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1970 240Z

This is really an issue that has me torn.

The market prices have all but ensured I'll probably never afford another clean early Z, which is a harsh reality. The silver lining of this for me is seeing Z cars getting the mechanical and bodywork they've needed, or cars that would have been parted 10 years ago now finally being restored. They are finally getting the care and attention they deserve. That's an important point because while Datsun sold many of these, over the past several decades many have been lost to decay, damage, or just plain neglect. Every Z car that manages to get restored today is one more Z preserved to enjoy now, and more importantly, to be enjoyed for years to come. The high prices have finally made expensive repairs make fiscal sense for many owners, today spending that money is an investment.

When I had my Z I paid no attention to cost verses value, but I don't think I represent the majority when it comes to what I'm willing to spend on a project car, especially a Z.

The catch to this of course is that Z cars are meant to be driven and enjoyed. They are enthusiast cars, and were always aimed at the average person. They were affordable, yet every bit as exotic and exciting as cars that were twice the price. Because of the market shift they have become more of a collector car, and many likely will be stored away in collections instead of being driven regularly.

I'm glad to see them getting the respect they deserve, it's well earned. They are beautiful cars, real classics. It's unfortunate that it prices them out of the reach of many.

Jay