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.
1991 Nissan 240SX LE #38150. S/N JN1MS36P7MW009141. 33,000 miles shown. “2.4-liter inline 4, 4-speed automatic transmission, Cherry Red Pearl, gray leather, sunroof, air conditioning, active speaker system.” Condition: 1. SOLD AT $12,553. Bring a Trailer, 10/22/2020. Brian’s take: In the November 2020 issue, I covered another similar 240SX with twice as many miles as this one and in slightly rougher condition. This sale barely passed a third of that car’s sale price. What gives? Is the 5-speed manual really worth three times the price of the automatic? That’s what the market has said, but even with an automatic, this car was […]
1991 Nissan 240SX LE
#38150. S/N JN1MS36P7MW009141. 33,000 miles shown. “2.4-liter inline 4, 4-speed automatic transmission, Cherry Red Pearl, gray leather, sunroof, air conditioning, active speaker system.” Condition: 1. SOLD AT $12,553. Bring a Trailer, 10/22/2020.
Brian’s take: In the November 2020 issue, I covered another similar 240SX with twice as many miles as this one and in slightly rougher condition. This sale barely passed a third of that car’s sale price. What gives? Is the 5-speed manual really worth three times the price of the automatic? That’s what the market has said, but even with an automatic, this car was a steal. Following the drifting community for as long as I have, I know it only takes one mistake to ruin one of these chassis. Some owners repair them and cut out what was damaged, but many cars just get scrapped. With how iconic this car is and will continue to be in the future, grabbing an original example like this at this price is a no-brainer, regardless of the transmission.
1997 Nissan Hardbody King Cab XE
#38943. S/N 1N6SD16Y5VC350419. 119k miles. “2.4-liter inline 4, 5-speed manual, 2-speed transfer case, Platinum Gold over tan cloth, body-color bed cap, spray-in bedliner, recent mechanical service, air conditioning, sliding rear window, window sticker.” Condition: 1. SOLD AT $16,333. Bring a Trailer. 11/10/2020.
Brian’s take: When you think “Japanese truck,” the Toyota Tacoma is usually the first thing that comes to mind. But the Nissan Hardbody also resides up there near the top. The Hardbody was the follow-up to the 720 and earlier 620 Datsun trucks. These trucks are known to be workhorses — they just don’t seem to give up, even in the worst of shape. The D21 Hardbody was released in 1985 and production ran until 1997, 12 whole years! The 1992 model year came with some visual updates, along with R134a a/c, and the 1994 saw a much-needed interior update. Prior to 1990, the Z24 engine used throttle-body injection, where afterwards Nissan switched to a more-torquey version of the 240SX engine, the KA24E. There was also a V6 model, which came with a lift and fender flares (like our example here). With the OBD-II port mandate in 1996, Nissan didn’t have its V6 engine ready, so the 4-cylinder was the only engine available. This truck has the best of all of the options and modern features available to the D21 series, including ABS, power steering, air conditioning, and 4-wheel drive. I spent about a year looking to buy a Hardbody, and concluded that most of them are beat-up work trucks with salvage titles and over 250k miles. Finding one in this shape makes this a great buy.
1984 Toyota Xtra Cab Pickup 4×4
#38795. S/N JT4RN66D3E5041738. 230,000 miles shown. “‘Back to the Future’ tribute, TMU, 2.4-liter 22R inline 4, 5-speed manual transmission, 2-speed transfer case, repaint in black, brown interior, tubular roll bar/side steps/bumpers, KC off-road lights, Old Man Emu leaf springs, Rancho shocks, aftermarket stereo system, original sales paperwork.” Condition: 2+. SOLD AT $38,063. Bring a Trailer, 11/6/2020.
Brian’s take: With Toyota creating the most desirable and reliable Japanese trucks of the ’80s and ’90s, this price isn’t that surprising. While the seller said mileage is into the 300k-range now, it has been given the once-over with an engine rebuild and repaint. I have been saying for a while that high mileage doesn’t hurt the value of Japanese cars as long as they are in very good condition and have been well maintained. The real selling factor for this car is the attention to detail in re-creating the iconic “Back to the Future” tribute. While it didn’t receive a lot of screen time, it did leave a lasting impression on car enthusiasts. The winner of this auction (someone with a BTTF screen name) mentioned shipping it to Australia, where I am sure it will be appreciated. Well sold. ♦
