Time for a Z?

[Yan]

So after first registering on this site 7 years ago, I think it's time to introduce myself.

Obviously a long time admirer of the 240Z. Now that the kids are teens and mostly ignore me and funds are gradually freeing up, it may well be time to buy. However the past 7 years have seen prices rise quite dramatically! Not 90s JDM or air cooled 911 crazy, but still significant.

We are also at an interesting time in the history of the automobile. The year 2030 represents a major marker in the future - an almost global agreement to end the production of ICE and a shift to EV. What will this mean for historics? What will the future cost of running and  maintenance be? Will classics continue to rise in value, or plummet given the inevitable higher running costs and rarity of parts and skilled labour?

What would I be buying?

I don't have the time or space to do a restoration. I once did a hobby level one semester TAFE course on panel beating and welding. Whilst I don't doubt I could DIY, the cost of purchasing tools and learning on the go I feel would be more prohibitive than simply coughing up cash for the work someone else has already put in.

I could purchase a half decent runner and pay someone else to perform some level of restoration work. I'm guessing that would run higher than simply purchasing the already restored car. Of course purchasing something already done won't have any of my personal tastes or choices put into it.

All original, period correct or "restomod"? To be honest, a mild restomod sounds more appealing. I've been spoilt driving modern machinery.

That's a long piece of drivel. Anyway, a very belated hello to all. Keen to hear this forums thoughts and shared wisdom.

[gav240z]

Welcome, 7 years is a long time to not post!

There was a nice red 240z on CarSales but it may have sold?

So only 2 listed.

It's kind of restomodded, but more vintage performance. The only thing I don't like is the bonnet profile at the front appears to dip down (common on cars that have been hit in the front), the repair may be ok, but wasn't put back "right". It could also be the angle of the photo or perhaps the bonnet is slightly open (which makes it sit down lower toward the bumper). Hard to say for sure. Otherwise good buying.

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/1970-datsun-240z-manual/SSE-AD-7122646/?Cr=1

If you want modern performance (and how modern is an RB26 anyway?)

https://www.carsales.com.au/cars/details/1971-datsun-240z-manual/SSE-AD-6757746/?Cr=2

However I knew the car from before its conversion when it was owned by a fella named Lou and the body was by no means spectacular. However a conversion isn't cheap and neither is a straight 240z. So it is priced probably not far off what is reasonable to buy and build similar. If that's your thing..

Unfortunately prices reflect availability these days, and there isn't much.

[Yan]

Thanks. Yep, seen the ads.

[AndBir]

19 hours ago, Yan said:

Keen to hear this forums thoughts

Maybe joining an appropriate car club would help in learning, by word of mouth at club meetings / club contacts, about cars that are available for purchase but not advertised as some people just do not want to have to deal with the unrealistic punters?