Z car value

[Montana Z]

Hello folks,

 

After 23 years of ownership I am considering parting with my Z car.  However, I'm a little stumped on how to determine a price point.  I know original cars can bring good money on BAT and know basket cases can be had relatively cheaply but mine is neither.  It has some rust and some repairs that I'm not happy with, but I don't believe any are detrimental.  I have the original engine but have it pulled due to low compression on one cylinder and there's a Datsun Spirit SRT stage 1 engine currently in the car.  The car has an auto transmission, but I have a 4 speed as well as a close ratio ZX 5 speed waiting installation.  And so on and so forth.  Thanks in advance for any constructive input on how to value.

Cheers,

Scot

 

Edited March 25, 2021 by Montana Z

[psdenno]

With the various possible engine and transmission options you mention, the value could vary considerably.  Have you looked for a similar car on the Bring A Trailer auction site?  What engine and trans will it eventually have as that will be a huge factor in determining a price?  How's the interior?  

Dennis

Edited March 25, 2021 by psdenno

[S30Driver]

The automatic will of course detract from the cars ultimate value to prospective buyers, as you elude to.  You don't say if you plan to install the 5 speed pre-sale or simply include it with the car.  In the end, it's a modified 72 and without more detailed pictures,  my guess on value is in the 20 to 25k range.

As psdenno has indicated, BAT is a good reference for approximate values.   Here is a example :  https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1972-datsun-240z-156/

[DatsunZGuy]

In addition to the above stated, Hagerty Insurance valuation guide is a good reference. 

I also suggest this as well:

https://zcarguide.com/datsun-240z-pricing-guide/

[Montana Z]

Thank you for the feed back everyone.  I have kept an eye on BAT and looked at the Hagerty valuation tool.  As you folks likely know it is a little difficult to set aside emotional value.  Additionally, if/when I sell it I want to make sure the buyer truly knows the car they are getting so I will likely attempt to find a person to person sale platform vs BAT.  Regarding the interior, like the rest of the car it has been updated and is not original.  When I redid the seats I went with leather, I refinished the steering wheel, it has new carpets, I replaced the heater core due to a leak, the dash has 3 cracks but I have an uncracked (though not perfect) dash in a box... you get the idea.  Basically a nice driver that isn't heavily modified.

[siteunseen]

I agree with your selling reasoning. If you're not in a hurry I'm sure you'll find someone that will appreciate the car for all you've done and pay you a fair price.

I wish you all the best in the process, hoping the buyer will to.

[Montana Z]

4 minutes ago, siteunseen said:

I agree with your selling reasoning. If you're not in a hurry I'm sure you'll find someone that will appreciate the car for all you've done and pay you a fair price.

I wish you all the best in the process, hoping the buyer will to.

Thanks for that.  I've really enjoyed you input on this site over the years.

Cheers,

Scot

[Patcon]

I think you will get the best results if you go ahead and pull some of the loose ends together. I would think putting the best dash in and getting the best transmission in would go a long way. I think many of the current buyers that have cash arent into working on their cars as much as some of the longer term Datsun people are

[Montana Z]

On 3/26/2021 at 5:53 PM, Patcon said:

I think you will get the best results if you go ahead and pull some of the loose ends together. I would think putting the best dash in and getting the best transmission in would go a long way. I think many of the current buyers that have cash arent into working on their cars as much as some of the longer term Datsun people are

Thanks, that's probably a good idea.  I plan to install the 5-speed when I get back from deployment.  I'm really not too excited about messing with that dash again.  I'm still a little traumatized about pulling and reinstalling it for the heater core.  Who would have guessed an engine swap would be easier than the dashboard😧 Thanks again everyone for the thoughts/advice.

Cheers,

Scot

[Patcon]

Thanks for your service!

[Montana Z]

You're welcome.  Honestly it has been an honor and a pretty darn good time.  I'll be retiring pretty soon so this is my final trip across the pond (in uniform).  I suppose that is one of the reasons letting the Z go is so tough.  I drove it to High school graduation, my first duty station, my wedding, the kids first days of school and so on and so forth.  However, I'm not really a car collector and it seems the more I get it fixed up the less I drive it.  I suppose I'll get that 5 speed in and see where it goes from there.

Cheers,

Scot

[Patcon]

7 hours ago, Montana Z said:

You're welcome.  Honestly it has been an honor and a pretty darn good time.  I'll be retiring pretty soon so this is my final trip across the pond (in uniform).  I suppose that is one of the reasons letting the Z go is so tough.  I drove it to High school graduation, my first duty station, my wedding, the kids first days of school and so on and so forth.  However, I'm not really a car collector and it seems the more I get it fixed up the less I drive it.  I suppose I'll get that 5 speed in and see where it goes from there.

Cheers,

Scot

I might have to keep a car like that in the family if its shared so much history. Insure it properly and drive it. You'll have more opportunities soon...