Nissan Z: 50 Years of Exhilarating Performance is the Nissan-official chronicle of Z history, from Datsun's planning for the new model in the late 1960s through the latest 50th anniversary Nissan 370Z and the all-new Z Proto.

The Datsun 240Z revolutionized the sports car industry and demolished established assumptions about Japanese automakers. With the Z, Datsun gave the world a sleek, sexy, fast product-one that forever banished the idea that Japanese manufacturers could only build economy cars. Over the past 50 years, six generations of the Z car have generated a massive, devoted following. More than 1.5 million cars have been sold worldwide. The retro-inspired 350Z reinvigorated the Z's fortunes in the 21st century, and the latest incarnation, the 370Z, continues the tradition of high-performance in a modern, affordable package. In addition, the all-new Z Proto points the way forward for Z-car performance.

In addition to a complete history of the Z, this handsomely illustrated book examines the cars significant racing history with successes in IMSA and SCCA sports car racing, including extensive racing by Paul Newman for Bob Sharp and John Morton with Brock Racing Enterprises. Special attention is devoted to the cult of Z-fans around the world who have supported Nissans sports car through thick and thin and the early car's emergence as a rapidly appreciating collector car. The story is told by author Pete Evanow, who has enjoyed a long relationship with Nissan. His insights into the history of this automotive icon provide a fresh, compelling perspective on the five decades of the Z that no enthusiast will want to miss.

Pete Evanow spent many years working for Ford-associated brands, including Saleen AutoSport, where he served as Vice President of Marketing, overseeing the promotion of the company's Mustangs and its race teams, as well as the Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving in Phoenix, where he was Vice President of Sales & Marketing during the period when Ford was the school's overall sponsor, providing Mustangs, Taurus SHO instructor vehicles, and Formula Ford racecars. Evanow also worked in Dearborn for Campbell Marketing and Communications, a motorsports, public relations, and marketing agency closely aligned with Ford. As a collector of classic cars, Evanow has owned a 1965 Thunderbird Special Landau, a 1966 Mustang Convertible, several Explorers, and a 1993 Bronco (which he wishes he still had). He currently drives a 1966 Ranchero on weekends. Evanow also worked at Nissan Motorsports and is the author of Motorbooks' Nissan Z, the official 50th anniversary history of this legendary Japanese sports car. He currently teaches Advertising courses at California State University, Fullerton, and Sports & Entertainment Marketing classes at Chapman University in Orange, California, as well as consults with automotive clients. He resides in Orange County, California.