Another report praising the mighty Z

[wildy55]

http://rmautobuzz.com/10-classic-cars-buy-investment/?utm_source=Outbrain&utm_medium=CPC&utm_campaign=Outbrain%20-%20CPC%20-%20UK%20-%20AUS%20-%2010%20Cars%20To%20Make%20As%20Investment

 

"This time next year, Rodney, we'll all be millionaires..."

[gav240z]

*Sigh*

 

It's good it is getting recognition but I really wish we could shake the "poor man's " moniker these cars seem to attract. Why does it have to be a poor man's anything? Surely it's good enough to be a great car on it's own merit not because people can't afford Porsche' 911s, Jaguar E-Types.

 

I prefer the S30z to both...If I really wanted to I could probably buy a Jag E-type or Porsche 911 (probably rough ones) but I simply don't want either of them.

 

4. Datsun 240Z

When the sleek 240Z stormed into the American market in 1970, enthusiasts called it the "Poor Man's Porsche." Its strong inline-six engine, good handling and purpose-built interior have made it a favorite for sports car lovers to this day. Not only is the 240Z still relatively affordable but it has really taken off in value recently, rising 195 percent over the last 10 years. Time to get in the Z game before the price goes way, way up. Price In 2015: $5,000 - $30,000

 

I don't think I've ever referred to it as a poor man's anything... and I'm an enthusiast.

[260DET]

Agree 100% Gavin, the 'poor man's' thing is probably the product of a vivid imagination but it's all nonsense. If the S30 had been made in limited numbers and priced high then it would not be thought of as the poor man's anything.

 

Assuming that the extra price included proper rust proofing

[gav240z]

Not even the Porsche's of the same era had good rust proofing. What often gets neglected is that the PS30 and HS30's (especially HS30-Hs) were limited numbers and are highly desirable. Also the PS30 was a very expensive car when new in Japan. If I recall correctly it was priced at the same level as Ferrari's of the same vintage.

 

The PZR (a.k.a PS30-SB) is as desirable and limited as the 911-R (

 

Now I know the article said "Datsun 240z" but that's half the problem, so many 'automotive experts' know nothing about what the Japanese had to offer. So they don't even consider the Nissan Fairlady Z.

 

I guess I just get tired of hearing about how 'second rate' the S30z is compared to other marques. Or Japanese cars in general, when I think about the early rotary coupe's of the same vintage I can't help but think of how incredible it was that not long after Mazda started making wankel engine cars they were out winning racing with a completely 'revolutionary - excuse the pun!' powerplant.  It's as if today Tesla went out racing and starting winning in their electric vehicles, which I honestly think they could do but haven't.

[260DET]

When I first decided to get into old car motorsport I bought a book with details of every car made during the particular time. Then went through each one looking for what seemed the best platform. At the end it boiled down to two cars, the S30 and the 911. The 911 was then ruled out as being poor value for money with expensive spares and inferior suspension and overall upgrade potential. I still think that is the situation today.