Discussing 240Z values, especially Low VIN

[rdefabri]

I find this fascinating. Rhetorically speaking, are early production models worth that much more than a later 240Z? For those of us here, perhaps that's true, but to an "average" buyer, I'd think there's not much difference.

Recently, I had my 1972 for sale. It's in far superior cosmetic shape, and it's numbers matching. Yet, I couldn't yield more than $3,500 for mine (a blessing in disguise - I am happy to keep mine).

For me, $5,200 seems quite a lot for this car.

[WingZr0]

I find this fascinating. Rhetorically speaking, are early production models worth that much more than a later 240Z? For those of us here, perhaps that's true, but to an "average" buyer, I'd think there's not much difference.

Recently, I had my 1972 for sale. It's in far superior cosmetic shape, and it's numbers matching. Yet, I couldn't yield more than $3,500 for mine (a blessing in disguise - I am happy to keep mine).

For me, $5,200 seems quite a lot for this car.

True, but for those who know and with that

little bit o' extra coin in thier pocket....

~Z~

[rdefabri]

True, but for those who know and with that

little bit o' extra coin in thier pocket....

~Z~

Yes, of course. That's an observation I've made with the Z-car - there was another thread on this and I posted my thoughts. It's a tough car to sell because you either have to attract someone that really wants one or someone that knows them well. It's not like a classic 'Vette or even my E-Type - a casual buyer may jump to purchase one. That may even be defined by geography - here in NJ, you don't see that many of them. There were more MG-TDs (3) than there were 240Zs (mine, only one) at the last car show I entered FWIW.

I meant this not as a knock - I am just surprised that $5,200 gets you this. I would think that's either a) too high or my Z is valued too low.

[WingZr0]

Yes, of course. That's an observation I've made with the Z-car - there was another thread on this and I posted my thoughts. It's a tough car to sell because you either have to attract someone that really wants one or someone that knows them well. It's not like a classic 'Vette or even my E-Type - a casual buyer may jump to purchase one. That may even be defined by geography - here in NJ, you don't see that many of them. There were more MG-TDs (3) than there were 240Zs (mine, only one) at the last car show I entered FWIW.

I meant this not as a knock - I am just surprised that $5,200 gets you this. I would think that's either a) too high or my Z is valued too low.

Well put it this way,

1 you'd figured any crusted "one of the first few" of any modle of car

will be considered more valuble than any more that came after it.

2 Your Z would be priced a few notches below it but,

3 in this case your Z should be priced on par with this rare find of #486

which brings us to,

4 theres still many of our S30 Z cars out there that the price remains

relatively low consideirng you can always take the same coin for a

turn key Z like yours and go and buy a comparitively priced Z of

your own and build it the way you like to have it from the beginning.

Not to say theres nothing wrong with a aready well built Z but most

of our babies running around now started off as some ones project anyway

now a days.

The unrestored original ones are pretty coin and the restorable ones

are like 2 or 3 grand ($2,000-$3,000) here in Califronia anyway.

And most of those are decent shape turn key daily drivers to

start out with with $4,000 to $5,000 netting you a clean,

no problems mechanically sound and near if not flawless paint '76 to

'78 Z last time I checked the papers.

For example I paid $2,000 for my 99.95% rust free '77 with

great Wine Red Metallic paint (original color repaint).

Put $1,700 rebuilding the engine.

And plan to spend another $5,000 to do it all my way the first time to

put back on the road.

We're talking 6-2 headers, new exhaust line, NOS center Counsel,

carpet kit, MSA disc conversion, oil cooler, Nisimo fuel pump, Nismo oil pump,

electric fan, Alum Radiator, quick steering knuckles and

berings and bushings to name a few list of things.

All figured if done right my Z should be worth 9k for a mod'd turn

key car,.... or so one would think

Wierd market our Z's are.

