Z-Party: Nissan marks 40 years of sports-car fun

It's one of the most iconic names in the auto world: The Z car. No matter the number--240, 350, 370--that singular letter rings true with enthusiasts. And the style, power and pure fun of Nissan's famous sports car are being celebrated this week around Nashville.

The 23rd annual international Z car convention started Wednesday and runs through Sunday. The festivities will mark the 40th anniversary of the original Datsun 240Z, and the very first one imported to America, serial No. 006, will be on display. Mr. K, Yutaka Katayma, also known as the father of the car, will appear via video feed.

There will be a day-long car show on the front lawn of Nissan's headquarters on Saturday. There will be hundreds of privately owned Z-cars, plus the full range of current models. Peter Brock will headline the list of former Z-car racers at the event.

“The Z is so much a part of our company's heritage and soul,” Nissan marketing vice president Jon Brancheau said in a statement. “We're reminded at events like this that we must never forget the car and the racers that helped put Nissan on the map in North America.”

Meanwhile, Nissan will also debut the redesigned Rogue crossover at the event.

By Greg Migliore