i'm looking to buy a very nice 75-78 4 or 5speed car. "very nice" would include a stock, clean body with very nice paint and all systems in place and working. what price range would everyone think i am in? i've looked at a number of cars and i have to admit i'm somewhat confused where the market is on these cars. i had one many years ago and have wanted to buy one for quite some time. i own other cars, mainly muscle cars, and it is much easier(for me anyway) to evaluate the market on those cars. any input would be appreciated.

Hello Don,

First, welcome to the site. You've come to the right place There is loads of good info. here on Z's.

For a 280Z in mint condition, stock, low miles ect. you'll be looking roughly at around $8,000.00 to $12,000.00 for a "very nice" one. maybe a little less if your lucky. Now this is what I've personally seen nice examples of first generation 280Z Cars go for recently. the prices I listed above is not out of a kelly blue book, or N.A.D.A. Just what I've been seeing them go for.

Best of luck in your search and being that your already into cars, I'm sure you already know what to look out for as far as problems go like rust :paranoid:

I don't know about Ohio, but around here (VA) $2500 to $4000 would buy what I consider a nice Z. I've had 4 (75,76,77, and 78) and the most I've paid for one was $1300 but they all needed quite a bit of work. My 77 daily driver is in primer with molded on fender flares, MSA type III front end, ZX wheels and NACA style ducts in the hood. It has the full urathane bushing kit and new struts with an aluminum flywheel and ZX 5 speed manual. It also has a cracked dash, ripped seats and no carpet. But even so I would still ask at least $2500 for the car.

The prices mentioned previously reflect what I've seen, too. There is a wide spread in these numbers, but I think it's an 'apples vs. oranges' kind of thing. For a pristine Z you'll see those prices on the high end. For a driver, you see the lower end prices. You must ask yourself what you want out of the ownership of the car (pleasure? future collector car? whatever?) and set your level of spending accordingly. I've been thinking about picking one up in this age range too. I think a really nice one can still be had at bargain basement prices. If I hit the lottery or find some wads of cash I will be doing so.