Brian serves as the Information Technology Manager for Sports Car Market magazine. As a fourth-generation automotive enthusiast, he has a particular passion for Japanese cars spanning the 1970s to the 2000s and is actively involved in the North American kaido racer community.
1976 Datsun 280Z #39365. S/N HLS30301659. 355 miles. “Numbers-matching 2.8-L L28 inline-6, 4-speed manual transmission, light blue metallic over black vinyl, replacement steel wheels with Z hubcaps, factory 14-inch wheels with Toyo Z tires included, removed parts included, factory tools and manuals, ZCON 2020 awards and memorabilia.” Condition: 1+. SOLD AT $145,000. Bring a Trailer, 11/19/2020. Brian’s take: As the resident Datsun Z-car guy in my circle of automotive friends, I was sent a video link to this 280Z, which Ammo NYC detailed on its YouTube channel. About halfway through, I just knew that this Z would be heading to auction […]
1976 Datsun 280Z
#39365. S/N HLS30301659. 355 miles. “Numbers-matching 2.8-L L28 inline-6, 4-speed manual transmission, light blue metallic over black vinyl, replacement steel wheels with Z hubcaps, factory 14-inch wheels with Toyo Z tires included, removed parts included, factory tools and manuals, ZCON 2020 awards and memorabilia.” Condition: 1+. SOLD AT $145,000. Bring a Trailer, 11/19/2020.
Brian’s take: As the resident Datsun Z-car guy in my circle of automotive friends, I was sent a video link to this 280Z, which Ammo NYC detailed on its YouTube channel. About halfway through, I just knew that this Z would be heading to auction sometime soon. This might be one of the most original and best-preserved 280Zs out there, and maybe one of the best of all the S30-series Z-cars extant. The seller even went through the effort of fixing some of the issues from the long slumber, like refinishing the fuel tank, replacing the fuel-sending unit and re-coring the original radiator. I still don’t understand how a stereo install resulted in it being parked for 44 years, but at least we all get to enjoy seeing this pristine Z in its virtually new condition. Well sold.
1991 Mazda MX-5 Miata
#40038. S/N JM1NA3513M1211635. 3,000 miles shown. “1.6-liter DOHC inline-4, 5-speed manual gearbox, limited-slip differential, factory 14-inch alloy wheels, Classic Red exterior, black cloth interior, black convertible top, factory books and manuals, window sticker.” Condition: 1+. SOLD AT $28,350. Bring a Trailer, 12/4/2020.
Brian’s take: These small, sporty roadsters have been hot with both collectors and general enthusiasts for the past six years. Unlike some other Japanese cars that continue to rise, clean, early Miatas seemed to hit a peak around $19,000, with most examples selling around $9k–$10k. Seems like the market is set on a first-gen Miata valuation. That said, Generation Z has started to gain an interest in the Miata, so there might be more appreciation still to come. Either way, it doesn’t change the amount of smiles you get for your dollar. The Miata is truly a budget sports car for anyone and continues to be highly usable, even on a daily basis. This particular example is one of the nicest you can buy and sets the bar for the high end of the price range. Well sold.
1971 Toyota Celica
#K498580288. S/N 576 (last 3 digits). 79,930 kilometers (50k miles). “4A-GE (AE86 Corolla) engine swap with individual bike carburetors, Nardi steering wheel, Sabelt seat belts, external Mazda FD (RX-7) oil cooler, Marchal headlights, chin spoiler, Mazda FD3S Brembo calipers, SSR Star Shark wheels (8J and 9J), carbon-fiber hood, with extra parts.” Condition: 1. SOLD AT ¥3,200,000 ($30,855). Yahoo Auctions Japan, 10/25/2020.
Brian’s take: Unlike the other two well-preserved cars above, this heavily modified Celica was originally set up for drifting. The seller states that he modified some of the exterior to suit his taste, with a lot of period-correct Kyushu (old car) parts. The chin spoiler, oil cooler, fender flares and Star Shark wheels add up to a classic, timeless build. The headlight cover (aka “racing jacket”) adds a fun look to this car. More-original Celicas on Yahoo Auctions have brought only slightly more money, meaning all these mods didn’t really hurt value in a niche market that enjoys custom touches when the parts and build are of a high quality. The 1980s 4A-GE twin-cam engine swap allows this car to be running well into the future with far more aftermarket support, but the individual motorcycle carbs allow it some vintage feel. In the U.S., these cars are still selling for around $10,000, so I consider this well sold. ♦
