The Datsun 240Z (Fairlady Z in Japan) revolutionized sports cars with its inline-6 power, sleek design, and affordability. Today, it's a blue-chip Japanese classic.

Here's the EU market breakdown:

1. Price Ranges (EUR, Mid-2024)

By Condition & Origin

Project Car (Needs Full Restoration)

• €25,000 – €45,000 (Rust repair critical – check floors, frame rails)

Driver-Quality (Running, Minor Flaws)

• €45,000 – €80,000 (L24 engine, mostly original)

Concours-Level (Numbers-Matching, Restored)

• €80,000 – €150,000+ (Factory colors like "907 Green")

Japanese-Market Fairlady Z (RHD)

• +20% Premium over LHD EU/US models

2. Key Value Factors

✅ Originality

• Matching-Numbers L24 Engine (2.4L I6): Adds 30–50% value
• Factory "432" (S20 Engine): €300,000+ (Rare homologation special)

✅ Rust & Body

• Critical Areas: Doglegs, battery tray, spare tire well
• Original "SU" Carburetors: Missing? Deduct €5k–€10k

✅ Provenance

• Japanese Auction Sheets (if imported) boost value
• Early VINs (<HLS30-10000): More desirable

3. Where to Buy in the EU?

• Specialist Importers: Japanese Classic Cars, The Import Guys
• Classifieds: Car & Classic, Mobile.de
• Clubs: Z Club Europe (private sales)

4. Market Trends

📈 Rapid Appreciation

• Clean examples up 15–20% yearly (now €80k+)
• Last affordable "holy grail" Japanese classic

⚠️ Red Flags

• "Restomods" with V8 swaps (hurts collector value)
• Fake "432" replicas (verify S20 engine stamps)

(Fun Fact: The 240Z was designed to undercut the E-Type Jaguar – while offering similar performance!)

Pro Tip:
Decode the VIN:

• "HLS30" = LHD export model
• "S30" = JDM Fairlady Z
• "PS30" = Rare factory turbo variant

(Bonus: The 240Z's dashboard was inspired by a Boeing 747 cockpit!)

(Note: 1971–1973 models are most desirable – later 260Z/280Z are heavier and less valuable.)