355 mile Datsun 280Z: Barn Find to YouTube Star to Show Winner in Seven Weeks
Sale Price
$140,000
Price Record Increase
+140%
BaT Listing Views
93,279
Comments
289
- 1976 Datsun 280Z
- VIN: HLS30301659
- Record Setting 280Z
- 1st in Class ZCON 2020
Bringing the rarest Datsun 280Z barn find on record, with just 355 original miles, to auction comes with an obligation to tell a complete car story.
After the Datsun 260Z commission sold for a new record price in 2020, we received a phone call from a gentleman named Steve who, through an unusual scenario, came to own this unique Datsun 280Z.
Although Steve had owned Z cars in the past, he was in no position to tackle a project of this significance, and it was time to find a new owner for the car. That’s where Garage 44 takes over.
While visiting Steve, we became fast friends and were able to verify the Datsun 280Z was indeed real, albeit under a thick coating of dirt. As if this wasn’t surprising enough, the odometer showed 350 original miles, making this car one of the most unique examples we’ve seen. From that point forward, we arranged a deal and entered this dusty Datsun 280Z into our fastidious auction preparation and presentation process.
Our Process
Maximizing value at auction through detailed storytelling and presentation
Consultation
At the beginning of our commission with this Datsun 280Z, we set forth a clear strategy that would leave no detail overlooked and produce the results the owner was expecting. Our approach:
- Prepare and present the car as if it were in showroom condition.
- Generate positive press for the car to build interest in the market, prior to the auction.
- Earn validation with the Datsun and Nissan Z community by having it judged at ZCON in Nashville.
- Establish this Datsun 280Z as the gold standard listing for buyers to reference for years to come.
Preparation
As we began the preparation process, we went to great lengths to thoughtfully resurrect the Datsun 280Z and tell a complete story in the process. Since the “barn find” aspect of the car was crucial to the story, we documented nearly every task so potential buyers had full confidence the car was a premier example.
We carried out a comprehensive refresh of all systems including cooling, hydraulics, braking, fuel, etc. to ensure the car was mechanically sound. In an effort to generate buzz ahead of the auction listing, we coordinated a “barn find detail” video shoot with automotive YouTube icon AMMO which produced 15 million views. In just 7 weeks following the video release, we had the car moving under its own power and in excellent condition for the first time in 40 years.
The car was also a hit at ZCON 2020 in Nashville, TN and won several awards, including Best in Class, Nissan Manufacturer’s Award For Most Original, and second place in the People’s Choice Show.
As enthusiasts ourselves, it was important for us to show the community what the car was like before, during, and after the refresh took place. The care we put into preparing and documenting the process created trust and enthusiasm with auction viewers, which drove the wildly positive comment section across the seven day auction duration. Many people underestimate the importance of positive comments and a pleasant “room” but it is one of our most important factors to achieving a great auction result.
Presentation
When presenting any auction listing, our primary objective is to create a “no questions” car. This means photographing every detail in a way that reflects the car’s true condition and organizing them on the bidding platform in a logical flow the bidder can follow. This includes documentation, service records, and any other materials that contribute to a car’s authenticity – we share everything transparently.
As the auction reached a close, the results would reshape the Datsun 280Z market and decisively set a new record price. The car sold for $140,000 (excluding buyer’s fee) which surpassed the previous Datsun 280Z price record by $82,500 or 142%.
The new owner is a seasoned collector in Colorado who concentrates on low mileage examples, mainly American muscle cars and 4×4’s. This was his first Z car and he couldn’t have found a more unique example. One year later, he also purchased another highly original 280Z listed through Garage 44 on BaT for the second highest price paid for a 280Z at the time.
AMMO
I reached out to Larry Kosilla at AMMO and he was just as excited to film the car as I was to have him on board. More than 15 million views later, this video still comes up in conversation and the notability of it was a spark of confidence as this hobby started to take off for me.
Road & Track
The Road and Track article was the icing of the cake of this whole project. Like most of us, I read Road and Track when I was young, so having a project highlighted by them was surreal.
Acknowledgements and BaT Listing
There are a lot of people who helped with this commission. Steve and Carlton put their trust in me to lead the project and bring this historic example back to its former glory. My father, who went above and beyond with me to get this car ready on a deadline. Kevin at Kevin’s Classic Cars did outstanding and timely work, as always. Chris Beal shot much of the photo gallery and deserves a huge thank you for his time and effort.
