72' 240z

[rocketman]

Hi!

I am new to this forum and was doing some research on the 72 240Z's. I am interested in buying one. I ran across this one that sold on ebay. Is this one in truly such an original condition that it commands this price? What do they typically go for?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/ebayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1837713131&r=0&t=0

thanks!

[ZmeFly]

thats ebay for you and people bidding stupidly

i bought my 71 from la california, only three small areas of light and i mean light surface rust, with new tires rebuilt head recaro seats, new tires for 2800. shop around and dont go to ebay thats just rediculous

[Alfadog]

Actually from the description and pictures that Z does look mighty impressive... can't say how much it would be worth but that price doesnt seem too outrageous to me...

[HS30-H]

Amen to that ALFADOG,

That looks like an extremely straight and honest car, and would surely be worth what it went for. If Z owners and enthusiasts in CA think that is too expensive then they will gradually see many of the CA cars filtering out into other states or going for export.

Here in the UK, there are already quite a few ex-USA "dry state" cars that have been imported and some of them are converted to RHD using rusted out original UK imports as donors.This is much cheaper than trying to restore a rusted UK car, and you end up with something that is better than the patchwork quilt of welded repairs that some of them become.

What we will see over the next ten years or so is that the world situation on Z car prices will "normalise" compared to the current situation. The cars that are in the best condition will start to command high prices and move long distances to end up with appreciative owners, and the ones that are not so good will be left to the local market. I guess with the volume of cars in the USA, and particularly in the dry states, that some people might not notice this straight away. However, the fact that genuine factory repair panels ( such as rear quarters, inner wings and doors ) are in such short supply will make highly original undamaged and unrusted cars increase in value..........

This particular car seems to be missing its bonnet / hood emblem ( and I can't see the holes - so maybe its been painted ) and those wheels are NOT rare factory options for the 240Z ( they are the so-called "Iron Cross" alloys and are much later ) - but this always happens when non-Z people advertise cars for sale. Before buying any old car a prospective buyer has to try to learn all they can about the particular model type - so that they will be able to judge what they are looking at.

I agree about e-bay though; who would bid for a car without being able to inspect it ( unless it was REALLY cheap )?

Alan T.

[jcdozier]

If the car is as original and pristine as advertised, and with the original documentation (window sticker, manuals, etc.), the price isn't bad. If one is into the "original thing", finding, buying and restoring an "average" Z to original condition will cost at least that much. A truly original Z in really good condition is a rare find.

The "average" Z out there has some rust, some worn out parts (suspension bushings, 30-year-old springs, etc.) and a lot of miles on it. Typically, the clock hasn't worked since 1983, the radio (and antenna) has been replaced, the dash is cracked and the seats show substantial wear. The engine needs some work - probably burns a few quarts of oil between changes - the radiator should be replaced, and the fuel tank hoses are shot. the average Z is looking for a new owner who likes tinkering with cars and enjoys driving a really great old car.

With a little patience and luck, one can find a pretty good 240-Z that will only need a little work for under $4,000. If one is willing to do some rust repair and other "medium-heavy" work, there are "average" 240s out there for half that price. Understand we're not talking "original 240-Z" here, but ones that have been "improved" by the PO and driven for many miles, but that are excellent cars nonetheless - cars that one can "personalize" and drive and have fun with.

[rocketman]

thanks for the responses! on that ebay car, are the seats stock and does the repaint look to be a factory color? also i'd appreciate any links to the torque and h-p charts for a 72 240Z.

[72zcar]

zcar Sspecifications

http://www.geocities.com/~z-car/specs/

[patmsb]

Do your homework is a very good idea. Talking to people that know this car really helped me on what to look for and how much to pay. I'm going to see a 1974 260z on monday and I'm going to take a digital cammera and then let some people that I met on this site look and judge the car for me. The guy that's selling the car is really firm on $4000.00 U.S. and it better be in exllent condit. for that price. Well see. Taking your time on buying things is the key for a good buy, unless you absolutly know for a fact it's a awsome buy for the price.

[rocketman]

thanks again for all the info!