Message to the lucky owner of the lovely 280ZX featured on ZCalendar 2023 for "February"
I also own a stunning 79 historic reg 280ZX. Totally original with 28 thousand on the clock.Only it is a 2+2 auto
in precisely the same met blue as the car featured. I'm at odds in knowing what to do. The car is uniquely original with a stunning interior
and a very low millage. Its a privilage to own and to occasionally drive. However. there is bubbling evident under the forty year old paintwork
the underside is totally rust free. The car is perfect for a complete exterior restoration. The concern is this. The car is currently worth its highest value
as a unique,totally original example of the marque. Every time I have taken the car out it inevitably it draws an admiring fan base and clearly the 280ZX enjoys a substantial following. Also, the 280ZX marque has received a big boost since being featured in the recent iplayer series "Tokyo Vice". There is now a substantial following of guys and girls born in the seventies/eighties who never saw these cars, who earn substantial earnings and who will bid big to get a good one. This is my problem. i) Spares have always been difficult but my biggest concern is replacing the chrome strips around the windscreen,should they become damaged in removal if they are irreplaceable. ii)The cost of a high quality repaint is likely to be around 20k. That is the current value. So it needs careful consideration. To keep the car and complete the necessary repaint or spend 20k and only expect to receive 20k if you sell. And that is the basic difference between a 240z where the 20k spend is a very probable added value.
Undoubtedly. There will be a time when the 280ZX will become an extremely valuable asset. good examples are getting hard to find whereas there are several hundreds of 240Zs around the planet. Also. as one would expect, motor manufacturing tends to be a progressive pursuit. In terms of build and drive quality, the 280ZX is by far a superior product. It has until now just lacked the fashionable glam. However,everything has its time and its own particular charm. Would you please put me in touch with your exterior paint restorer.
Look forward to a 280ZX owners meet up sometime soon.
Much appreciated
Charles
Chaz L