Here’s a good example of the condition that older ‘classic’ vehicles can be in. This shows why prices are so variable depending on condition, despite two vehicles looking equally good in online pictures, the reality can be very different once you get close up.
Close inspection by a reliable agent is critical to know what you’re bidding on and what work (and costs) you will be faced with on arrival in your country.
This 1971 Nissan Skyline KGC10 GT coupe was inspected for a client at USS Nagoya auction on 20 March 2015. The engine was very difficult to start and required liberal use of the choke which had been moved from the factory position and took some finding. Once started it did run and warm up but would likely have been an issue in shipping.
Considerable rust was obvious around the body as well as front and rear repair history. Grade 3 was changed to RA (minor repair) with an announcement on auction day.
It had L20 to L28 engine conversion, LSD, large wheels and flares, aftermarket suspension and other modifications.
This vehicle SOLD for 3,330,000 YEN FOB. Total price in Australia at the time would have been approx. $42,300 landed (calculated at a rate of 93.41 yen to the dollar).
We only source for import the best vehicles with clean and tidy interiors, and only vehicles we would be pleased to own ourselves. This is why we are constantly told by clients that the vehicles we source are well above the condition of most others on the local market.
The pictures are typical of the information we provide prior to auction for each vehicle of interest, with any faults shown so you can clearly see the condition before we discuss whether to bid, and your budget.
Whether you’re looking for a 1971 Nissan Skyline KGC10 GT coupe like this, or another year, make or model, we can find it for you in nice condition.
It is vital when sourcing your vehicle to use an agent that takes the time to physically check each vehicle and looks beyond the auction pictures and report to confirm condition. Some vehicles may have an unpleasant smoke or other odour, rust underneath, or other faults which are impossible to know without inspection.
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The Nissan Skyline R34 was an awesome awesome car, it was the best car I have ever owned. I kept it for 7 years … absolute trouble free, reliable, unique and a great drive.
It was hard to let go of, but with a growing family had to eventually trade it in … in the end after 7 years of good use ended up getting $14K trade in at a dealer, which was bloody good … considering it was a an import landed for $25K, 7 years earlier.
For now I now drive around in a Golf GTI which I bought brand new, but with a growing family we need a bit more room. That plus the fact that the German built VW has already started to develop squeaks and rattles I never experienced in my Skyline!! …
Right now I am having a look at the people movers (something with three rows of seats) and the officially available range on the Australian market is just awful … I don’t really like what I see. They are terrible value and very very low tech.
Was thinking about an E51 Elgrand a few months back but it is way too large for my wife to drive around so having a look at the Delica instead, which is a bit more compact.
Have been looking at the Delica D5 (2007) at the Parramatta dealerships … but I am a bit suspicious of the KMs having been wound back and tampered with by the Australian dealers. And now having done a back of the envelope calc with your import price calculator based on the recent auction prices you just sent through I don’t quite know how they (dealers) could offer their cars at the price they do without having wound back the KM’s (and make a profit).