Just a note regarding values, I know this topic has come up recently, but anyway. Over here in Ireland we have (or at least had) quite a few GTO’s considering the small market and population.
You may or may not know but during the late 90’s and on into the early 2000’s all used Japanese imports to Europe passed through Dublin port. Due to a loophole in tax/importation laws Ireland was the primary import route for these cars. Ships pulled into Dublin port , unloaded their cars which then needed to be (on paper) registered as imported to Ireland before being auctioned off in lots around the city and bought primarily by UK importers and onward shipped to the UK.
As a result loads of Jap imports were bought by dealers here and so there is a healthy jdm scene in Ireland.
On to values, for years the GTO languished at the bottom of the pack for resale value due in part to our crazy road tax pricing. Based on engine size and cc a 3,000cc car would cost circa €2000 to tax for a year. Now that the GTO has turned 30yrs old a 1990/1991 example can now be taxed for €56 for a year due to its reaching classic status (30yrs+).
GTO’s are becoming much sought after and as an example I’m aware of a car (1990 TT) having been bought in the UK for €4,500 prior to Christmas (and Brexit). It was sold this week in double quick time with an asking price of €12,750. That’s some jump !
As for all the cars sold here during the jdm import boom of the late 90’s early 00’s I’d estimate 1 in 5 of the cars survive. The rest having been abused and misunderstood ending up scrapped or as parts cars hoarded in yards dotted around the country.
Advert from the Irish Independent newspaper of when the 3000GT was launched in Ireland, this would have bought a nice house then, wonder who bought it and where it ended up!
It has had a tough life, the transfer case input spool and gearbox output shaft and flywheel+clutch are all badly worn. I’m restoring it now with my Dad, so hopefully it will be another one of these cars on Irish roads soon!