Datsun 240Z Market Analysis — September 2026
Executive Summary
The Datsun 240Z market is currently appreciating, with a year-over-year price change of 12.2%. This trend indicates a growing interest and value in this classic vehicle. An actionable insight for potential buyers is to focus on models from the early 1970s, which have shown higher sales volumes and prices.
Market Snapshot
- Current inventory: 37 active listings
- Median asking price: $44,999 (historical median: $26,750)
- Price trend: Appreciating (12.2% YoY)
- Market velocity: 136 days average time on market
PRICE TRENDS & APPRECIATION
The quarterly trends indicate a fluctuating but generally appreciating market for the Datsun 240Z. For instance, in 2026-Q1, the median price was $27,500, while in 2026-Q2, it increased to $30,075. The most recent quarter, 2026-Q3, shows a median price of $27,875, suggesting some stabilization after a peak in Q2. Overall, the average price has increased from $29,256 in the older quarters to $32,218 in the recent quarters, reflecting a positive trend in value.
Auction Market Dynamics
The sell-through rate stands at 74.6%, indicating a healthy market where a significant portion of vehicles sold at auction. The median price for sold vehicles is $27,500, while the high bid median is $25,000, revealing a reserve gap that suggests sellers may have higher expectations than buyers are willing to meet. The ratio of sold (1,004) to unsold (210) vehicles indicates that while many cars are selling, there remains a notable number that do not meet reserve prices, suggesting some sellers may need to adjust their expectations.
Configuration Value Guide
The most common years for sales are 1972 (400 units), 1971 (295 units), and 1973 (277 units). The average prices for these years show that 1971 models command a higher average price of $56,235, while 1972 models average $45,396. This indicates that earlier models, particularly from 1971, are more desirable and command a premium in the market.
Mileage Impact
Mileage significantly impacts pricing for the Datsun 240Z. Vehicles with under 50,000 miles average $57,351, while those with over 100,000 miles average $36,989. This indicates that buyers are willing to pay a premium of approximately $20,362 for low-mileage examples, highlighting the importance of mileage in valuation.
Regional Pricing
Geographic distribution shows that the West has the highest average price at $47,748, while the South averages $34,042. This suggests that buyers in the West may be paying a premium, while there could be opportunities for better deals in the South.
Market Health Indicators
The average days on market is 136, with a median of 183 days, indicating that while listings are available, they are not selling quickly. The presence of 13 listings with price reductions suggests some softening demand. However, the introduction of 3 new listings this week indicates ongoing interest and supply in the market.
Investment Outlook
Given the current trend direction of appreciation and the positive quarterly trends, the Datsun 240Z appears to be a solid investment. The consistent year-over-year price increase suggests that this asset class is likely to continue appreciating, making it a favorable hold for collectors and investors.
Buying Recommendations
Potential buyers should focus on 1971 models, which have shown higher average prices and sales volumes. Target price ranges should be between $30,000 and $50,000 for well-maintained examples, particularly those with lower mileage. Buyers should be cautious of listings with high asking prices that do not align with recent auction outcomes, as this indicates a potential reserve gap.
This analysis is generated from CarSearch.Pro's market database (1,425 historical sales, 37 active listings across 14 marketplaces) and refreshed automatically. It is market commentary, not financial advice.