Crazy project idea... possibly...

[Mondo]

I've been giving this some thought recently and I might be on the look-out for a project car next year...

 

My idea runs something like this: find a UK-spec TT and restore it to it's original glory. :)

 

And by that, I mean stock everything: No HIDs, early spec rear lights, standard suspension and exhaust... even down to keeping the original airbox!

 

A 100% stock Zed. I think the only concession I'd have to make would be (unsurprisingly) the interior; there simply aren't any mint original leather seats, so I'd have to recreate those.

 

I think it'd make a change to see a completely original-looking Zed in mint condition at the shows :biggrin:

 

Crazy idea? Or just hugely expensive and time-consuming...? :lol:

[dutchgold92]

Would definitely be a rewarding project :) Or, there's at least one that I know of that fits that description! http://www.300zx.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?183047-quot-Show-Room-Car-quot-for-sale

[Joely P]

I think it's a superb idea, I've pondered on exactly this for a few years now. Shows like the recent one at the NEC compound this desire as it is a perfect platform to display a truly original example. Personally though, I haven't taken the plunge for a few reasons:

 

Money to start with, my current Z is already enough of a cash vacuum without a format C and start a fresh on another!

Then there's space, I don't have enough garage space to store another car as it would need to be a garage queen.

 

As an investment, an original car in 10-20+ years time will (likely) be worth significantly more than a modified example. I then ask myself, why not sell up and start over with a project or covert mine back to its original specification?

 

My answer (to myself!) normally reaches the same conclusions; as much as I would love to own an concours original example, and would be proud to display it, the modifications carried out to my current Z have all been carefully selected to improve the driving experience and (in my opinion) improve the aesthetic design of the car. I'm also equally proud to display what I have so what am I gaining from this other than a potential larger return in the future? Besides, the "to do" list on my current Z has not got any shorter in the 10+ years of Zedding, in fact, I'm sure it increases tenfold each year, so I have unfinished business!

[Mondo]

I think it's a superb idea, I've pondered on exactly this for a few years now. Shows like the recent one at the NEC compound this desire as it is a perfect platform to display a truly original example. Personally though, I haven't taken the plunge for a few reasons:

 

Money to start with, my current Z is already enough of a cash vacuum without a format C and start a fresh on another!

Then there's space, I don't have enough garage space to store another car as it would need to be a garage queen.

 

As an investment, an original car in 10-20+ years time will (likely) be worth significantly more than a modified example. I then ask myself, why not sell up and start over with a project or covert mine back to its original specification?

 

My answer (to myself!) normally reaches the same conclusions; as much as I would love to own an concours original example, and would be proud to display it, the modifications carried out to my current Z have all been carefully selected to improve the driving experience and (in my opinion) improve the aesthetic design of the car. I'm also equally proud to display what I have so what am I gaining from this other than a potential larger return in the future? Besides, the "to do" list on my current Z has not got any shorter in the 10+ years of Zedding, in fact, I'm sure it increases tenfold each year, so I have unfinished business!

 

In all honesty, your last few sentences are pretty much in synch with my mindset: it's a nice idea but I'm certainly not prepared to part with my Shortie just so I can restore another Zed.

 

I like the idea. I like it inasmuch that even Si wouldn't be able to suggest adding 99 Spec rears to improve it! :lol: But it wouldn't be cheap and it wouldn't be quick and, like yourself, I don't currently have anywhere to store it...

 

All that said, I'll keep throwing the premise around in my mind and see if any viable possibilities present themselves... :)

[Iangreenfield]

If Zed values are truly on the rise than this is absolutely the way to go SI, you wont see a return for few years but boy will you be well placed as and when it happens.

[groover]

I bought a UK project with the same idea in mind, however im now going to be using the engine to get my NA back on the road, which is already restored, although after being off the road for over a year now, likely need a bit more doing to it now lol.

[RichardS]

I think it is a good idea - although buying new OEM Nissan items like exhausts and suspension will probably run into £000's more than updated parts...:wink:

 

And like Funky Si says in another thread, it's the OEM - or as close to OEM - cars that will fetch the big bucks as time marches on. So it could prove a sound investment! If you have the space and the funds, then do it....:thumbup:

[spiff]

I own a 100% stock euro spec TT, and it isn't all that.... Especially if you've driven a z with bolt ons like I used to own a couple of years back.

 

I mean, sure it moves when you want it to, but it doesn't MOVE like a modified one, the stock exhaust pipes are too small for the rear end in my opinion and the sound is bland, turbo lag is noticable. The stock rear wheels are hard to find good quality rubber for and the brakes aren't especially sharp. There is also an aftermarket for these cars still after all these years with great improvements over oem being the results so why keep it bone stock? Surely people aren't going to mind if you upgrade some smaller stuff, most people buy these car for the great potential they have and some people (like me f.ex) view stock ones only as blank canvases to execute their own plans without having to muck about with any previous owners wrong doings.

 

I plan on replacing the wheels to accomodate the 350z rotors, change brake lines, full exhaust upgrade, intercoolers, ecu and air intake. All reversible mods that no one is gonna know about if you're not an enthusiast but doesn't add or subract anything to the value of the car yet adresses the inherent "faults" this car has in stock form.

