Quote: I assume that the sentiment about the auto trans would also apply to such true classics as the AC Shelby Cobra, yet two were built new with such a trans.
One of them is still owned [i believe] by the original owner, a fellow by the name of Carol Shelby. I was also of the belief that the other was built for Bill Cosby & it ran either twin turbo's or a 427 cammer [or both, I forget]
If an auto is good enough for the father of both the Cobra & the Viper, then it's good enough for me.

When adequate power is available, I don't think an auto is any sort of dissadvantage, & while I think this particular Z is a yawn, I think it qualifies under the heading of 'adequate power'

The Z was a mass produced Datsun, yet we have no reservations about performing similar mechanical changes to our own much loved mass produced Datsuns with the fitment of L series, CA, SR, & FJ engines. [and more] If the Z was a hand built, limited production classic, then I might agree, but it isn't, instead, like our own beloved rides, it's just another car. Is it a classic? Not yet, but eventually when it becomes rare enough.