motorman7

So I took a break from my 1600 Roadster restoration and went to the Benedict Castle Concours last weekend. The show was about 60 miles up the freeway, so it worked out well to take the Z out for a drive and show. My plan is to just do two shows a year. It’s always nice to take the old Z out for a drive, and socialize at the car show. This was the inaugural event. Special tribute was paid to Chuck Barris, creator of the Munster mobile, Bat mobile and other ‘Hollywood’ cars. The show benefited the teen challenge charities and was chaired by Barry Maguire of Maguire’s car wax. They had a Japanese class with a number of award winning vehicles in the line-up. Koji and Terry Yamaguchi of JCCS fame headed up the Japanese class and invited a number of their past winners to enter the show. On hand were a couple Mazda’s, 5 Datsuns, 2 Toyotas, a Honda and a Mitsubishi. And yes one of the Toyotas was a 2000GT, I got to line up next to him. Anyway, here are some pics from the show. For those interested in awards, the 2000GT took third, the Toyota 800 took second and the Z took first. Not bad. Link for show pics

It always depends on what you are looking for. If you want a Z to modify and customize, the craigslist Z may be a good choice, but I wouldn't put its value at much over 7K. I do like the e-bay Z and feel that it is probably a better investment. Seems to be much more original. Not sure if you would be able to get that one for $10K though. It appears to be fairly original which would improve the value. Either way, take your time and make sure you are happy with your selection. Best regards, Rich

It is great to see the Z Car Class added to this Concours event. I am hoping that other Concours events will follow their lead and start including the Japanese car classes. Until then we are relegated to 'Preservation' and 'Special Interest' Class.

Love that avatar Dave. Tempted to do the same

Very Nice! Sounds great.

Looks like a great project car. I would really like to second what Jim said here. Be very careful on what you may think about throwing away or replacing. Those clamps are works of art (my opinion as a mech engineer) and very pricey on e-bay. Same with your braided hoses if they are salvageable. You will hear a lot of complaints about those flat tops, but mine worked just fine. A Zed with flat tops is becoming increasingly rare. I restored a '73 several years ago...below is the thread if you are interested http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/open-s30-z-discussions/40016-1973-240z-refreshtoration-%96-901-silver.html Best of luck and enjoy the ride. Rich

Pics would help a lot for estimating worth. The price range based on your limited information would be anywhere $5K-$15K. Has it been repainted? Dash and interior condition? motor pics? frame rail pics? 'Unmolested' has a different meaning for each individual. It can mean anything from 'untouched' to 'the air cleaner on my V-8 doesn't stick out of the hood'. Offhand, sounds like you have a great car.....we just like the pics :-) Best regards, Rich

Wish I could remember exactly how it happened; I'd sell the secret. In some way I think a purse is involved and the magic words Michael Kors, Dooney & Bourk, or Coach

Thanks everyone, I really love the lines on the roadster…they are classic. This one is not a racer, but is very high in the cool factor department. I will keep things updated as they progress.

Hi Carl, Yes, I thought we were going with the red, but she felt that every roadster she saw was red, so she decided on a bright white to be different I guess. I like it. I haven't even color sanded it yet and it looks pretty nice. It should look pretty good with the badges and SST rails on the side, and re-chromed bumpers. Of course I'll keep the hub caps and stock rims for the shows. I will be picking up another Z this weekend. A 1971 with 91K miles and virtually no rust (just a bit at the battery tray). I will post latest pics and blog once it is in my garage. Attached are some teaser pics. Best regards, Rich

Boy, this has been a long project. Starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel though. 1970RoadsterP13

My rule of thumb for mods to a very original Z would be to deduct the cost of the mods from the current value of the car. Example: Current value $15K. Add a $2K aftermarket AC system. Your original car is now worth $13K. Add headers and 5 speed for $1K, your car is now worth $12K. And so on. Just my 2 cents. Rich

The sharp angle creases, etc. are all there because this is the concept car. By the time the accountants are finished with the design it will look like the 370Z. The final cars NEVER look like the concept. Case in Point: The Nissan Design center in La Jolla produced a beautiful looking Altima with gorgeous lines and styling. I saw the model in their facility. What was produced by the factory from that design looks like the old Altima. Sad but true. I am guessing this Z will undergo the same transformation.

Oh My, those guys from San Diego are really on top of it. ZCON2014

This one looks interesting. Appears to be very original 1971 240z

Very Nice cars and the Z looks great. Thanks for posting. I love that color on the Z

Thanks for the pics Blue!

We definitely need more pictures from this event :-)

The one in Eagle for 5K looks like a very nice car. Seat material looks original, same with the radio. Very nice interior. Motor needs some help, but otherwise looks quite nice from the pics.

Very cool, Congrats!

First off, that car is a beauty! I love the color and the original condition. Also, very glad to hear your ’73 has the flat tops and smog equip. That usually means the previous owner hasn’t messed with the car too much and you have a very nice original vehicle…sweet. I am guessing the ‘boo’ reference to the flat tops is that you have previously owned a Z with flat top carbs and they did not perform well for you. If not, you have most likely heard from others on this site who have never owned a Z with flat top carbs, and they have bad mouth the flat tops. In my opinion, they are given a bad rap. I had a ’73 with flat tops and they performed wonderfully, even in hot LA traffic. No way I would trade them out. It is getting very rare to see a ’73 or ’74 with the flat tops, so you would do well to keep them, in my opinion. Just my thoughts Anyway, congrats again on a beautiful find. I love it. All that baby needs now is those hubcaps installed. I love hub caps….as long as they stay on when you rip around the corners. Best regards, Rich

Those are for the Roadsters.....I need one. I opened mine up and one looks like this pic, the other is all metal (brass I think). I think the all metal float is early roadster vintage and the pictured one is late model vintage.

I guess it depends on what you are looking for in a spring. I had the Tokico’s on my yellow Z and they just about rattled my teeth loose, too stiff for daily driving. I switched over to the Eibach’s and really like those. I did cut 1.5 coils from the front springs to get the car to sit level. I am still running the Tokico 5 way adjustable at all 4 corners, with at the number 2 setting..

Very Cool, Thanks! Will order mine now

Do you mean the rubber piece is also included? Only the metal part is diplayed on the Coker site.