
The Datsun B-210 was the right car at the right time. In mid-1973, the OPEC embargo had Americans lining up around the block for gas. The beastly muscle cars of the late 1960s were too thirsty, and the latest replacements from Detroit were strangled and listless. As if on cue, Datsun kicked off the 1974…

Held for over 70 years in the Buess Family Collection of Brass and Steam cars A particularly original example Optional 25-inch wheels Gas-fired headlights 2-seat runabout body

Restored in original Showroom Green 221-ci flathead engine Offenhauser aluminum heads 3-speed manual Corduroy seat covers From the Vault Portfolio

Two-year frame-off restoration Super Turbo-Fire 283-ci V8 Dual 4-bbl carburetors 2-speed Powerglide automatic transmission Matador Red and India Ivory From the Vault Collection

The year was 1990, and the venue was Laguna Seca raceway. I was there to get some open track time in an MGB. My run group that day included a deep crimson Maserati Biturbo, and I spent several hours studying every detail of the taillights and rear end. That happened because passing wasn’t allowed in…

15-hp DC electric motor Mechanical speed controller Rear-wheel mechanical brakes Semi-elliptic springs Formerly part of Harrah’s Collection

Everyone has a Z-car story. If you didn’t own one yourself, you knew someone who did. Datsun (later Nissan) built an affordable 2-seat fastback sports car with respectable power and handling — and enthusiasts bought them in large numbers. However, the evolution of the Z-car is a cautionary tale for automakers because Nissan was too…