I'd like to believe that, but...
First, the production numbers don't support that theory. The roadster had
been on the market for years and only sold 50,000 units. The Z was wildly
popular from day one. The waiting list was well over a year long. People
were putting money down and ordering a car, then selling their place in
line for twice the down payment as the delivery date got close.
Second, the Z was perceived as an inexpensive Jag XK-E. Similar
proportions, very nice lines, 6-cyl engine, 4-wheel independent
suspension, and it was affordable. The Jag was $6500 in 1970.
Third, the whole definition of "affordable sports car" changed in the
early 1970's, beginning with the Z and followed the next year by the
Porsche 914. I don't think another "early-style" sports car was
introduced after that until the Miata (and it was an admitted Lotus Elan
copy).
No, the roadster went out of production because the world changed.
CRAIG HALSTED wrote:
> the way I heard it was that Datsun wanted the Z to be it's world car
> and the roadsters were taking away too many sales in the showrooms.
> face it- customer goes into dealership. looks at new Z car. closed
> car, 4 speed. around $3150. then he sees that nice 2000 roadster on
> the floor. a drop top.....similar horsepower to weight ratio....5
> speed.....3 tops.....for a few hundred dollars less. neither one made
> to take the kids along. they just weren't going to sell that huge
> number of Z's to the public when they were providing such strong
> competition on their own showroom floors- so the roadster got phased
> out.
>
> Craig Halsted
> upstate NY
> roadsters
--
Gordon Glasgow
Renton, WA
http://www.gordon-glasgow.org
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