gturner008

As someone who follows BaT a lot (and purchased a 912 a few months ago), pretty much every happy high value car fails to hit reserve. I'm sure it's down to top buyers simply not on the site, combined with the fact they can't easily view the lot. Also, generally, BaT cars tend to be a little cheaper compared with dealers and private adverts. Finally, imho, the cars sold on BaT are often not mint/perfect history etc. They often have 'issues'. Just my thoughts...

The CSL was a bit special. Also at the top in green was a nice Aston... But the Z had the best colour...!

Not looking too shabby amongst some other great cars

Nice typo... But works for me

First outing in the freshly painted Z. Invited to show alongside some rather special cars

Probably not ... Or hopeful not. This is the car I saw on the same web site 2 months ago - and just 'had to buy' - 32k miles, mint. I've overdrafted all my accounts to get the 911... So find myself totally skint. If I don't get an offer very close to my asking price then I'll find a way to keep it - and just not eat or drink for the next 6 months! It's 80% likely I'll be able to keep the Z. Still working on Mrs T ! G

Yes, very. I borrowed a set that were brand new, out of the box, never been on a car... I personally preferred the mini lites, but journalist/photographer insisted we go with originality, which is fair enough (and proper). I'll give details of the book when published.

The car will feature in a classic car book. 30 cars, chapter on each. Took it to a studio and had it professionally photographed.

Please Jeff - JFDI... I guess I cheated a bit by getting a professional body shop to do the work for me. The good thing was that the car started as a rust free example. All the parts came off easily and went back on. The cool thing is, I emailed yesterday the Australian previous owner (Mick) with some photos. He loves the job I've done. I'm chuffed to bits... G

Not sure it was quick... 6 months in paint shop. But they did a great job. It goes to a pro photographer next week, to feature in a classic car book.

All finished... Delighted

Now out of paint. About 2 weeks of re-assembly and it'll be back on the road.

Some more pictures. In primer now. Ready for paint next week

Good progress. Getting ready for primer. No hurry stories found under the paint. Clean and straight and no rust.

Thanks Gav. I would normally leave paint and go with originality. However, the car had been poorly repainted in 2000, and then with 15 years of sun, there was micro blistering all over the car. It looked good at 5 paces, but blisters not great. My painf shop said it had to get back to bare metal in order to guarantee future quality. So it you go. In for bare metal it went. As you can see from photos, the car is remarkably free of any rust. Some light metal work, but nothing much. It's going to look decent when finished. But you are right, I'll need to be careful with it when done.

Not been on for a while, so if anyone's interested here's my update. Recap... Bought the orange 71 car from Fourways in UK. Australia import. Traced back to Mick, near Melbourne, second owner (first was his brother in Syndney). Great condition. Non rusty RHD. Rare ! Work done to date. Gearbox was making a thud in 3rd gear on power on/off and synchro 2nd and 3rd worn. Gearbox out, mechanic fixed shaft issue and swapped around the synchro - now all sweet. Cam oil sprayer blocked, now clear. New shocks all round - transformed handling. Smaller tyres fitted, transformed steering. Lots of cleaning. New seat covers about to be fitted. Now having bare metal respray. Getting there! Will update again if anyone's keen

Interesting article Here in UK certain cars have shot up in price the last 4 years. 911, Golf mk1 gti, Lotus Elan, Ferarri, 240z, E type, BMW evo. It is real, probably doubling in last 3 years. Can I continue? Doubt it. Levelling off I think. But demand still outstrips supply. The best of a small portfolio of makes/models will stay strong. Others mat decline. That's my view.

A RHD 240z on UK ebay.... http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/DATSUN-240Z-DASHBOARD-RHD-/201443677661?hash=item2ee6fa95dd

Worth a read... http://www.cheatsheet.com/automobiles/the-datsun-240z-one-of-the-greatest-sports-cars-ever-made.html/?tploverride=op&tpl=op

My penny's worth (or should I say half a crown's worth given price hike)... Demand is being fuelled by poor returns from equities, a clamp down on what you can put away into private pensions, release of funds from private pensions (since April 15 in UK), the fact that capital gain from private use cars is exempt from CGT (certainly in the UK) and a 40-60 age group who want to relive their teens and buy cars like the 240z, Golf gti mk1, E-type, Elan, 911, Healey. I personally don't see it as a bubble. The above factors are real and will be present as a demand push for some time yet. Until these factors change, I can't see a slow down in classic car prices. I have made significant capital on my car collection - and will continue to add to the collection. I'm aware of risks - but I think they are small and manageable.

I can't talk for all enthusiast - but I do think having originality is important. I passed on the red car but did buy the orange car

Ha Ha I'm moving engines - back to front! My other 'correctly' located engine'd cars... My collection is close to my ideal set - now with the addition of the 240z. I honestly can't think of another sensibly priced front engine'd classic car I'd rather have. Its perfect - as it: * has great style * a decent drive * is robust and reliable * appreciating in value (I just love free motoring!) and appreciated * iconic and timeless

Here it is

I have an 89 3.2 Carrera, and assure you the 240z is no way 2nd best. I'm thrilled to have front engine, rear drive.

That's the car, yes. I know new owner paid very strong money for the car. But told it is in quite superb condition. Call it £35k on the road in UK (A$70k). That's really cheap versus (say) a 1980 911 SC for similar money. The 911 will be pretty ropey at £35k. The Z a stunner. More headroom yet I think for prices to edge up