1972/1996 Datsun 240Z
# 33053. S/N HLS3068727. 70k miles. “2.4-liter L24 inline 6, 4-speed manual transmission, Nissan Vintage Restoration Program Car, cosmetic, mechanical restoration in 1990s, red over black vinyl, under-dash air conditioning system, 16-inch Panasport Wheels.” Condition: 1-. SOLD AT $110,240. Bring a Trailer, 6/23/2020.
Brian’s take: This Datsun 240Z was part of a Nissan factory restoration project to help promote the upcoming 350Z. Nissan took almost 40 original 240Z cars and restored them using NOS parts, with a few modern enhancements such as updates on the brake pads. Then Nissan sold them for under $30k. I covered these factory-restored cars that sold in Japan in the April 2018 edition of “Rising Sun.” They had lower mileage and fewer mods — and sold for $120k and $90k. There was also another one that sold last year on Bring a Trailer for $101,240. A Nissan factory-restored Datsun 240Z seems to be a $100,000 car these days. Well sold and bought.
1993 Honda Civic Si
# 33178. S/N 2HGEH3387PH525517. 111,000 miles shown. “1.6-L VTEC inline 4, 5-speed manual transaxle, Aztec Green Pearl, patterned gray cloth interior, factory cassette player, power sunroof.” Condition: 1-. SOLD AT $11,025. Bring a Trailer, 6/25/2020.
Brian’s take: I covered a slightly newer 2000 Civic Si in this issue’s Next Gen Profile, but another Civic Si worth mentioning sold as well. The 1992–95 EG (Japan body code) hatchback is another popular base for modifying. With its small-but-sleek shape, the car can seat four somewhat comfortably. Think of this as the slightly updated CRX with rear seating. Some might find this price high, especially current Honda owners, as it was a long time coming. These cars won’t languish at $1,200 forever, and the best examples will demand the most money. This color is also a great throwback to the unique colors the early 1990s offered on cars vs. today’s sea of metallic silvers. I consider this well sold for now.
1992 Honda Accord DX
# 32830. S/N 1HGCB7642NA086831. 60,000 miles. “Long-term previous owner, 2.2-L F22A inline 4, 4-speed automatic transaxle, white over blue velour, 14-inch steel wheels, T-belt/WP service in 2015, owner’s manuals/keysets.” Condition: 2-. SOLD AT $6,227. Bring a Trailer, 6/17/2020.
Brian’s take: While certain Civics are rising in value, not all Hondas are collectible. The Honda Accord is the next model above the Civic. These cars are slightly more refined, a little better on options and they deliver more power when you need it. With features like that, why wouldn’t it be more desirable? There are some enthusiasts out there modifying Accords — but it is not at the same level of popularity as the Civic. The DX is the lowest Accord trim level, which is why the front and rear bumper aren’t painted to match the rest of the car. Factor in the automatic transmission, and this car was swimming against the tide. Still, this is a fairly high price for one of these, considering what they sell for in private sales. Overall, this is not a very collectible Japanese car. Well sold..♦