Yutaka Katayama, Father Of The Nissan Z, Dies At 105

Published on February 25, 2015 in News by Frédérick Boucher-Gaulin

Mr. K, with a Datsun 240Z

Yutaka Katayama, one of Nissan’s most emblematic figures of the last century, died on February 19th, 2015. Automotive enthusiasts will remember him as the driving force behind the launch of the Datsun 240Z in North America, but the man nicknamed Mr. K accomplished much more.

Born in 1909, Mr. Katayama landed a job at Nissan as soon as he got out of university, in 1935. He got promoted quickly (and survived WWII performing his job in administration), eventually convincing the brand to open a Nissan division in North America. He was rewarded with the reins of this branch in 1960 (he was theoretically only vice-president then, but since the real president was in Tokyo, Mr. Katayama is considered to be the first US-based president of Nissan North America). Throughout his career, Mr. K pushed for the launch of sportier cars; the first Datsun 510 (with a 1.6-litre engine, better suited to American roads) was unveiled in 1968. This innocuous small sedan is still revered today: with its independent suspension and its lightweight and rev-happy engine, it won numerous races against more powerful competitors.

1970 marked the debut of the Datsun 240Z (named Fairlady Z in Japan). This legendary sports car was imported to America by Mr. K, and it broadened the public’s perception of the brand. Today’s Nissan 370Z is a direct descendant of this coupe, and various iterations of the Z have had enormous success over the years.

Yutaka Katayama retired in 1977, and was eventually inducted into the Automotive Hall of Fame in 1998 for his achievements. He was inducted into the Japan Automotive Hall of Fame 10 years later.

Mr. Katayama died on February 19th. He was 105 years-old.