MARKET REVIEW

Datsun Bluebird/1200/1600/240K

Looking for a collectible Japanese car in good condition for less than $10,000? Here is not the place to start. Early Datsuns are appearing in decent numbers but prices are increasing as well so stepping into anything good for less than $15K is difficult. Top of the heap are 1600s, especially pre-1970 models in original or mildly-modded condition. 1200 Utilities remain in demand and expensive while pre-1969 Bluebirds seem predominantly to be pick-ups. 1000 and 1200 coupes might seem cheap but the sample was below average and a top example of either model will cost more than $15,000. The car to find if you can is a two-door 240K; currently $20,000 in decent order but potentially worth a lot more.

Bluebird 1963-68 $15,325 [9] 1000/1200 Sedan/Wagon $10,780 [8]

1000/1200 Coupe $9625 [4] 1200 Utility $14,320 [30]

1600 Sedan/Wagon $21,635 [14] 240K $19,750 [1]

Datsun 120Y/180B/200B/280C-300C

Here is the place to find affordable and generally enjoyable Datsuns. The 120Y was derided for decades but survivors in excellent condition today make $10,000. Coupes should be worth 30 percent more than sedans or wagons. The 180B and 200B are solid, usable ‘family classics’ with parts still available. Excellent sedans and wagons remain below $8000 but SSS coupes are scarce and one recently sold at auction for $18,000. Six-cylinder 240, 280 and 300C models aren’t rare yet, however demand isn’t huge either and only the two-door versions are likely to sell for more than $15,000.

120Y $6085 [15] 120Y Coupe $6665 [3] 180B/200B $5420 [16]

180/200B SSS $18,000 [1] 240-300C Sedan/Wagon $5400 [5]

240-300 Coupe $12,085 [3]

Datsun Sports 1964-83

Reports from overseas of huge money being paid for rare versions of the 240Z are bound to influence local asking prices. The averages in our survey for 2.4 and 2.6-litre two-seaters have been held down by part-finished ‘projects’ however the cost of Japanese-spec Fairlady Zs has climbed above $60,000 and will move higher. Open-top models have settled, with 1500 Fairlady and 1600 models mostly below $25,000 while the scarce 2000 Sports is typically $35-45,000. Those wanting a 1970s Datsun with sporty looks and sufficient practicality should consider the 260Z 2+2. These in excellent condition cost $25-30,000 with the newer, more powerful 280ZX at $10,000 less.

Fairlady/1600 $22,975 [5] 2000 Sports $34,335 [5]

240Z $41,860 [15] Fairlady Z $69,475 [4] 260Z $41,240 [10]

260Z 2+2 $23,675 [19] 280ZX $16,300 [24]

Honda 600-800/CRX/Civic 1964-2006

Not long back the shortage of early Hondas in the market was so severe it seemed likely they would disappear. Since then, surging interest in early Civics helped boost values (over $10,000 for some) and bring once-threatened cars into the market. Restyled 1985-91 Civics survive in decent numbers and are creating interest at less than $5000. 1990s VTi-Rs remain very cheap. Civic Type Rs sourced from Japan offer hot hatch kudos and cost less than $15,000. Early S600 and S800 sports cars remain in demand but cars offered recently