240Z Being Auctioned On Bat

[Montana Z]

There's a 240z being auctioned on http://bringatrailer.com/listing/1972-datsun-240z/ .  It looks pretty rough so I guess we'll see where it ends up.

Edited March 14, 2015 by Montana Z

[Montana Z]

So the Z on Bring a Trailer went for $5000.  Considering the needs it has I would say that speaks well for value.  In my opinion it's a little better representation of current value than a 432 at auction.

[Z fan]

^^^ the perfect platform for a 432 replica, . On a serious note , this is painting the picture , they were inexpensive two seat econo GT's type cars , now a very nostalgic Japanese semi classic status car that has a big fan audience and the values are on the rise. 

[Montana Z]

Z fan you are right.  It was interesting reading the comments during the auction because there are still people who feel the only collectable J car is the GT2000.  

[Carl Beck]

 . On a serious note , this is painting the picture , they were inexpensive two seat econo GT's type cars , now a very nostalgic Japanese semi classic status car that has a big fan audience and the values are on the rise. 

 

I understand you point - but have to add a comment. I hear people all the time saying the 240Z sold because it was inexpensive.. I bought a 240Z in 1970 - trust me - it was not inexpensive and anything but "low cost".  Sports Cars were a luxury to begin with - and the 240Z cost as much or more than any of its competition at the time.  

 

Lower cost Sports Cars like the like the  Fiat 850 Spider, MG Midget and Austin Healey Sprite were closer to $2000.00..  No the 240Z was not a econo box..it was loaded with features that screamed Luxury {in a Sports Car}. Nor did many people actually buy a 240Z for less than a $1000.00 more than the MSRP.. when other cars could usually be bought for slightly less than their MSRP.

 

MSRP’s on some 1970 Models:

 

BelAir $2988.00

Pontiac Catalina $3249.00

 

 

Fiat 850 Sport Spider $2168.00

MG Midget $2279.00

Austin Healey Sprite $2050.00

 

Toyota Corolla at $1856.00

Datsun 1200 $1695.00

Datsun 510   $1935.00

 

FWIW,

Carl B.

Edited March 19, 2015 by Carl Beck

[siteunseen]

The price of mine was $4,151 in 1972, with air installed.  My Dad said he bought a brand new Camaro in '72 for $2,800.  He looked at a Corvette but said it was $5,000 plus.

[Z fan]

I understand you point - but have to add a comment. I hear people all the time saying the 240Z sold because it was inexpensive.. I bought a 240Z in 1970 - trust me - it was not inexpensive and anything but "low cost". Sports Cars were a luxury to begin with - and the 240Z cost as much or more than any of its competition at the time.

Lower cost Sports Cars like the like the Fiat 850 Spider, MG Midget and Austin Healey Sprite were closer to $2000.00.. No the 240Z was not a econo box..it was loaded with features that screamed Luxury {in a Sports Car}. Nor did many people actually buy a 240Z for less than a $1000.00 more than the MSRP.. when other cars could usually be bought for slightly less than their MSRP.

MSRP’s on some 1970 Models:

BelAir $2988.00

Pontiac Catalina $3249.00

Fiat 850 Sport Spider $2168.00

MG Midget $2279.00

Austin Healey Sprite $2050.00

Toyota Corolla at $1856.00

Datsun 1200 $1695.00

Datsun 510 $1935.00

FWIW,

Carl B.

=== I meant as a used car a few years ago, not as a new purchase car. In my teens do recall that they were not a low dollar car. By econo I meant as for money for a used Z, they were very cheap not to long ago. As for the GT aspect as a used up car they were modified to gain more HP and the suspension was also a comun mod.That's the intention on my post. FWIW. Edited March 19, 2015 by Z fan

[Z fan]

So back in the day the Z was priced close to a Camaro, Mustang, Cougar, Javelin, TR6 and other GT type 70's car. Why is the Z not seen in the same MONEYMETER ?

[Carl Beck]

The price of mine was $4,151 in 1972, with air installed.  My Dad said he bought a brand new Camaro in '72 for $2,800.  He looked at a Corvette but said it was $5,000 plus.

 

Maybe MSRP $4156 for 1972? But that didn't include A/C {$499.00}, Dealer Prep, Transportation to the Dealership... Of course he could have got a "Deal" - but that wasn't very common in 72. Every one we sold had several Dealer Accessories added before the sale. Mag.'s, body side molding, front/rear bumper guards, custom pin stripping, vinyl roofs.. Out the door closer to $4800 with tax/tags..

 

I also looked at new Vette in 1970 - it was around $5200.00 then. But I really didn't like the Vette compared to the Z. It felt too cramped.. no luggage space etc. Plus the Chevy Dealer was less than impressive..

 

FWIW,

Carl B.

[Carl Beck]

=== I meant as a used car a few years ago, not as a new purchase car. In my teens do recall that they were not a low dollar car. By econo I meant as for money for a used Z, they were very cheap not to long ago. As for the GT aspect as a used up car they were modified to gain more HP and the suspension was also a comun mod.That's the intention on my post. FWIW.

 

Yes, in that context I'd agree. For decades the 240Z's have been very low priced relative to the value they represent. It is a Supply/Demand situation. For decades the 60's Camero's and Mustangs were very inexpensive. You could pick up a well used 63-67 Vette for $3000.00 at one point.  Sooner or later Suppy/Demand change. Now at 40+ years old - I think we are finally seeing the supply of good 240Z's becoming more limited - and demand is finally starting to increase again after the financial melt down of 2007/8. One problem, if that could be called a problem - is that too many people kept and cared for their 240Z's.. Amazing how many are still being driven after 40+ years.

 

FWIW,

Carl B.

[siteunseen]

$4,106 plus $75 dealer prep for a grand total of $4,181.  It doesn't mention the spoilers or the A/C.  Maybe another shop did that work?  I wonder why for "Model" both say "296"?

Edited March 19, 2015 by siteunseen

[TomoHawk]

When I was little, my dad bought a 1965 Mercury (a big family car with V-8) for about $500 and he thought it was darned expensive.  So yeah, a $4000 car in the early 1970s isn't really that inexpensive, plus I think people seem to be using 2015 dollars to value the cars of the early 1970s.W

 

hat did a Porsche cost back then?   What were the high-dollar sportscars of the early 1970s?

 

So, even  with today's minimum wage and part-time job could allow you to live well back then (I gotta invent a time machine!) I could live well for years, probably, with what's in my checking account (or bring back a few brand new 240Zs!) and clean up at Z meets (stock class?)