The most expensive Datsun 280ZX known to have sold is a 1980 Datsun 280ZX 10th Anniversary model, which fetched $231,000 at an auction during Monterey Car Week. This sale highlights the significant collector interest in well-preserved and rare editions of these iconic Japanese sports cars.
The Record-Setting Datsun 280ZX
The Datsun 280ZX that achieved this remarkable price point was specifically a limited-edition model created to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Nissan Z car lineage.
Key details of this valuable Datsun include:
- Year of Manufacture: 1980
- Model: Datsun 280ZX
- Special Edition: 10th Anniversary Model
- Distinctive Feature: A rare red and black color combination
This particular vehicle stood out due to its unique heritage and striking appearance, designed as a tribute to the enduring legacy of the Nissan Z series.
Factors Contributing to the High Price
Several elements typically drive the value of classic cars, and this Datsun 280ZX sale exemplified many of them:
- Rarity: As a special 10th Anniversary edition, these vehicles were produced in limited numbers, making them inherently more valuable to collectors. The specific red and black livery adds to its uniqueness.
- Historical Significance: Being a celebratory model for the Nissan Z's decade milestone imbues it with a special place in automotive history.
- Condition: While not explicitly detailed in the sale record, cars that command such high prices at prestigious auctions are almost always in pristine, often factory-original or meticulously restored condition, indicating careful preservation over its 43-year lifespan.
- Market Dynamics: There is a growing appreciation and demand in the collector car market for well-maintained examples of Japanese sports cars from the 1970s and 1980s.
Auction Context
The sale occurred during Monterey Car Week, a world-renowned event held annually in California, which includes various prestigious auctions. These events are a magnet for serious collectors, enthusiasts, and dealers, often leading to competitive bidding and record-breaking sales for exceptional vehicles.
Sale Overview:
| Model Year | Specific Model | Sale Price | Auction Event | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Datsun 280ZX 10th Anniversary | $231,000 | Monterey Car Week Auction | Rare red and black livery, limited tribute edition |
This record solidifies the Datsun 280ZX's position among sought-after classic cars, demonstrating that limited production models, especially those with historical significance and in excellent condition, can achieve remarkable prices in the collector's market.
