The 240Z is important because it proved a sports car could be beautiful, engaging, and attainable at the same time. Its long-hood proportions, inline-six layout, and rear-wheel-drive balance made it one of the defining Japanese performance cars of its era, while its motorsport reputation gave it real credibility beyond styling alone. Nissan lists the 240Z’s 2.4-liter inline-six at 151 hp in period U.S. specification, which is part of what made the car feel lively without losing its approachable character.