Japanese Car Spotters Guide - 1969

October 1968 saw the new 1969 models released with a new coupé (the KB10) added. Marketed as a "Sunny Coupé" in Japan, it was available in a wide variety of levels from "Standard", to "GL" (ostensibly "Grande Luxe"). The range of factory options and accessories was by this time vast. Total horsepower in the 1968 model was claimed to be 62 hp (46 kW) at 6000 rpm. All of the other models got new grilles and larger tail lights, which now included reversing lights in the van/wagon model. The only other country that received the coupé was Australia, where it was marketed as the "Datsun 1000 Coupé". It was well equipped, and was available only in the Deluxe level of trim.

The Australian Deluxe model came standard with many inclusions that were available only as options in the Japanese model. The engine in the coupé had higher compression, a different Hitachi carburettor, and a dual outlet exhaust manifold. These changes increased its power output to 66 hp (a 4 hp (3 kW), or 6.5% increase over other models). Unlike the other models, the coupé was only ever made in right drive. To pick a 1969 model, look check the grille which has 3 horizontal bars with the same emblem as the 1968 model.

The Slinky Japanese 240Z coupe launched in 1969 with 2.4-litre straight-six and rear-wheel-drive. The 'Z' was one of Japan's first successful sports cars, and definitely the best looking to come out of the East.