Back in the mists of time when just about everything seemed to have rear-wheel drive, I was particularly impressed by a sleek coupe competition machine, the Datsun 240Z which, in 1973, won the East African Safari Rally.

I saw it in action in the 1970s while helping to organise an event called the Southern Stages which ultimately developed into the Sunseeker Rally, and at the time I was running a battered, but spirited, VW Beetle.

If all this sounds like romantic history, it’s perhaps appropriate as I had bought the VW from a Kenyan-born colleague by the name of Philippa Gregory who, with more sophisticated prose than mine, has gone on to enjoy a fabulously successful career as a best-selling author!

The Nissan 350Z is a no-compromise sports car that emulates the philosophy behind the legendary 240Z of the early 70s, mixing technological excellence with passion in an eminently practical package.

First introduced in 2003 in coupe form and from 2005 in roadster form, both models share the same two-seater sports car formula, with rear-wheel drive, dramatic styling and equally dramatic performance from a 3.5 litre, V6 engine, substantially modified to pump out 313PS.

Then there’s the powerful, race-developed Brembo brakes, the almost perfect front-to-rear weight distribution, a low centre of gravity, and multi-link independent suspension all-round ensuring it handles as well as it goes.

Despite its mouth-watering spec, the 350Z is one of the most competitively priced, 155mph, two-seater sports cars available, the roadsters priced from £28,197, with low depreciation and insurance costs.

Cars constantly evolve and already the coupe’s successor, the more powerful 370Z, has just been revealed for launch this year, but the current 350 is firmly established as a timeless classic and the roadster will take a while to supercede.

Who wants a soft-top car at this time of year? Well you’re planning summer holidays, aren’t you? Blue skies are ahead!

To enjoy them, the roadster’s automatic roof transforms from top up to top down in around 20 seconds and in either mode looks every inch as sensational as its coupe sister.

I think I prefer the looks of the roadster – especially with the roof down – and roof up it’s not too chilly around the ears in the winter. Rather, it’s a cosy mode of transport for two to travel and arrive in style and comfort.

Because Nissan expects owners to be spending a lot of time in the 350Z’s low-slung driving position a lot of spec comes as standard including air conditioning, a trip computer and a 160W radio/cassette and in-dash six-CD autochanger.

Although with an exhaust note specially tuned for maximum effect, Nissan suspects most drivers will prefer the vociferous sound of the V6 engine.

In standard trim the 350Z comes with 18in RAYS forged alloy wheels, stability control and bi-xenon headlamps with washers.

The model line-up has been kept deliberately simple and as well as the standard model, both coupe and roadster are also available in ‘GT Pack’ form, which adds cruise control, heated and electric leather seats and a premium Bose audio system, and this is how the test Roadster arrived.

Although the car’s top speed is electronically limited to 155mph, the time taken for the coupe’s 0-60mph dash is just 5.5 seconds, and 5.9 for the roadster.

The cockpit is great. Like snuggling into your favourite armchair, it instantly feels right.

Deeply sculpted, the driver seat holds you firmly in place, while the passenger seat is wider, perfect for cruising in comfort.