S30Z and other Japanese car prices are they on the move?

[acf321]

 

We could say at least two of our members here have put in excess of six figures into restoring a S30, but they would not expect to recoup the cost in the event they need to sell it. This would be the case in any mass produced/ non limited-edition vehicle, in effect what a S30 is.

 

cheers, Mike.

 

Mmmm, wondering who is the other muppet then???

 

Adam

- The Brown Hornet -

[positivetennis]

Some interesting debate about s30 prices here. My thoughts about the topic leads to ask whether the following 2 factors may play a role in future values:

1. The changing nature of our culture in Australia and generational change.

2. Looking at comparables between different marques and indeed different commodities.

 

For example, as Australia evolves both from a cultural and generational context, I feel that many younger folk view cars differently compared to say older generations. I think that an s30, 2000gt, e type looks great. The younger generations may have different ideas. They will want hassle free motoring, fuel economy, safety, 4 doors and ease of operation. Many new Australians from other cultural backgrounds also have different values in terms of practicality and what to spend their money. I read that when Nissan recently showed off their new 510 concept car, they were pictching it at young people who have no interest in cars to try to get them in. Are there less enthusiasts out there among the younger generation?

 

About comparables, when you think of 60k, it brings a lot of other cars into play, both new and classic.

 

My feelings about future trends such Australian classics like XU1 Torana's is that their selling price will come back a little. Immaculate S30's will increase because many people in Australia have come to respect the reliability and quality of Japanese cars, and this benefits its worth to many people. It's one of the top 10 significant cars in motoring history. The other thing is that new cars that recreate  the original will become popular. Imagine a new 240z. It will be interesting to see if the new Jensen Interceptor is built in 2014 based on the original to see what it will bring to the market.

[cracker]

Really interesting topic.

 

The economy of classic cars is effectively an exact replica of any other market - supply and demand.

 

Because the cars were mass produced, the rate at which they increase in price will be slowed, in my opinion (which has rung true to date). Zeds are currently in a really strange price bracket where unrestored 2 seater zeds in good condition are fetching around $15k, and ranging up to $30k and a little beyond for fully restored cars (more may have been paid for cars but speaking generally of course).

 

These values seem low to me, partly as an enthusiast, but also because they are similar to that of some of the limited edition corollas and other datsuns/japanese cars of a similar era. That's not to say that those corolla coupes are worth less, but of course back in the day they were a limited release car and as such their supply was more limited than a zed, hence creating a better balance for upward pressure on value.

 

Come 2014, with many zeds rusted out and their performance pedigree now well established and a demand curve on the rise, I can only see values going upwards. I think the 40 year rule must also come into play because anything is only worth as much as one is willing to pay.

 

We already know that no more can be produced and so unless interest in them wanes the values will rise. I'd predict the value to rise sharply in comparison to other classics of a similar value now, but less sharply than truly scarce vehicles such as the toyota 2000gt, whose scarcity will always mean it's value will not only be higher, but will grow more quickly. By using the same logic I'd suggest a z432 would grow in value quicker than a standard 240z, even though it is already valued at a much higher price.

 

Demand is always an unknown so only time will tell, but it would be naive to expect rapid growth in prices. The upward curve is likely to be steady and not particularly exciting unless a large number of cars are eliminated unexpectedly.

 

My two cents; apologies for the rant.

 

James