2009 Nissan Fairlady Z 40th Anniversary — Japan
Explore the Fairlady Z 40th Anniversary — Japan: history, verified identity, specification references, rarity evidence and real credited photos.
Japan's Fairlady Z 40th Anniversary went on sale on 15 October 2009, marking four decades since the original Fairlady Z. Nissan based the coupe on Version ST and offered six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission. Its original announcement defines a one-year availability window, rather than the US edition's one-thousand-car allocation. This profile corrects the inventory's 2010 reference while preserving the Japanese car's distinct market and ordering identity.
An October 2009 introduction
Nissan announced the anniversary coupe alongside the new Fairlady Z Roadster and routine coupe updates. Those subjects share a press release, but they are not the same model. The anniversary vehicle described here is the Version ST-based coupe. Reading the relevant section carefully prevents the roadster's roof mechanism, seat options or body-colour list from being copied into an anniversary coupe specification simply because they appear nearby.
Nissan: original Japanese Fairlady Z 40th Anniversary announcement
Version ST and two transmissions
The Japanese anniversary package was based on Version ST and explicitly covered both 6MT and 7AT versions. That is an important difference from the US package's manual-only configuration. The announcement establishes commemorative equipment rather than a distinct anniversary engine tune. An individual record should retain its original transmission and Japanese grade information, with subsequent swaps or imported-market descriptions recorded separately instead of changing the factory identity.
Red trim and anniversary markings
Nissan listed dedicated leather and suede-like combination seats, red door trim and commemorative seatback engraving. Red stitching appeared on the steering wheel and several cabin surfaces, with an anniversary emblem on the rear body. These details help a researcher understand the intended package, but they remain supporting evidence. An ordinary Z34 can receive replacement anniversary seats or badges, so a collection of matching parts is not equivalent to a documented original edition.
Nissan: original Japanese Fairlady Z 40th Anniversary announcement
A broader colour offer than the US package
The Japanese announcement names Metal Gray, Premium Deep Maroon, Brilliant White Pearl, silver, Diamond Black and Vibrant Red. It also specifies dark-chrome RAYS forged wheels and red Sport Brake calipers. The list makes clear why a Japanese anniversary car need not have the US 40th Graphite appearance. Original paint documentation is especially useful when distinguishing a factory colour from a later repaint or an imported car's marketing description.
Nissan: original Japanese Fairlady Z 40th Anniversary announcement
A sales window is its rarity boundary
Nissan said the special edition would be available nationwide for one year following release. That is a documented time limit, not a numerical cap or a completed total. This profile leaves the production field blank and does not borrow the US thousand-unit figure. To authenticate an example, combine Japanese delivery and registration records with the anniversary package details, then document later ownership, export and changes without counting those events as additional cars.
Specifications and identity reference
| Japanese release | 15 October 2009 |
|---|---|
| Family / body | Z34 Fairlady Z coupe |
| Base grade | Version ST |
| Transmissions | Six-speed manual / seven-speed automatic |
| Cabin | Red anniversary leather/suede-like trim |
| Wheels / brakes | Dark-chrome RAYS forged wheels / red calipers |
| Sales boundary | One year after release |
| Numerical completed total | Not assigned; US 1,000 figure excluded |
Rarity and production scope
Verified Japanese anniversary coupe offered for a one-year period from October 2009. No numerical cap is claimed from that sales window, and the separate US allocation is not applied. The inventory's 2010 wording remains an audit alias rather than a second identity.
What the photograph represents
Japanese Fairlady Z 40th Anniversary photographed at a later event. This is a reference for the Japanese edition, not evidence of membership in the separate US 1,000-car allocation.
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Frequently asked questions
Was the Japanese anniversary edition manual-only?
No. Nissan listed six-speed manual and seven-speed automatic Version ST-based cars.
Were just one thousand sold in Japan?
The cited Japanese announcement gives a one-year availability period, not that numerical cap.
What is the production-count boundary for this profile?
Verified Japanese anniversary coupe offered for a one-year period from October 2009. No numerical cap is claimed from that sales window, and the separate US allocation is not applied. The inventory's 2010 wording remains an audit alias rather than a second identity.
Sources and further reading
Research checked 16 October 2026. Manufacturer records support identity and the specifically attributed historical figures. Photographic descriptions identify the illustrated subject. Design analysis and suggested authentication steps are editorial interpretation.
Built in limited numbers
Verified Japanese anniversary coupe offered for a one-year period from October 2009. No numerical cap is claimed from that sales window, and the separate US allocation is not applied. The inventory's 2010 wording remains an audit alias rather than a second identity.
Gallery
Specifications
Factory specifications may vary by model year, market and configuration.
Identity & production
- Official model
- Nissan Fairlady Z 40th Anniversary — Japan
Sources and verification
Source citations are being prepared for this profile.
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