Value Query HZ Sandman

[bradvp1991]

Hi All

I've got a Sandman lined up to buy and a figure in my head of what I think its worth.. but i'm hoping you guys will be able to provide some insight as to its true value.

Details:
-78 HZ 253 4 Speed Windowless Sandman
-Fully restored in 2006 (only done around 5000kms since) - beautifully done

The only two things that bother me are that the:
-Engine doesn't match the Tags and;
-The colour is Green with blue decals instead of blue which is what is indicated on the tags

I dont have any photos on me but picture a perfect green sandman - all original on the inside (so much so that a CD player is hidden in the glove box) - it is immaculate.


Let me know what you all think.
Cheers
Brad

[Blocker]

Brad it is honestly difficult to put a price on it. The price or value is going to be different from the seller to every buyer that has the cash.

Couple things to consider;
You want to be absolutely sure it is a genuine Sandman
The motor not matching should not detract from the price, unless this is advertised as fully original/factory vehicle etc. If you are lucky enough to have the original engine then good but not a going to be worth $1000s more or less.
Paint can always be changed

Have a browse through our Sale section and see what similar cars have sold for and you will get an idea.

Sorry can't be much more help - others will chime in with more advice.

[Frosty]

I personally think if the color looks good and is about right for the era it wouldn't stop me buying it. Infact my blue van is orange. Not sure of the effect on value is for the color but if it's a good van I think that is more important. Not many left with the first motor so that makes little difference. I think it should be worth $100,000.

[HK1837]

If you view it in terms of what it'd cost to build then it is a bargain at $25k.

But you have to be sensible sometimes and think about how it will sell if you have to and what detracts from its value. This is how I see it:

Being only a 4.2 devalues it compared to a 308 example.
Not having the original engine hurts a bit, but not as bad as it would to an original 308 car. Simple fix is to put a 308 in it or an injected engine.
Non original paint may hurt it a bit too.

In the end I wouldn't pay much more than $20k, $25k at a stretch. Having said that personally I wouldn't entertain it as its green, but that is my personal distaste of green coming out!

Hope that helps!

[mauser]

Brad,

The least thing for me is the engine not matching. I would take most of the matching number cars with a healthy dose of sceptism anyway.... they just dig up a motor reasonably close. So unless it has service records or sales documentation then its a bit hard to prove. If the 253 wasnt origional for me I would always put a 308 in it. I cant see the use of spending big dollar 253 builds on non-origional blocks.

Personally for me the colour isnt a problem. Sometimes people had a car and wish to re-create it later. Its hard to find a car in the condition you want with the exact tags unless is one of the more common paint colours.

If you like it then thats all that matters.

Mauser

[HK1837]

Brad,

The least thing for me is the engine not matching. I would take most of the matching number cars with a healthy dose of sceptism anyway.... they just dig up a motor reasonably close. So unless it has service records or sales documentation then its a bit hard to prove. Mauser

That problem could be a thing of the past soon!

[Vombil]

I personally think a green HZ is a little on the less desirable side. Still has to be $25 if its neat as a pin

[bradvp1991]

Thanks all, much appreciated! If anyone else has any thoughts I would love to hear them.

Cheers
Brad

[HK1837]

My only advice would be to take 5, stand at a distance and just think with your head, not your heart. If you really want a Sandman then you'll never build what you described for $25k, in fact you'd never build a replica as you describe for that. But if you are eyeing it with thoughts of investment i'd walk away. Like GTR's and SLR's the Sandman is a niche car, not a premium performance and asking prices are over the top at present. If you are thinking half enjoy, and half investment i'd hold out for a 5.0L example in similar condition.
Just my thoughts anyway.

[Vombil]

If green is not your thing then don't go ahead. Believe me you'll spend more time looking at it than you will driving it

I was never really into green but I have one now and it's grown on me. i'm more into the fact that a car/van etc is original and unmolested and drives tight than getting caught up with colours. i like to be transported back in time when I drive. this includes walking around the car and taking in original features and unique dents etc and then smelling each interior with its unique old skool dusty perfume. I like it how every one of them drives different with their own individual flaws. All tell a story and for me driving them and looking around the body to extract a history keeps me interested