~Z~

Edited September 9, 2008 by WingZr0

[xray]

It's an F500 car...first boatload, according to Carl's site. Truly, low VIN. That cachet gives you a couple thousand premium over any other project car, not sure what it'd get you after restoration since there are so many variables with quality of work, attention to detail etc.

[WingZr0]

It's an F500 car...first boatload, according to Carl's site. Truly, low VIN. That cachet gives you a couple thousand premium over any other project car, not sure what it'd get you after restoration since there are so many variables with quality of work, attention to detail etc.

True that for sure,

But I still think the sheer number of our cars on the roads remaining

throws us in a space time continueum flux.

Theres at least 25 to 30 S30Z's in my area alone.

I know of close to ten still bieng daily driving off the top of my head.

Some seem to pop up cause some one saw one and had to go have

one also themselves, just like this all primered 240Z on black Enkie

mesh rims and black fender arches with what appears to be HKS

exhaust pipe which turned up around a month and a half ago.

And is new to the area since I now where the owner lives and

all they used to drive where Hondas.

~Z~

Edited September 9, 2008 by WingZr0

[sblake01]

Oh, I don't know. What you put in it is not what it's worth to anyone but you. Especially in the case of a 77 like yours, or a 78 like mine. I have far less than half of that in mine and have been able to drive and enjoy it from virtually the first day I bought it. But many times more 280Zs were made than 240Zs. So, how do you define worth? I still contend that it's what someone is willing to pay. Lots of variables there but I've seen low number cars that I wouldn't want to own because of the way I use a car. I like to drive them, not look at them. I don't care what others think of them. There is no set 'book' on what a 240Z is worth, regardless of what anyone says. They just haven't reached that stature yet. And as much as people will argue the point, I don't think they will in my lifetime. The only reason I'd be interested in 488 is because I once owned it. I was the first new car I ever purchased. Just a pipe dream. Sentimental value. I wouldn't be willing to spend upwards of 20-30K or more just to relive those days.

Edited September 9, 2008 by sblake01

[rdefabri]

Stephen sums it up well - I suppose if someone has to have an F500 car, they'll pay what I'll call a premium.

FWIW - at the car show I attended, some people asked me what I'd sell my car for. I said about $6,500.00 - some thought that was reasonable. Being mindful that there aren't many running around in the rust belt, that might not be a bad deal. On eBay, I couldn't crack $3,500.00 (but considering eBay isn't the best for classic cars, I shouldn't be surprised).

[BRE-240Z]

FWIW - at the car show I attended, some people asked me what I'd sell my car for. I said about $6,500.00 - some thought that was reasonable. Being mindful that there aren't many running around in the rust belt, that might not be a bad deal. On eBay, I couldn't crack $3,500.00 (but considering eBay isn't the best for classic cars, I shouldn't be surprised).

I don't know. I recently attended an estate auction in South Carolina, and there was a non-op '71 240Z on the block. It had very little rust and was supposedly a low-mileage car, but wasn't terribly original (had a '78 hood, aftermarket wheels, at least one repaint, 280Z seats, etc). The car ended up going for $7500. I was very surprised that the car commanded that kind of money, especially for a derelict vehicle, a total unknown with no maintenance records and a trashed interior.

This is just anecdotal evidence, of course, but my sense is that the market is trending upwards at the moment.

Edited September 10, 2008 by BRE-240Z

[mally002]

I'm really surprised that your car didn't break $3500 on Ebay, I don't know anything about it but it sounds like it doesnt need much....or does it?

My 1973 went for $11,000 on Ebay, obviously not a low vin or anything speacial, just a very clean original car.

If I had not just bought this other 73 I would seriously consider buying the 69 car that Carl posted. Think they will trade for a 73.........

[sblake01]

The previous three posts just fortifiy my contention. They are, like anything else, 'worth' what someone is willing to pay for them at the time.

[Sailor Bob]

I agree that timing plays a very large part. If that person or those people (actual buyers) are in play at that time - you will get a good price, if not well - too bad, hope you can wait for a better time.

Supply is still outweighing demand.