With all the automotive madness whipped up by the Arizona auctions week, let’s take a look at how it affects the nostalgic car scene. First, collector car insurance company Hagerty issued a press release identifying three “segments represent[ing] a group of collector vehicles that are quickly gaining in popularity amongst enthusiasts” — classic pickups, early Japanese cars, and vintage motorcycles.
Cars such as a 1966–1970 Honda S800 and 1970–1977 Toyota Celica are receiving increased interest, as are well-preserved 1984–1991 Honda CR-X models, which are dwindling in numbers. “Many Japanese imports were used up and thrown away so now if you find a well-preserved original they are bringing tremendous money,” said panelist Rob Sass.
Over at Barrett-Jackson, Japanese cars are growing in number too. Barikan Coronas have always done well, and this red California coupe sold for a decent $13,750. Many an S30 Z-car crossed the auction block, and all seemed to reach selling bids of about $18-19,000, regardless of whether it was a more-desirable early 240Z or big-bumpered 280Z, or a BRE replica. Looks like someone could use a lesson on Z coolness.
S130 ZXs didn’t fare nearly as well. At $2,200, it was beat out by specialty kei jidosha like the $7,700 Honda N600 and $12,100 Subaru 360, neither of which were original. A lightly modified Datsun 510 wagon sold for $8,525 and even got some notice on SpeedTV, but the top Japanese seller of them all? Once again, the FJ40 Toyota Land Cruiser, which went for $40,700 in restored-to-stock form or $55,000 for one resto-modded with an SBC.
The conclusion: while it looks like there is greater interest in Japanese cars from wealthy collectors, old rich guys still don’t value/know what a stock or period-correct Japanese nostalgic is.
Thats good news for us common folk.
(81′ Corolla’s are still cheap).
I think appreciation for old j-tin is on the increase in Europe.
As japanese nostalgics gain mainstream attention the price of ones in decent shape will start to rise. I give it another 4-5 years before current enthusiasts are unable to participate in their chosen hobby like people who owned pony/muscle cars in the late 80’s early 90’s.
Any word on 1984/’85 RA64 Celica’s popularity??
There weren’t any sold at Barrett Jackson and Hagerty did not mention it.
I hope I can still pick up a mango or S30 in 5 or 10 years… the prices seem to just keep rising.
quit talking start doin
Thanks for this article. Earlier today before seeing this article I was searching through the auction results. In my opinion many of the cars sold would have brought more money if exposed to a national audience via ebay, JNC forums, etc.
@jamese you’re spot on. get top dollar thru bringatrailer too. the big auction houses and they’re bubble prices don’t apply here
This has reinforced my decision to never ever sell my S30. I’ve already made the mistake of selling two Mopar musclecars, but fortunately, selling them is how I was able to buy the Z in the first place.
Garage Zero in Atlanta has been doing resto-mods on these cars for years. Finally the world can see the beauty and the value!
A 68 150hp 2000 Datsun roadster frame off restoration crossed Barrett Jackson for $33,000.00
Regarding the ’68 Fairlady Roadster, was this in Scottsdale last month? We saw the car and spoke with the owner. Currently restoring the same car, I have wondered about the selling price.
No love for the Mazdafarians? *sniff*
Z Cars in particular are indeed increasing in value, particulary the S30 and also the Z32 twinturbo coupes.
No luv for mazdas Im fraid, so much for my MX-5 retaining its value! & my Ex BF FD RX-7 just died well before its time. LOL
This is good news for ‘early Japanese classic pickup’ owners like myself!
I love old Hondas and Miatas. May have to wait for these to be worth much, but in the meantime, they are sure fun to drive.
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