 240-Z is in design: a) super strong and very lightweight uni-body b) 2.4L ohc rated at 151HP with Twin SU's c) IRS rear suspension (Chapman struts) d) a ZF style fully synchro's 4 and 5 speed The ZERO was built using modular production techniques, as opposed to the more common straight line "assembly-line" production. The application of these modular approaches revolutionized the auto industry in Japan in the late 60's and early 70's. Many industrial engineers believe that was a major factor in Japan's ability to take over automotive markets around the world. (Productivity Matters no matter how cheap the labour). "Weight" was the enemy of the ZERO design team and maneuverability was their goal. Likewise the 240-Z. Many of the engineers that worked from 1939 to 1941 on the ZERO, in the Japanese Aircraft Industry - were the engineers that after the war went into the Auto Industry - and mainly wound up at Prince Motors.. For that reason in the 1950's Prince Motors was the most advanced technologically and had the best automotive engineering capabilities in Japan. All previous Fairlady Sports Cars were full frame, bolted on bodies, solid axle... rooted firmly in the design and technology of the 1940's and 1950's. They didn't get overhead cam engines until after Prince Motors was merged into Nissan. Prince Engineers brought with them - new (new to Nissan Motors) Engineering Processes, Tools, Techniques and most importantly application experience with technologies not present at Nissan before they arrived. All of which take an Engineering Department years and years, if not decades, to evolve on their own. "Change" is something that Engineers just don't like to interject in anything - especially in the way they do things...;-) It is quite possible to bring new Engineering Processes, Design Techniques, Analysis & Simulation Tools and Production Technologies into an existing Engineering Department - but it takes years and years if not a decade for engineers to accept them, to learn to use them and then apply them to a design effort. I doubt that the Nissan Engineers could have made that transition any quicker, without bringing new Engineering talent in from Prince Motors. That is why it was not possible to "evolve" the Fairlady line of roadsters - into a car like the 240-Z. It took a revolution in the Automotive Design and Engineering Department at Nissan. Books written about the Fairlady Sports Cars from Nissan should end with the cancellation of the A550X project at the end of 1964... as that was the end of the line for the automotive design engineering and technology that had evolved on it's own within Nissan Motors after WW II. Likewise Books written about the history of the Z Car should start with the ZERO as that is the true evolutionary path of the technology and Design Engineering that was used in the development the Datsun 240-Z. The Datsun 240-Z represents "Engineering Ingenuity" and in that regard, Prince Motors was Decades ahead of Nissan.

On Mr. K's 100th birthday I sent him a card with a pic of our family's Datsun Fairlady. My mom bought it brand new in 1969 and I still have it today :D

Is it just me, or did you guys change the thumbnail? 😂

So… with lots of research and intense graphic designs from you and your crew, you could have expanded on why Nissan failed to do aftermarket support for the Z- 2nd generation especially. If this vehicle was such an inspirational movement and huge impact on the Japanese car market. Thanks again and cheers

That second search result lol 12:38

I love yalls content. Hats off to your editors and producers.

The new Z is ok looking, I like how they somewhat went back to the old tail-lights but the front is just undesirable

Here’s hoping a new GT-R will follow suit in the midst of the new Z.

An '83 Datsun 280 zx was my first car... still LOVE seeing them drive down the road.

His calmness around hippos

"SSS. Don't step on me, I've got venom brother." Has to be on a shirt 😤

These videos always makes our days better

Who ever edits these videos needs an applause 👏 🔥🔥🔥

I lived in Kanagawa prefecture not far from Yokohama stadium, now called Nissan stadium and Nissan global headquarters was the next canal over from my office. And I remember seeing an original burgundy red Z in the front window as I walked from Kanagawa station. I'll never forget that car. But I settled on a gt-r 33.

The only Japanese car I would get excited about finding in an old barn years from now would be a Z. Hell probably just as happy as if I found a Camaro or Mustang.

The fact that they used toilet paper as an oil filter is hilarious!

I’ve been a little distant on the vids lately but any vid with an r32 in the background deserves a listen

I've been a Z owner for almost 40yrs, and I learned new facts today from this video- thank you!

Day 181 of asking Donut to bring old B2B back

I cannot wait till the 400z comes out, depreciates and gets cheap! ( as in jdm car cheap )

Thank you for giving the 280zx a call out. Mine is 1983 t 450 jwt set up

Great vid as usual James. And btw, you look kinda of like RestorationM539 😄👍