celebrity owned z's

[hr369]

Apparently z's that were owned by "celebrities" are worth more. Curious to see how far this one is run up.

Was this guy "world famous" ??? Never heard of the guy and I grew up in the 70's

Car looks like a solid numbers matching car and the sellers are open to international buyers. This one is probably going to end up

overseas.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/CELEBRITY-OWNED-BEAUTIFUL-1971-DATSUN-240Z-NO-RESERVE-/140895078422?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&hash=item20ce004816

[cbuczesk]

Typically, any car owned by a celebrity is worth more. Yes, Steve Prefontaine is world famous. There have been movies made about him. The ad says, "Mr. Prefontaine was arguably the greatest American Olympic distance runner in history. He was unstoppable on the track; and at the height of his career, he held every American track and field record from the 2,000 to the 10,000 meters. Google his name “Steve Prefontaine” for more information."

The car looks pretty clean to me.

Chuck

[sblake01]

I never understood why who owns or owned a car could make it worth more though that has always seemed to be the case. Unless it was especially built for the individual, It's the same car thay you or I could have bought. A friend of mine once owned one of Hubert Platt's Mustangs. By the time he got it, it was pretty much just a clapped out race car. He still paid more for it than one would have paid for any other 'garden variety' Mustang simply of because of it's notable previous owner. For those that don't know, Hubert Platt, who was known as the 'Georgia Shaker', was a successful NHRA drag racer in the 60s and 70s.

Edited December 11, 2012 by sblake01

[siteunseen]

Maybe Bruce Kardashian rode around in it.

[esmit208]

If you have that much money lying around why wouldn't you find one worth restoring to a condition that YOU want? All that "MATCHING NUMBERS" crap in the end means nothing anyway other than conversation material while you stand around drinking beers at the next enthusiast meeting. If you plan on using these cars the way they were meant to be used you will be replacing wear and tear items anyway. And who wants a garage queen anyway?

[Arne]

Ironically, Pre (as he was known) died on May 30, 1975 when he rolled his MGB roadster on Skyline Blvd in Eugene, Oregon. Looks like his Z faired better.

Edited December 12, 2012 by Arne

[tlorber]

John Voigt owned a Chrysler Le Baron, and that was pretty sought after.

[hr369]

Ironically, Pre (as he was known) died on May 30, 1975 when he rolled his MGB roadster on Skyline Blvd in Eugene, Oregon. Looks like his Z faired better.

He would still be alive if he had kept the better handling 240z. egads those front tires look like there is no tread.

[Carl Beck]

Seems that someone got a very interesting piece of history - along with a very nice 240Z - all at a reasonable price. It it turns out to be in the condition as presented - should be a very happy new owner.

FWIW,

Carl B.

[marvelous240Z]

Hi everyone. Just wanted to let you all know that I purchased this 240Z (not at the sellers asking price by the way). The first winner of the auction never paid so I jumped in with an offer the second go around. The car is currently being shipped from CA to NY and I am expecting it to arrive next week. I didn't purchase the car for the "celebrity" status claim. I purchased it because it looks like a very original, unmolested example of a '71 240Z. Looks to be in pretty good condition but we will see when it arrives. The previous owner did not have much documentation. He got it from an estate sale. I was actually able to confirm some of his Steve Prefontaine ownership claims by getting in touch with Steve's sister and mother. They were very happy to talk to me. Steve did not actually own the car for any prolonged period of time. It was purchased by him and his friends in OR, along with many other 240Z's, which they use to drive across the border to CA and resell for a quick profit. There was a waiting list for these cars at the time as well as no sales tax in OR. Like I said I wasn't really interested in his celebrity ownership claims but is an interesting story none the less. I would still like to track down some documentation. Next step is to try to find out who Steve sold the car to in CA.

Matt

[Carl Beck]

Hi Matt:

Good for you!! The Story about why he bought it - - adds as much collector interest, as who the owner was! Do take some detailed pictures to show us when it arrives..

FWIW,

Carl B.