This is not backed up by proper research, just a comment. Back in the last century, I had an MG Midget and really wanted an MGB GT but it was just out of reach. A £3k - £5k one would have been nice and not a basket case but just too £££. Fast forward a decade (still last century) and after a bunch of company cars, I could buy a car for me. I know, must be able to afford an MGB, maybe an MGB V8 by now, they were only a few k when I wanted one. Look on MGOC etc and bloody nora, a decent one now £8k - £10k min.

 

OK, I thought, let's have a look at other "classics" of the same era. Hang on, wasn't there a Datsun something or other and so there was. Started looking at 240Zs at £4-6k (this was back in 1999) and there were plenty in daily-driver condition (i.e. not rusty, working, looked good and didn't need restoring just TLC). But I was tempted, Lord, and did eat of the 300ZX Z32 fruit because although out of my budget, it was low mileage and only a few years out of sale in UK so (by my terms) a new up-to-date car.

 

Now, take a look at the prices being achieved by a "good" 240Z (or 260Z or 280ZX etc) ( http://www.zclub.net if you want a pointer) and you'd have to look at £10k+ or more. Half that gets you a shed.

 

In 1999, "everyday" Z32s were worth more than earlier Zs by a significant amount. Now they're not. The situation's reversed. What happened and is there hope for the future?

 

I think the rise in early Z prices reflects increasing rarity of "good" cars and attractiveness to the classic/collector market. I don't see many "extreme" early Zeds fetching high prices: just "original" ones (modded yes, but don't go too extreme), well looked after ones, ones with history, ones that work (including re-engined and hybrids).

 

Will our Zs go the same way? My feeling is probably (the Z32 was/is a great car) but only those that meet the same criteria. Look after them, don't go extreme, keep them running and good luck.

 

This has been a party political broadcast from the "Don't molest your Zed" Party. :D

T-bar is better Dave..... With the aero-top off, body-flex on our roads was bloody awful mate. At least having the T-bar on our Zeds gives the body rigidity, even with the targas off

 

Richard:cool:

 

They look better though lol

T-bars, rigidity, body flex, aero tops, targa leaks.......ok I added the last one.......what are you lot on about :tt2:.

Cars with style :wink: