Been a while since I've been here (again) - I have a potential bead on a 1972 Fairlady Z RHD, in nice shape.  Low miles, looks to have been refreshed but not used much.

I honestly have no idea of values, but I know there aren't a lot of RHD S30s in the states.  What is the general feeling here?  I'd love to get another Z, and this one looks really interesting to me.

Edited October 4, 20177 yr by rdefabri

Well if we could actually SEE the car we could speculate on what it's value is. A picture or 2 might help. Just an idea!

Dude - really?  I don't have pics - just need a general value.

Well a RHD rust bucket is worth nothing, to answer your question. We understand y our concerns about possibly being snaked on the deal but how many cars do you buy sight unseen?

Did you read my post?

Low miles, looks to have been refreshed but not used much.

I guess tools like Hagerty's valuation tool is worthless, since it's sight unseen?  Call it a condition 4 out of 5 - what's the estimated value? 

3 minutes ago, rdefabri said:

Did you read my post?

Low miles, looks to have been refreshed but not used much.

I guess tools like Hagerty's valuation tool is worthless, since it's sight unseen?  Call it a condition 4 out of 5 - what's the estimated value? 

If it is truly a 4 out of 5 the person is asking much more than you will probably be willing to pay for it based on rarity alone. A 4 out of 5 means all it really needs is a good wash and wax and maybe some new tires.

So you are qualifying me now?

Jesus - can someone with a brain give me a value on a 1972 RHD Fairlady Z, condition 4 out of 5?  This used to be a helpful site, a lot has changed since I moved on to a Ferrari.

If you have been looking at Hagerty their numbers are really not that far off. I am not sure the RHD really helps values that much in the states, even though they are rare...

Thanks - I figured they wouldn't command much more of a premium, and honestly, I'd prefer a LHD, but it is kind of neat.

I'll check Hagerty and offer the guy whatever the current value is...see what he says.

You're welcome

I will my .02 as I think you are looking for a dollar amount range.  I agree with Patcon, RHD Z's may carry a very small premium over a LHD Z unless it is a very early car, then the gap widens in the RHD car's favor.  On a '72 240z, in good shape but not perfect both mechanically and cosmetically, in a popular color, with a standard transmission, $12K - $20K.  You are in NJ so a solid Z car will be at the upper end of the range vs. the west and the south were there are more solid cars to pick from.  Without seeing pictures and knowing more details, I think that is a good estimate.  With the rise in prices, supply is starting to catch up with demand as Z's are coming out of the wood work.  Good luck and keep us posted!

10 hours ago, rdefabri said:

Thanks - I figured they wouldn't command much more of a premium, and honestly, I'd prefer a LHD, but it is kind of neat.

(my bold)

If you'd really prefer LHD, I can't see you valuing the RHD properly, let alone the seller. Maybe it's not the car for you? Some RHD-specific and Japanese market-specific parts are far harder to source than the equivalent LHD parts, and if you were to find that too annoying then maybe your heart would not be in the car?

My ha'penny worth: On a global scale, and comparing like-for-like in condition and level of modification/originality, a 1972 Fairlady Z or Z-L is going to be something like 20% to 30% more valuable than a 1972 HLS30U Datsun 240Z. A 1972 Fairlady 240Z or Fairlady 240Z-L maybe 30% plus, and a genuine 1972 Fairlady 240ZG maybe 60% to 70% up on the HLS30U. If the cars were in Japan, even more so. I own a few of these cars, have been watching the global market for 30+ years and I think I have a pretty good handle on what's what at the moment. I have seen USA-based marque and model 'gurus' and 'experts' talking down the Japanese market models for many years, but mostly they are talking out of their hats and know next to nothing about the cars themselves, let alone the global market situation.

Having said that, it's a case-by-case situation. Less than ideal location and somewhat under-the-radar selling will not help the car to achieve its maximum potential. Put it in front of the right people in the right place, get a few facts straightened out and it could do well. This could be to your advantage. If you play your cards right you could buy the car for much less than it would achieve elsewhere on another day. If you can effectively 'snipe' it, you could probably move it on for more than you end up paying for it if you found it hard to live with.

If you have any Fairlady Z-specific questions (specs, equipment, originality etc etc) I would be happy to try to answer them to the best of my ability.