For me it's about bringing out the best in a car(call it OEM+) and in the case of my previous Z32 I actually got more for it modified than stock. But of course, if everyone is modifying then prices for mint oem examples are gonna go up, just look at the AE86, S30 and S13 platforms...

 

So as a long term investment it might proove fruitfull, and there is something special about showing up in a 100% stock ZX to a car show, even owners of modified ones are attracted to it; get some old sales brochures and commercial memorabilia to scatter over the interior and you're gold!

But even so, riding around in it I can't shake the feeling that my previous zx gave me a bigger grin....

[Joely P]

First hand experience, very well put there spiff. I think, based on many people's experience and opinions, it boils down to the fact that to restore/maintain a 100% stock car would mainly be for investment purposes.

 

With that comes the danger of subconsciously ruining the fun you would normally have in the car. You would likely be more afraid to use the car in case any thing happened and your investment went down the swanny! There would also likely be a constant niggling worry about increasing the mileage.

 

Another thing to consider then is that, if you're looking to buy a car as an investment, the are "possibly" better, more secure options to get a decent return.

[BedZee Man]

Wow, never really thought about the investment angle. I know my financial limits for what is essentially a fun weekend motor and brought my first Zed 32 recently, well, cos I like it. It's stock other than the alloys and sounds. Its great fun, plenty of poke for me, looks stunning as it is, and so far with 80k on the clock, reliable and in good nick. From the off, I wanted to keep it as it rolled off the ferry;however, I sure as hell am gonna do the 2000 miles a year my insurance covers driving every chance I get in her. Sod the investment. These are amazing, fun motors and whether you mod it's potential or just enjoy the ride man, either way your gonna have fun. I am. :-) mind you, a week with Lee Dent and I'm blinging the lump already :-)

Edited December 3, 2015 by BedZee Man

[Mondo]

I own a 100% stock euro spec TT, and it isn't all that.... Especially if you've driven a z with bolt ons like I used to own a couple of years back.

 

I mean, sure it moves when you want it to, but it doesn't MOVE like a modified one, the stock exhaust pipes are too small for the rear end in my opinion and the sound is bland, turbo lag is noticable. The stock rear wheels are hard to find good quality rubber for and the brakes aren't especially sharp. There is also an aftermarket for these cars still after all these years with great improvements over oem being the results so why keep it bone stock? Surely people aren't going to mind if you upgrade some smaller stuff, most people buy these car for the great potential they have and some people (like me f.ex) view stock ones only as blank canvases to execute their own plans without having to muck about with any previous owners wrong doings.

 

I plan on replacing the wheels to accomodate the 350z rotors, change brake lines, full exhaust upgrade, intercoolers, ecu and air intake. All reversible mods that no one is gonna know about if you're not an enthusiast but doesn't add or subract anything to the value of the car yet adresses the inherent "faults" this car has in stock form.

For me it's about bringing out the best in a car(call it OEM+) and in the case of my previous Z32 I actually got more for it modified than stock. But of course, if everyone is modifying then prices for mint oem examples are gonna go up, just look at the AE86, S30 and S13 platforms...

 

So as a long term investment it might proove fruitfull, and there is something special about showing up in a 100% stock ZX to a car show, even owners of modified ones are attracted to it; get some old sales brochures and commercial memorabilia to scatter over the interior and you're gold!

But even so, riding around in it I can't shake the feeling that my previous zx gave me a bigger grin....

 

All good points :) As I said, I already have a SWB which has been (in my opinion) tastefully modified in such a way as to improve the driving experience and the visuals, so a 100% standard Zed would, for me, be purely a show car and perhaps a latent investment.

 

If I want a more powerful, better riding, more visually appealling experience, I'll take me Shortie out for a spin. As you say though, I don't think I've ever been to a show where a Z32 has been completely original so, for me, that offers an opportunity :)

 

It's doubtful I'd ever proceed with this hare-brained idea though, due to not having anywhere to really store such a car... but it's an appealling thought nonetheless :thumbup1:

[Gaz 300]

A great idea Si and it would take very little to put mine back to oem but a UK 300zx would be the way to go. Philp has a great UK Z with around 11,000 miles on it ! Now that is a great investment.

http://www.300zx.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?126512-A-Collector-s-Zed-Part-2

[dutchgold92]

A great idea Si and it would take very little to put mine back to oem but a UK 300zx would be the way to go. Philp has a great UK Z with around 11,000 miles on it ! Now that is a great investment.

http://www.300zx.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?126512-A-Collector-s-Zed-Part-2

 

There was a blue UK Z on eBay last year with around that mileage, elderly owner asking for about €12,000 if I remember correctly. Anyone know what happened to that?

[Mondo]

A great idea Si and it would take very little to put mine back to oem but a UK 300zx would be the way to go. Philp has a great UK Z with around 11,000 miles on it ! Now that is a great investment.

http://www.300zx.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?126512-A-Collector-s-Zed-Part-2

 

Not a bad catch for him there!!

[Richie K]

Anything I take off my car is being kept up, ie. front + rear bumpers, wheels, lights, exhausts etc. The problem is that my car is a Jap Import and there's an awful lot of them still around. Now if you had a Tommy Kaira example, that would be a Jap Import worth holding onto as an investment as they're so rare:thumbup1: