TR6 commanding big bucks these days,,,,Z's should even be higher ,,,,,thougths

[Hardway]

Tlorber's statement is dead on and applies to so many cars. Z's along with other affordable sports cars of their time are seeing the same popularity vs. rising value situation. Look at something a little newer like 82-92 Camaro's and Firebirds and Fox body Mustangs. They are not "classic" by any means but these cars continue to be very affordable in good condition but excellent condition examples bring premium money. This due to the fact so many have been run in to the ground and I can't tell you how many I have seen at salvage yards, many of them for items like busted transmissions and blown engines but with great bodies and interior pieces. Once they are picked over they are gone and now they have parts that are considered "unobtainum" just like the Z's do.

If you want a "classic", you don't have to stray too far-you can always get a roadster.

I don't have any great hope of Z's escalating significantly in value but I will offer this: since the cars were sold as budget beaters, I would imagine that there are significantly fewer on the road in proportion to their original numbers, than cars that were harder to get into. So while they were a high volume car, I'd bet that well below half of those made are still around.

[Oiluj]

Ok Julio, that is true of British sports cars until the MGB. It actually has been called 'the most popular sports car in history' due to having the longest run and largest number of cars made (by the report of my British car friends). I have owned British cars. Didn't have much opportunity to drive them as they generally don't run. But, I've never lost money on one. Basically drag them home and after a year of frustration, sell it for the same or slightly more money. I think Tim Suddard has it right. Restore the body, replace everything mechanical with a rotary and new electronics. Then race the snot out of it...

I agree about the MGB. Market-wise, the MGA is a different animal, but pretty much the same mechanically. My MGA was very reliable, but they do require more maintenance than a modern car, (or for that matter even a 240Z). I didn't make much money on mine, but had I waited four more years, I would have gotten more for it than I have in my Z. Just hate when I miss a market timing opportunity... Oh well, at least I have my Z!

[xs10shl]

Just my .02, it's likely too early to tell where Z's are going to end up on the price-curve. The market sweet spot right now is cars from the late 50's to mid 60's, and anything that rhymes with "Jerrari". As to a price comparison, for cars such as a Z or British roadster, so much depends on condition - basket cases are a few thousand, and great examples are tens of thousands. British cars benefit from a longer history and lineage, whereas most Japanese manufacturers didn't produce mature products until much later, which may explain some price discrepancies.

Based on what I've seen, sometimes the budget cars end up being the more valuable ones, due to buyer sentiment - Porsche speeders with VW engines now start at $220K restored. An early VW bus with the right configuration is 6 figures, and I've seen more than one of those the side of the road with an engine fire in my lifetime. People want what they remember lusting after as children, and what tugs at them emotionally, irrespective of what kind of a car it is in reality.

Edited December 11, 2012 by xs10shl

[Carl Beck]

There was a very nice TR-6 at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club Classic Car Show last month. It had been restored and was for sale - As I recall the asking price was $17,500.00. A 240Z in the same condition would easily bring that much or more - and sell faster around here.

FWIW,

Carl B.

[mjr45]

I agree with xs10, a great deal of the issue has to do with lineage, with British sports cars they have been produced since the dawn of motorsports and that fact will always make them "more valued" than Japanese autos which are IMO a much better car in all respects. I had a AH Sprite and had to work on it daily just to keep it running it was fun but to 19 year old a convertable sports was the nuts.