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.
1972 Nissan Skyline 2000GT-X S/N KGC10042480. 8,000 kilometers (5,000 miles) shown. “2.0-liter L20 inline-6, 4-speed manual transmission, white paint, black upholstery, 15-inch Watanabe wheels, aftermarket front big-brake kit, triple Mikuni carburetors, Koyorad aluminum radiator, front and rear spoilers, black fender flares.” Condition: 2+. SOLD AT $73,500. Bring a Trailer, 1/18/24. We recently noted a Skyline 2000GT-R that sold on Bring a Trailer for $216k (Etceterini Profile, January 2024). While this looks like the same car, there is a lot missing that depresses the price. This third-generation Skyline was originally developed under Prince before it merged with Nissan. The 4-door sedan version […]
1972 Nissan Skyline 2000GT-X
S/N KGC10042480. 8,000 kilometers (5,000 miles) shown. “2.0-liter L20 inline-6, 4-speed manual transmission, white paint, black upholstery, 15-inch Watanabe wheels, aftermarket front big-brake kit, triple Mikuni carburetors, Koyorad aluminum radiator, front and rear spoilers, black fender flares.” Condition: 2+. SOLD AT $73,500. Bring a Trailer, 1/18/24.
We recently noted a Skyline 2000GT-R that sold on Bring a Trailer for $216k (Etceterini Profile, January 2024). While this looks like the same car, there is a lot missing that depresses the price. This third-generation Skyline was originally developed under Prince before it merged with Nissan. The 4-door sedan version was released in 1968, with a 2-door following in the 1970s. Originally equipped with a 4-cylinder Prince engine, the wheelbase was later extended to make room for Nissan’s 6-cylinder L-series engine. The GT-R model was equipped with the S20 DOHC 6-cylinder, the same engine as the Z432. Our subject car features the L20 2.0-liter engine from the factory with upgraded SU carbs, which gives it a power bump over the 2000GT. This car has been modified with the typical “poor man’s GT-R” treatment, which I personally think is the best look. This consists of triple Mikuni carburetors with a FET Sports intake, GT-R rear fender flares, GT-R spoiler, chin spoiler and Watanabe wheels. While this isn’t a cheap sale price, it is fair for a car that has all the modifications most buyers will want. Well bought.
1974 Nissan Cedric GL
S/N 230341672. 73,000 kilometers (45,000 miles). “2.0-liter L20 inline-6, column-shifted 4-speed manual transmission, black paint, blue cloth and vinyl upholstery, fender-mounted side mirrors, alloy wheels, power steering and brakes, power windows, air conditioning, cassette player.” Condition: 2+. SOLD AT $6,300. Bring a Trailer, 1/22/24.
This is yet another Nissan from the 1970s that we didn’t receive in the U.S. The Cedric was a high-end luxury 4-door sedan designed to compete with the Prince Skyline and the Prince Gloria before those brands were absorbed. At the time this Cedric 230 debuted, it was also offered in 2-door form. Nissan produced the Gloria 230 as a higher-trim Cedric, which retained the same chassis but with a different aesthetic. The Cedric was also exported to other markets as the Datsun 200C/220C/240C/260C (the name depended on the engine configuration). Our subject Cedric was a mid-cycle refresh version which included the option for a pillarless hard top. Similar cars in Japan would range between $15k–$25k depending on condition. Standard 4-doors are around $8k less. This car’s Australian location might have kept a few bidders away, but even after the cost of importing it to the U.S., I think this would have been a good deal. Well bought.
1971 Nissan Fairlady Z432
S/N PS3000273. 33,000 kilometers (21,000 miles). “2.0-liter S20 inline-6, triple Weber carburetors, 5-speed manual transmission, limited-slip differential, orange paint, black vinyl upholstery, 14-inch magnesium wheels, power-assisted front disc brakes, auxiliary oil cooler, stainless-steel exhaust manifold, fender-mounted side mirrors, rear spoiler, roll bar.” Condition: 1. SOLD AT $255,000. Bring a Trailer, 1/17/24.
What might seem like a ridiculous amount for a “240Z” is right on the mark for a Z432. This has to do with the legacy of the Fairlady Z in Japan and its limited production numbers (just 420 units). Nissan originally produced the Fairlady Z for the North American market as a grand-touring car. It made Nissan a real competitor here and has become a national treasure for Japan. The Z432 was a JDM factory performance upgrade released at the same time, but at double the cost. A Z432 is a Fairlady Z with a factory-installed DOHC engine from the Skyline GT-R. The 432 designates “4 valves per cylinder, 3 carburetors, 2 camshafts.” In Japanese motorsports, the Fairlady Z competed in the GT class and eventually Group 7. The Z432 was raced in-period but was reported to have vibration issues. This would lead to the development of the 240ZG, similar to our 240Z with a fiberglass front end. Previous Z432s sold in the U.S. have brought as much as $250k in both 2015 (SCM# 266392) and 2023, though several have traded lower, including one at $89,600 in 2019 (SCM# 6888625) that previously sold for $170,500 in 2019 (SCM# 6831934). Our subject car was owned by SCM contributor and Japanese car expert Mark R. Brinker. Overall, this car sold right on the mark for being outside of Japan, where the market can be difficult for this unfamiliar factory hot rod. ♥
