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240Z early USA import - so, how much ?
- Thread starter SeanDezart
- Start date
chrisvega
Well-Known Forum User
Double if it was rhd ? But you wouldn't find an original UK rhd car in equivalent original condition to compare ? Well, I've never seen one anyway.
I personally want to own/buy a car that has the integrity comprising 100% factory original steel, not welded with fabricated or replacement panels and if that means lhd so be it. If it also has original factory paint with a matching number L24 engine then that is the icing on the cake for me !
Also just to throw the cat amongst the pigeons, where do rhd cars converted from lhd appear on the valuation scale in comparison ?
In the UK rhd is the holy grail and of course much easier to live with but there is always a trade off.
Even in Japan they have an inverted snobbery liking for lhd cars ( something about being more exclusive and getting out on the pavement
? ) I'm sure Albrecht will be along to put me right and let us know exactly why ?Also the Chinese are possibly about to enter the market for classic cars if restrictions on import are lifted as muted a possibility later this year. Watch the prices for lhd take off then !
SeanDezart
Well-Known Forum User
Some interesting points Chris....frankly, I like the Japanese prefer the opposite side steering-wheel but I can't afford RHD speculative prices and I don't like the accompanying rust.
But what will the Chinese like in classic cars - most likely the known makes so do we see simply a price lift-off as per the early '90s leaving the 'cheap ol' Datsuns' behind ?
But what will the Chinese like in classic cars - most likely the known makes so do we see simply a price lift-off as per the early '90s leaving the 'cheap ol' Datsuns' behind ?
Albrecht
Well-Known Forum User
Even in Japan they have an inverted snobbery liking for lhd cars ( something about being more exclusive and getting out on the pavement
My pleasure.
During the late 70s, 80s and early 90s the Japanese domestic auto market saw a lot of parallel importing. The likes of Mercedes Benz, BMW and Porsche were making efforts to get a proper foothold on the Japanese market, and were sending Japan-specific RHD models to be sold by officially franchised dealers. Non-franchised parallel importers got in on the act and started bringing in LHD models with different specs and selling them at prices much lower than the franchised dealers.
Quite often these LHD parallel import cars were seen as having a more desirable spec than the official RHD cars, and there was a feeling - fostered by the motoring press - that the LHD products of a manufacturer from an LHD country were 'The Real Thing', as opposed to what were seen as the watered-down RHD versions. Certainly a lot of the parallel imports were flashier, and tending to be bought and driven by the type of people who thought they were getting one over on the mug who paid extra for an RHD model. So, somehow, it just became fashionable.
But that generally doesn't work in Japan with old Japanese cars, and certainly not with S30-series Z cars. In fact, it's the exact opposite of the German / French / Italian parallel import to Japan situation. The LHD S30-series Zs are seen as being watered-down, but with the chance of better body condition for less money. On average, a re-imported LHD S30-series Z will sell for something around 50% to 70% of the price of a similar condition, similar age Japanese market model and the dealer/owner will usually spend some time changing the car to make it more like the Japanese market models.
So no, LHD S30-series Zs do not command a premium in Japan.
Alphabettispaghetti
Club Member
I think double is a bit strong. We live in a European market. I'm someone who does his homework, I'd say 20% tops.
So thsts why the japs preferd lhd,i remember i picked up a lhd merc going to japan and was told it was looked upon as being more prestigeas,still the case maybe.something learned,as for original floors
and metal have a look at mine one day,each to their own,its your choice and it doesnt matter wot other people think,you do it for you so good luck with your choice,enjoy
and metal have a look at mine one day,each to their own,its your choice and it doesnt matter wot other people think,you do it for you so good luck with your choice,enjoy
Albrecht
Well-Known Forum User
To refine the point somewhat, you also have to take into account that there are still plenty of good condition original Japanese market model RHD cars in Japan. If you are in Japan and you want one, you can get one.
