Beautiful silver 240 on Ebay

[geezer]

Jerry - I agree 100% on your reasoning. The one you had the high bid on would make a very good starting point on a correct restoration. I was thinking only in terms of the market value of a daily driver in the condition as presented. The cars sold on Ebay, or anywhere else reach a much more diversified market than just someone interested in "correct". It's like comparing apples and oranges. What's right for you, doesn't nessesarily cut it for the next guy. I bought my Z with the intentions of doing a V8 swap. I already had the drivetrain and still do (all 580hp). It would have made a nice toy, but after getting the car home I didn't have the heart to do it. It just didn't seem right. Now it's the last thing I would do and probably would have been better off holding out for one like the one your interested in. I hope you and the seller can come together. It looks to be a great project for you and your son. Good Luck!

[Carl Beck]

The car originally in question sold for $14,100.00. Not to rub it in or anything like that, but I thought the seller would do well. I actually believed the auction was going to end early with a BUY it NOW.

Hi Ron (everyone)

No question the "seller" did well. I personally believe the "buyer" did not. Several other, far better cars, with far better documentation have passed though E-Bay in the past few months for that price or less ... just why this buyer paid what he did for that car is beyond me.

Granted that you think it's understandable and I understand your rational. However rationalized - it represents IMHO - very poor decision making on the part of the buyer, because he isn't getting the full value out of his money.

I think the difference here in placing a value on these cars is mostly on each individuals perception in their particular situation. Many of you are well connected, see many of these cars and have been very familiar with them for many years. You may live in an area where you occasionally see one driving down the street. You would have to get one heck of a good deal before you resorted to buying one off Ebay because you can find them locally at a very good price.

I understand what your saying - but.... This really isn't about what we would pay is it? ... it's about what people that are knowledgeable of the specific models and who have shopped the current market.. would honestly recommend that someone else pay - and hopefully support that recommendation with examples relevant to the discussion.

If the prospective buyer had come here - done his research... I wonder if he would have paid that amount for that car, or if he would have contiuned to shop for a better car at the same price, or a like condition car for half the price.

FWIW,

Carl B.

[lonetreesteve]

Hi Ron (everyone)

No question the "seller" did well. I personally believe the "buyer" did not. Several other, far better cars, with far better documentation have passed though E-Bay in the past few months for that price or less ... just why this buyer paid what he did for that car is beyond me.

Granted that you think it's understandable and I understand your rational. However rationalized - it represents IMHO - very poor decision making on the part of the buyer, because he isn't getting the full value out of his money.

I understand what your saying - but.... This really isn't about what we would pay is it? ... it's about what people that are knowledgeable of the specific models and who have shopped the current market.. would honestly recommend that someone else pay - and hopefully support that recommendation with examples relevant to the discussion.

If the prospective buyer had come here - done his research... I wonder if he would have paid that amount for that car, or if he would have continued to shop for a better car at the same price, or a like condition car for half the price.

FWIW,

Carl B.

Carl,

I understand where you are coming from, but there were four other buyers with bids of $10,000.00 or more. The winning bidder wasn't the only one who loved this car; in fact, the second highest bidder was at $14,000.00, the third at $12,800.00, the fourth at $11,500.00 and the fifth highest at $10,0001. If you ask me, I think the 240Z market landscape is changing and that's a good thing for all of us.

[280z1975]

snip ...I think the 240Z market landscape is changing and that's a good thing for all of us.

Depends on which side you are coming from, buying (bad) or selling (good)

[lonetreesteve]

Depends on which side you are coming from, buying (bad) or selling (good)

That is very true, Gregg!

[Jeff G 78]

While I understand and appreciate Carl's point of view, I think it is important to understand that NOT EVERYBODY wants an original car. Yes, the carpet, wheels, and door panels are not "correct", but many of us would much rather have large Panasports, a 5 speed trans, and other non-original items than 14" steel wheels with perfect condition D hubcaps and period correct skinny tires. Just because there are much more original 240s on the market for similar money, it doesn't mean those cars are right for everybody. Maybe the high bidder WANTS a car with full carpet, a 5-speed trans, rear disc brakes, Panasport wheels and modern tires. He might look at a bone stock Z and see dollar signs for what he will have to spend to modify that stock Z into his idea of the perfect Z. I love to see a bone stock Z at a car show, but I wouldn't want to own one. My Z has mods that make ME happy. For some, a V8 swap makes for the perfect Z. Others might go for fender flairs, or a carbon fiber hood. My point is that $14,100 might be a bargain if the car meets the buyers needs and is as clean as the seller claims. A car show with only showroom original Z cars would be rather boring. When the majority of the cars have been modified in one way or another, it's obvious that I'm not the only one who appreciates well done upgrades.

[76Datsun280z]

Ditto, I like what you had to say Jeff, I agree with you 100% on that