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Dude, I have been looking for something like this for sometime - I own both a 240Z and a 1966 Jaguar XKE coupe. The similarities between the cars is more than passing. I was always afraid of 3 SU carbs, but now I have 5 to deal with What was the tone of the article? Did the Z compare favorably?

Car also looks like mine, although I paid at least $1K less...much less rust on mine, so FWIW. Got mine 1 year ago...prices are going up?

About 20 years ago, I had a 1976 280Z, 4 speed. The car had very mild surface rust, but the underbody appeared to be sound. One rainy day driving home from college, the car slid into a curb pretty hard. From that point until I got home, the car was pulling hard to the side I hit. I jacked up the car and discovered that the frame rail (which was rusted through) had broken off - essentially the wheel/suspension assy. was no longer attached to the frame. That was the end of that car. I sold it to a junkyard for $50.00 or so...I was heartbroken. Worst problem I've ever had and a lesson on how badly rust can wreak havoc on a car.

Welcome and congrats! It depends on what's happening when you try to start it...are you choking it? Value of a 260Z is going to be less than a 240Z and more than likely less than the 280Z. The 260Z was "transition" vehicle for Datsun to combat increasing emmisions regulations, but it was generally considered to be off the mark. Depending on condition, the 260Z is a prime candidate for a 2.8L engine swap IMHO. It has the 240Z body style/bumpers, and is slightly lighter than a 280Z.

I own a house with no pickup! I've always wanted to get one, but I make do without. Of course, the wife's Pilot takes place of a pickup if hauling is needed...

Mikemeade, I saw your posts on Classic Motorsports' board - glad to see you picked it up! As one poster mentioned, that's a rare competition hood - you could probably sell that to someone here and use the money raised to put back into the Z (take ezzzzz up on his offer!). At a casual glance, it's tough to say what it needs - you also need to decide if you want it completely done over or just refreshed. Some people here know I am one of the "purists" - since 240Z's are becoming more cherished and rare, I'd go the restoration route...it's gonna cost you, but these are special cars as you'll soon find out. As an owner of a classic Brit car ('66 E-Type), I get as much enjoyment out of my Z as I do any other vehicle I own. This is the best Z board bar none. Many are here to help...good luck!!

2003 Honda Pilot for the wife, 1999 Chevy Prizm (BORRRRRING!!!) is my commuter vehicle. Also, 1967 Honda CL/77 Scrambler and 1966 Jaguar E-Type. BTW - the Subie you have is SWEEET! Reminds me of my Maxima (same color too!) Unfortunately, I had to sell that about 4 years ago

Carl, Excellent points, and I agree with you on Keith Martin. However, I used him as a "validation" point, as I am no expert and don't bring a lot of credibility to the discussion. Thanks for the data, I had no idea some were sold above $30K! I primarily purchased my 240Z since I had a Z when I was a kid (and it was affordable). I always knew they would appreciate, but I didn't realize as much as they have. I am quite happy as I purchased fairly low, and I think I could sell for much higher (not a chance that's happening - I love the car!). Back to the original discussion, I only hope that more people recognize that the 240Z's place in history and do what they can to restore these wonderful cars back to original shape.

With respect, I am not even 40 - it's a given that in my lifetime we'll see $50K Z cars. We already have $30K Z cars... You are certainly entitled to your opinion - I am a collector of a ton of different things from baseball cards to old toys to cars - you can never say why someone appraises something at the level they do, but they do. Your original comment was "The collector car market-at-large just doesn't recognize the Japanese cars and their position in automotive history and thus doesn't place the value on them like muscle cars or vintage European and American cars." I've already stated Keith Martin and Sports Car Market have declared the Z car "collectible". Now, I will name a second authority - this month's "Motor Trend Classic" - one of the editors noted the 240Z as "highly collectible". The 240Z is collectible and recognized as such. Perhaps the second part of your statement with regards to value has some merit, but a good 240Z will outsell a good MGB, Triumph GT6, Triumph Spitfire, Opel GT, Corvair Monza, Alfa Romeo Spyder (maybe a wash), Porsche 914, 944, and older 911s. Based on that logic, I guess my Jaguar E-Type isn't collectible either since "mid year" Corvettes (1963 - 1967), Ferraris, Mopars, etc. will EASILY outsell it. I agree a 240Z won't be valued like a classic Ferrari - EVER. Just too many built and it's original mission as a mass production car dictates as much. However, I think you'll see steady increases in value for good examples - especially as many are modified or rusted. I would think Carl Beck might weigh in on this, he's pretty much the guru on this.