So the Japanese market hasn't reached the critical mass situation we now see here in the UK, where demand for good, original RHD cars at easily accessible prices is outstripping supply.
chrisvega
Well-Known Forum User
" as for original floors
and metal have a look at mine one day,each to their own,its your choice and it doesnt matter wot other people think,you do it for you so good luck with your choice,enjoy "
Agreed Status - that's the beauty of the Z, there is room for all of us with our different
ideas and preferences of what we like in a car. Some like me prefer cars that are as close to original spec. as possible. Others like more power, bigger wheels, flared arches - each to their own, no right or wrong, just down to individual taste and choice. One man's meat and all that ( errr. that sounds a bit wrong but you know what I mean
)
btw having said that my Z has Panasport alloys that I think look great - or I did until Sean and Richie advised us they were horrible - then got me thinking and doubting my taste although car came with them fitted. FWIW I have a lot of classics around in the garage and it's amazing how many people pick out the Z as their favourite so we are doing something right.
and metal have a look at mine one day,each to their own,its your choice and it doesnt matter wot other people think,you do it for you so good luck with your choice,enjoy "
Agreed Status - that's the beauty of the Z, there is room for all of us with our different
ideas and preferences of what we like in a car. Some like me prefer cars that are as close to original spec. as possible. Others like more power, bigger wheels, flared arches - each to their own, no right or wrong, just down to individual taste and choice. One man's meat and all that ( errr. that sounds a bit wrong but you know what I mean
)btw having said that my Z has Panasport alloys that I think look great - or I did until Sean and Richie advised us they were horrible - then got me thinking and doubting my taste although car came with them fitted. FWIW I have a lot of classics around in the garage and it's amazing how many people pick out the Z as their favourite so we are doing something right.
SeanDezart
Well-Known Forum User
I've known at least two Japanese gentlemen buy UK cars to export to Japan.....does Japan import UK/Aussie/SA etc cars still my Count ?
Must remember chaps that LHD cars within the UK are seen by the rest of Europes' buyers (with the advantage of less transport and import taxes over cars direct from the USA) so I agree, half the price of an original UK RHD car seems too modest - think bigger than the island market.
Must remember chaps that LHD cars within the UK are seen by the rest of Europes' buyers (with the advantage of less transport and import taxes over cars direct from the USA) so I agree, half the price of an original UK RHD car seems too modest - think bigger than the island market.
Albrecht
Well-Known Forum User
The ones exported from the UK would have been quite some years back now, I believe? I know of two or three that went UK>Japan because HS30 prefix is quite useful in Japan. Can be turned into what is - in some respects - very similar to Fairlady 240Z/Fairlady 240Z-L/Fairlady 240ZG, which is a higher desirability/price in Japan. And that would have been when UK cars were quite reasonably priced when compared to Japanese cars.
I've heard of a few being sent Australia>Japan in recent years. Again, an economic decision as relative values made it worthwhile. Rising values in Australia recently will probably put the brakes on that a bit.
SeanDezart
Well-Known Forum User
Effectively, it was 15-20 years ago.....christ, time passes quickly !
I wonder if following the recent auction there might not be a 'snobbisme' for RHD cars now or that a mild ripple effect will affect USDM cars ?
I wonder if following the recent auction there might not be a 'snobbisme' for RHD cars now or that a mild ripple effect will affect USDM cars ?
Albrecht
Well-Known Forum User
All that will happen is that they continue to view their cars through a very specific USA market-led prism. That's because most Z owners and enthusiasts are donkeys who can't see any further than the end of their own noses.
"Thanks Mr K." etc.
SeanDezart
Well-Known Forum User
Hardly a reference as you like long, blond hair....which'd be fine on a girlie but you're far from that.
Just seems daft paying a fortune getting wheels from the States when there is a wide choice available here.
Pete - keep it quiet but donkeys in reality are much smarter than horses
and he doesn't mean ''can't'' but ''won't''.Panasports look ok and yes there is a choice over here but it's not yours or my car so he can do wot he wants with it,and I like long blond hair ,least I've got sum ,changing my wheels soon to wantanabys or another Set of image or them other ones that look similar,can't remember the name,and I don't give a monkeys nuts if no one likes em,so there
SeanDezart
Well-Known Forum User
Have a nice weekend Paul.