Datsun 240Z Market Analysis — August 2026
Executive Summary
The Datsun 240Z market is currently experiencing an appreciating trend, with a year-over-year price change of 11.9%. This upward trajectory indicates strong demand for this classic vehicle, particularly for models from the early 1970s. Buyers should focus on well-maintained examples from 1971 and 1972, which command higher prices.
Market Snapshot
- Current inventory: 50 active listings
- Median asking price: $35,000 (historical median: $26,750)
- Price trend: Appreciating (11.9% YoY)
- Market velocity: 119 days average time on market
PRICE TRENDS & APPRECIATION
The quarterly trends indicate a generally appreciating market for the Datsun 240Z. In 2026-Q1, the median price was $27,900, while in 2026-Q2, it increased slightly to $29,150. The most significant appreciation occurred in 2024-Q3, where the median price was $30,128, followed by a decline in 2024-Q4 to $20,750. However, the overall trend remains positive, with recent sales averaging around $32,373 for sold vehicles, suggesting that current asking prices are in line with market demand.
Auction Market Dynamics
The sell-through rate stands at 74.8%, indicating a healthy market where a majority of vehicles listed at auction are sold. The median price for sold vehicles is $27,500, while the median high bid is $25,250, revealing a reserve gap that suggests sellers may have unrealistic expectations. The ratio of sold to unsold vehicles (1002 sold vs. 209 unsold) indicates that while there is strong demand, some sellers are not meeting market realities.
Configuration Value Guide
The data does not provide specific body style breakdowns; however, the price by year indicates that the 1971 model commands a higher average price of $55,853, while the 1972 model averages $38,470. This suggests that the 1971 model may be particularly desirable among collectors, potentially due to its performance and styling.
Mileage Impact
Mileage significantly impacts pricing for the Datsun 240Z. Vehicles with under 50,000 miles average $48,547, while those with 50,000 to 100,000 miles average $43,844, and vehicles over 100,000 miles average $29,657. This indicates that buyers are willing to pay a premium of approximately $4,703 for low-mileage examples compared to those with higher mileage.
Regional Pricing
Geographic distribution shows that the West has the highest average price at $44,056, followed closely by the Unknown region at $44,243. The South has a lower average price of $33,419, suggesting potential arbitrage opportunities for buyers in that region. The Midwest has the lowest average price at $37,700, indicating that buyers in this area may find better deals.
Market Health Indicators
The average days on market is 119, with a median of 153 days, suggesting that while there is demand, listings may take time to sell. The presence of 15 listings with price reductions indicates some softness in demand, while the two new listings this week suggest a stable supply.
Investment Outlook
Given the appreciating trend and the strong year-over-year price change, the Datsun 240Z appears to be a solid investment. The market for this classic vehicle is likely to continue appreciating, particularly for well-maintained examples from the early 1970s.
Buying Recommendations
Buyers should focus on 1971 and 1972 models, ideally those with under 50,000 miles, as they command the highest prices and are likely to appreciate further. Target price ranges for these models should be between $38,000 and $55,000. Buyers should be cautious of listings with high asking prices that do not align with recent sales data, particularly those with significant mileage or in less desirable conditions.
This analysis is generated from CarSearch.Pro's market database (1,401 historical sales, 50 active listings across 14 marketplaces) and refreshed automatically. It is market commentary, not financial advice.