Ian Macklin

After introducing myself under the heading of Papua New Guinea HS30 a couple of weeks ago, I now realize that I'll never get to drive that car again. Poor eyesight and lack of dexterity mean biting the bullet and sell the car, but how do I value the car? Not enough of the 240Z's around in Adelaide to gauge what it is worth, and I don't want to sell it to a "hotrodder". It is a sad time for me, but acknowledging one's limitations is a difficult decision. Any members been in my position? Auction? Gumtree? Cars for Sale? As I have a quantity of 240Z spares, I really want the car to go to a 240Z enthusiast. Perhaps I could pay for a person "in the know" about Z cars to value it, but where do I find such a person? A curly one (for me, anyway) and I would appreciate suggestions.

Bought the 1973 240Z in Port Moresby in 1982, the previous owner having to leave the country unexpectedly. The car was in good nick, but signs of rust in the lower doors and front mudguards. I had this repaired and undertook to respray the car (in the original silver colour) and generally restore it to pristine condition. The car had mirrors mounted on the mudguards and I decided to remove them as pedestrians loved to knock them about and put shallow dents in the car body. I removed all badges (I still have them) and filled the badge mounting holes as I saw these as potential future rust spots. I returned to Australia in 1993 and brought the car with me. In Cairns I had the car resprayed (by a professional), modified the seat belts (the originals were non retractable) and had the car certified by the QLD dept of Transport. The car was (is) fitted with a blue plate that bears my name. I drove the car until I moved to Adelaide, and during transportation it was damaged, front and rear bumpers, bonnet, guards and one door. I had the repairs done, the car resprayed, new windscreen and new rubbers (including door and boot seals) all round. During this restoration I have misplaced the bonnet latch (the part on the bonnet itself) and as I'm getting old (73 yrs old) am finding it difficult to finish my project. Both front and rear bumpers need repair, the under body engine/gearbox shield needs replacing and probably a lot more needs doing to pass roadworthy in South Australia. The suspension has been lowered all round and there are no external rear view mirrors. By the way, it's a 5 speed manual with about 43,000 miles genuine on the clock and has been garaged under cover since I've owned it. In Port Moresby I also had a 240Z auto, and being maroon and silver in colour, used the same rego for both cars (naught naughty but only if you get caught). I salvaged a few bits of other Z cars up there and have items such as console, door with stainless steel window frame, drive train half shafts, etc. The Z auto ended its life at the Port Moresby. I wouldn't mind hearing from others regarding their experience in getting a vehicle back on the road after nearly 20 years in storage.