http://bringatrailer.com/2012/12/06/bat-exclusive-impressive-restored-1972-triumph-tr6/ I have a soft spot for TR6's, but think that Z's are far more a practical classic to own than these also icons from the 70's, as I watch Ebaymart ,CL and Bat prices on TR's are creeping up and Z's $ seem to be dormid :disappoin

Supply and demand. Triumph made about 91,000 TR6s from 1969 to 1976. Nissan Made about 168,000 240Zs and about 220,000 260Z, 280Zs.

Plus, IMO, practicality is a detriment to Z values, not a plus. When buying something special, who wants practical?

first generation Zs are great cars, but they have way too many perceived things (production volume, country of origin, etc.) keeping them from catching on with most moneyed collectors.

Plus, IMO, practicality is a detriment to Z values, not a plus. When buying something special, who wants practical?

first generation Zs are great cars, but they have way too many perceived things (production volume, country of origin, etc.) keeping them from catching on with most moneyed collectors.

I rather have a practical , easy on maintenance , with parts availability at your local NAPA store ''Classic Sport Motor CAR''. I feel that my FrankenZvettestein Z is the best of two worlds, love the iconic looks and the super car performance

Edited December 6, 201212 yr by 72 OJ

Don't get me wrong - since I drive my "fun" cars at least semi-daily and year-round, practicality is important to me too. But too many car people don't want to pay big dollars for a "practical" car, they'd rather spend their money on something more "special".

I drove a 1974 TR-6 for five years. It's not half the sports car the Z is.

But it is an authentic sports car, convertible, and absolutely great for cruising.

In and around Arizona State University I didn't put the top up on my for over 2 years. Tonneau if it rained, or threatened.

If I had endless garage space I'd definitely own one, just for those sunny, top-down days.

Edited December 6, 201212 yr by Wade Nelson

That's a nice car. I'd drive it!

What eveybody said above about British roadsters is right. Fewer numbers and classic roadster looks make a difference. MGA prices have doubled in in the last five years.

My MGA was a great summer cruiser, but they 240Z drives drives so much better.

Ok Julio, that is true of British sports cars until the MGB. It actually has been called 'the most popular sports car in history' due to having the longest run and largest number of cars made (by the report of my British car friends). I have owned British cars. Didn't have much opportunity to drive them as they generally don't run. But, I've never lost money on one. Basically drag them home and after a year of frustration, sell it for the same or slightly more money. I think Tim Suddard has it right. Restore the body, replace everything mechanical with a rotary and new electronics. Then race the snot out of it...

I agree with 72OJ! When a car gets too valuable and too expensive to repair, it's no fun to drive anymore. I made a good investment when I bought a '66 mustang. It appreciated over the years, even bringing me a profit in a down economy. It was a far better investment than any of my "responsible" investments (e.g. stocks). However, it was too pretty, perfect, and valuable to drive and enjoy. I hate to say our most fun car is probably the Miata. It's not nearly as sexy a car as the Z, but it's cheap and fun. If something breaks, a replacement part is as close as the nearest wrecking yard. It's not completely a "no worries" car, as convertibles are really awful in the rain. The Z is a much better all-around sports car, IMO, but only because parts can still be found, and it's not particularly valuable.

If you want a "classic", you don't have to stray too far-you can always get a roadster.

I don't have any great hope of Z's escalating significantly in value but I will offer this: since the cars were sold as budget beaters, I would imagine that there are significantly fewer on the road in proportion to their original numbers, than cars that were harder to get into. So while they were a high volume car, I'd bet that well below half of those made are still around.

Almost bought a TR6 after discharged in early 72, bought my first Z from Stang Motors, $100 down, waited 1 week.