Patrick

This one is listed on cars.com for $9000(OBO). BTW, it has chrome around the headlight "wells." Is that stock? Anyway, I really appreciate the insight you've provided. It helps to come up with a fair price.

Thanks for the welcome and the reply. The current paint job is nearly 20 years old. And as far as the investment aspect, my main concern is not losing money on the deal. For example, I don't want to pay 10 grand for a car and then, if for some reason I had to sell it, find out it was only worth 5 grand. Based on my research the '78 280Z is the "best of breed" for 280Zs and the "black pearl" is the best of those and is gaining interest. I realize that pricing and value is to a certain extent subjective. I've looked on the 'net and seen prices all over the scale. I checked Manheim and their price is for a "generic" 1978 280Z; I didn't know if the "black pearl" mystique added that much more, plus the fact that other than the paint, this car is absolutely original and except for the bubbles is in great shape. And, would painting it the original color add much value to the car and is the Nissan dealer the best place to have that done?

Hello. I've been looking at a 1978 280Z "Black Pearl." I confirmed this by the "638" color code on the radiator. The car has under 50,000 miles. It is all original, except it was repainted a different black several years ago. The owner has the original radio (in a box) and the original wheels and tires (yes, original tires). The only issues are a small bubble in the paint by the gas cap and two paint bubbles on the area between the front windshield and the hood. The owner says that it's just surface rust, but it is a real concern for me and one that I would have looked at by someone with more experience than I. Main questions are what is the car worth and is it a good investment? I wouldn't be buying it for an investment, but I also don't want to spend money on something like this that I couldn't get back if I needed to in the future. Also, what does it cost to get it repainted? Thanks.