Nissan

Nissan's journey into the collector market began under its original Datsun brand name. The Datsun 240Z reset expectations for sports cars in the early 1970s, offering stunning looks and solid performance at an affordable price. Other models like the 510 sedan built a reputation for the brand in enthusiast circles and on the track, creating a strong foundation for the performance cars that followed.

The brand's collectibility exploded with the arrival of its Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) icons from the 1990s. The Skyline GT-R, particularly the R32, R33, and R34 generations, achieved legendary status through motorsports and pop culture. As these cars became eligible for US import under the 25-year rule, values skyrocketed. Alongside the GT-R, tuner-friendly platforms like the Silvia (S13, S14, S15) and the technologically advanced 300ZX Twin Turbo have become highly desirable.

The Nissan market today is incredibly diverse, spanning from accessible Datsun roadsters to multi-million dollar GT-Rs. Early Z cars and 510s remain popular entry points into classic Japanese ownership. However, the market's center of gravity has shifted to the 90s halo cars, where low-mileage, unmodified examples of the Skyline GT-R and Silvia command significant premiums from a generation of buyers who grew up idolizing them.

Prices span a massive range, from under $10,000 for projects to over $1,111,111 for ultra-rare models like the Nismo 400R.