When will price of roadster go up and up..

[bespa]

Was talking to a fellow worker and he mentioned that he did pretty well when he sold his prowler, he had almost double his money. So, that made me think of the roadsters. Will it one day?

[TR]

An interesting question with an ironic answer...Didn't these sell new for $2500-$3000? Cars in ok condition sell for that much now, restored for much more...So, if you could store the cars for 30 years, sure you could make lots of money...Maybe not as much compared to wise (AKA lucky) stock investments, etc...

I don't think a mass-produced car will ever see the price jump of a limited production niche auto like that of the prowler...There are still enough cars out there and parts readily available to keep the price down...TR

[DatsunBucky]

...Didn't these sell new for $2500-$3000?

Sticker on a 67.5 1600 was $2621, including freight. But don't forget, that included wool carpeting. Only option I remember was the hardtop.

[Minh]

I'm going on sheer Economics 101: Supply and Demand

If there is a great disparity between demand and supply you will see price markups. If you remember the 1st year the Mazda Miata first came out. The supply was so hot some got dealers got away with selling them for $20-30,000. Even though the manufactured MSRP was about $15,000. After the hype and lawsuits from Mazda and clients the delaers are selling the cars at regular price.

The annual Barret-Jackson auction brings in a lot of cars. The big ticket sellers are exotic and rare 00s to early 70s European and American cars.

Their is not a high demand for 50s and 60s era Japanese cars. (sadly though.)

Here is where it get really long - Market Analysis:

There are 2 axioms Roadster owners on the board: (my opinion)
1) Aficianados, "This is a great car!"
2) Drivers, "I love driving this thing!"

Betweens these two axioms there are overlapping segments.

The Aficianados prefer to keep the vehicles original and unmodfied. They prefer to preserve the character and uniqueness that defines the car as it was manufactured. The drive in Roadster as it was the day it rolled of the lot is the excitement. A time capsule of a by-gone era.

The Drivers prefer to have the car not in "park." Nuff said. If it still give them a thrill and and excitement in only the way the Datsun Roadster can provide is what's quentissential.

These 2 axioms are primarily active owners and drivers.

What I don't see are the 3rd axiom.

3) Investor or Ravid Enthusiasts.

These people either have a passion for the Roadster that will pay whatever thay can afford to attain one of these cars. Or, people who want to put there money in appreciating equity and rather than a car. These people are the ones who dictate highre values and appreciation. These are the people drive the demand and dwindle supply.

I have not seen many (if nay) of these people who pursue the Roadster in this way because right now there isn't any money it and seller can't get that kind value at time of sale from potential buyers. I don't see many buyers willing to shell out the kinda dough say fair condition Porsche 356 coupe.

It can be maybe someday It has all the markings.
1) Limited production numbers
2) Historical Legacy ties to Japanese automotive innovation
3) European yet Japanese aesthetic stylings

Don't hold your breath, but so make sure you enjoy the ride.

[DatsunBucky]

If you're interested, you can go to:

http://www.users.qwest.net/~buckymac/window_sticker.JPG

and you can see the original window sticker from the Roadster I'm still looking for. The image is kinda big, but I wanted the details to be able to be read.

I didn't do any color correction, and the paper is heavy, almost cardboard. I guess it at about 35-40 lb stock.

(300W alternator = ~25 amps. Weak by today's standards.)

[SLOroadster]

You guys should look at e-bay. Last week a nice looking 69 2000 went for $12,400. I'd say the prices have gone up. A really clean 67.5 2000 can fetch upwards of $20,000.

Will

[Minh]

No I haven't...

However, that's good news for owners and horders. Bad news for the lat comers.

Maybe this will encourage people from not parting out the other partially restored Roadsters.

[Duncan]

You guys should look at e-bay. Last week a nice looking 69 2000 went for $12,400.

The auction went that high, but I a bit skeptical if that much money changes hands for that car. It *was* a very nice car, but I know I have had some stuff sell on ebay and fall through on more than one occasion...

[Sloloco]

Hello All, longtime no talk!
I thought I might put in my 2 pence having a firm grip on the automotive industry and all. I believe you would see an incline in price and desire for the cars somewhat. I think the thing stopping this is the lack of knowledge. Very few people in fact know that this is where the Z car’s roots come from. If more people looked at our cars as a first gen. version of the Fairlady then more would be so inclined to purchase (or collect). I like to believe most of us own these gems of history out of passion above all else. I know I didn't purchase it for bragging rights! Good scenario for comparison...Ford will be re-introducing the Shelby Cobra within the next few years. This will in fact drive up the price of what original Cobras are still out there. Why? Knowledge.

[toolsnob]

I agree with Slolcal. There is a real lack of knowledge when it comes to these cars. You and I have both been at the gas pumps or interestions with people staring at the cars and people ask what they are. You see the poor guy driving the mini van with 5 kids and wife only to look over at you driving your datsun. Many people really like these things and it shows, 2 years ago a 67.5 2000 went for $32,000 in S.F. (that is what I heard) and I know of other roadsters that have been offered or bought at $25,000. The only way you are going to obtain those kind of prices for a roadster (sadly enough) is to put 50-75% of the selling price back into the car as you own it. So there you go, you won't really make money but the value will increase if you restore your car properly.