This is somewhat like comparing Apples and Oranges but this is a ballpark comparision to what the values of our cars could be.

http://www.barrett-jackson.com/appli...&aid=443&pop=0

http://www.barrett-jackson.com/appli...&aid=443&pop=0

http://www.barrett-jackson.com/appli...&aid=443&pop=0

Now, I admitt these examples are choice and don't represent the majority of old Z-cars out there. Also, Barret-Jackson isn't exactly known to be a place to get blue light specials. I do think that 1st Gen Rx-7's compare well to the Z-cars of the same period in performance, style and value. I'm a big fan of the Z-cars but It just mystifies me why we have not achieved the same appreciation in the market place. It's not like we don't have a pedigriee, we kicked Datsun's butt in the GTU class in the early 80's.

To me, It's not so much of a dollar and cents thing as it is one of pride. They've sold 4 or 5 Z-cars the past three days all in the 15-19K range. Even one that was bastardized with an GTO Spider body kit went for like 16K. Incredible.....

 

I think it's because the z-car was before the seven. It (and the 510) were responsible for putting Japan on the scene in the Anglo world. After that, everything else was an also-ran.

Also, there is the period to consider. The Z car was early 70's, and the seven was a decade later, give or take. There is a lot of style difference there that makes the Z car more "classic".

IMHO

 

Furthermore, the Z is still around today. Nissan can still talk about the old cars in their marketing, the more well-offs can buy a 370 first, and then decide to look for a pristine retro car to match, ect. Muscle cars don't really need that handicap, they're forefront in the mind of the American auto enthusiast, and are still prevalent in pop-culture today.

But, it doesn't bother me. My dad bought an '83 with 60k miles that was a couple grand of professional work, if that, from being Barrett Jackson worthy for $4500 two years ago. I just bought my '84 SE with 103k miles in excellent running shape with a very good, complete interior for $2000. It's the better car, and it's cheaper! Let the company with the bigger marketing budget make worse cars, don't bother me a bit.

 

Wait 10 years and then see what a pristine SA will be going for. Like I've always said,
these cars will follow the same appreciation curve as we have seen on the LBCs from
the 50s and 60s. Very similiar in production numbers and so forth.

You don't buy these cars as an investment, in fact theres very few cars that make a good
investment. You buy cars because you like/want them regardless of price.

 

You hit that one right on the head Tim. Most guys get mad at me when they tell me about a first gen going to the scrapper or being parted out and I tell them "O'well. Just makes the value of mine keep going up."

I didn't buy my first gen to make an investment. I bought it because I saw what I wanted to build. That's why I love Chip Foose. He said that anyone can restore a car, but it takes a real man to cut one up

 

Wise words, but he should get some taste to back them up :P

 

looking around ....cool wagon....http://www.barrett-jackson.com/appli...&aid=443&pop=0

 

5 and dime wagon....droooooool!

 

Wow, I'd say that thing was a steal!

 

Maybe anyone CAN, but very few WILL. And far fewer will finish what they start.

 

I am going to toss this out

If offered 10k for you car, how many people would sell it?

 

I'm probably not the ideal test subject for your question, but because you asked..... it would depend on which one you were wanting. Even then, I'd have to consider it..... which is, maybe your point? Leave the value out of it and enjoy the ride!

It just eats at me when last night for example, I saw a 78 Z-28 go for 28K and a 79 T/A for 32K, down in Florida. Makes me feel unappreciated and under valued.

 

the SA's will come up in value also if the next rotary car is as cool as i've heard its going to be

 

10...for my 1st gen no way....i can go to your town spend that in a week end...

 

For the Civic or RX-7, yes in a heartbeat :P Might even give you both for that! But no way on the Porsche