Not true: http://www.sportscarmarket.com/profiles/2003/February/Etceterini/index.html Per this article written in 2003, they estimate the 240Z at $8,000 - $12,000 for a restored example. We know now that some restored examples may be more than that. Factor in the rust problem (e.g., few good examples left) and the hype the 240Z generated, that's a recipe for appreciation. Will the Z ever be a $1M car? No, but could it be a $50K car - it's possible. Heck, one of our own members sold his for $15K, so this is not unreasonable. If it's in Sports Car Market, it's a valid collectable. Keith Martin is well respected in the collector industry. Frankly, I was shocked they had not one, but two profiles on the site dedicated to the 240Z.

To each their own. However, seeing how the 240Z is gaining in value and collectability, I cringe at this. Ok, I'd accept if one wasn't numbers matching or non-original in other ways, but imagine doing this to a Ferrari or Mid Year Corvette (yes, I have seen them). While a 240Z may not be worth as much as those cars, I don't think many thought Mopars or Mid Year Corvette's would be worth over $100K restored. Just my 2 cents, but when Sports Car Market gives props to the Z, you know it's arrived (or arriving).

Hey, that's around the time of year we take our semi-annual jaunt to visit the Parents/In-Laws/Take the kids to Disney...it's possible I can make this. We'll see - awaiting details.

I don't advocate this, and it was in my younger (stupid) years. I had a similar situation (hey, in NJ it's like a daily occurrence) - except instead of letting the person slam their car in reverse, I jumped out of my car with a baseball bat! Needless to say the driver took their car out of reverse and sped away (through a red light)! I was young, single and stupid, but there seems to be a game of chicken with people. Having been an ex-bouncer, I can assure you there is always someone tougher or crazier than you! Tell yourself that you don't want any part of that and move away quickly. Don't follow the person home or incite anything, because here in NJ, there have been a few people shot. Short story - don't do what I did.

The Actron unit goes for like $30-$40 bucks at Pep Boys. I got mine cheap (it was on sale).

I have an Actron - not bad, it's cheap but it does the trick. If you are simply looking to do diagnostics, I don't think the "bells and whistles" models give you that much more for the money. Keep in mind I am a shade tree mechanic, so how you plan to use this might affect the decision.

Arne, Does it have an original radio? Would you consider selling it? Rich

Are you joking? Not to insult her, but she's no looker....

I'm with ZBane - let's start importing some of these to the States, we could make fat cash....I am all setup as an LLC if anyone's interested....

Rick, $15,500 is not bad, and it sold! Good job and sorry to see her go! Rich

Palmer, Holy cow, if you didn't read my mind...I was thinking the same thing when I first looked. Rick, that's something you could also put on eBay...do a search. Palmer's right, that might be worth something (although I doubt $15K, but maybe $500 - $1000?)

Does that count? I mean the New Haven site is the ORIGINAL!!! We have a NJ legend (that many like better than Pepe's) called De Lorenzo's Tomato Pies - it's so old that there's not even a bathroom in the place...it's in a scary area of Trenton, yet I consider it blasphemy to move it or replicate it.

Good idea to plan in advance, since I am in NJ. It helps to plan in advance so my kids can have a sitter. I messed up, I went through New Haven after I picked up some Z parts in MA...been wanting to go to Pepe's for some time!!!

I have been waiting for an east coaster to have something like this! Unfortunately, I can't make it, but seeing that you are in Connecticut, one of these days we should schedule a run to Frank Pepe's and/or Sally's Apizza - nice drive to New Haven and good eats, I am all about that!

Rick, Good job and good luck!

RAZ1, Cool - thanks for the clarification. I am very proud of that particular picture, so I am hoping it gets the other vote!