The first Z-car, the Nissan Fairlady Z, was sold in Japan back in October 1969, and was exported the same year as the Datsun 240Z. More than 1,685,000 models of the Z-car, through its five generations, have been sold worldwide since then. 40 years on, the Z-car has gone from strength to strength, with the latest 370Z gaining critical acclaim from driving enthusiasts around the world.

To mark the occasion, Nissan has launched a special edition 370Z that goes on sale early next year. Called the 370Z 40th Anniversary Special Edition, the model is based on the Touring version of the standard 370Z.

The 370Z 40th Anniversary Special Edition comes with a six-speed manual transmission, and Nissan's unique Synchro-Rev automatic rev-matching function. Other features include a limited-slip differential, bigger brakes than the regular model and 19-inch Rays forged wheels.

Special edition features include red leather trim, red stitching throughout the cabin and a number of commemorative plaques. The 40th Anniversary Special Edition is also finished in a unique "40th Quartz" paint scheme.