14. Datsun 240Z (1969-1973)
The Datsun 240Z transformed the sports car landscape by offering style, performance, and reliability at a price within reach of everyday drivers. Its sleek design, smooth inline-six engine, and dependable build quality made it a sensation, inspiring generations of enthusiasts. The 240Z’s formula still echoes in today’s Z series and countless other coupes. As Hemmings explains, the 240Z’s impact on affordable sports cars remains profound and enduring.