Turbo + RWD Nissan sports car that gained recognition in its later years

A sibling of Nissan’s 5th generation S13 “Silvia,” which was a huge hit as a date car during the bubble era, the “180SX” was introduced in 1989. The 180SX, which was discovered at “RETRA JAM Vol. 2” (Retra Jam = Retractable Car Jamboree), is strikingly beautiful in its factory color, yellowish silver. We asked the owner, Mr. Diesuke, about the reason why the car was restored to its original glory after being neglected for 9 years. 

I kept it for 31 years after acquiring it on impulse, believing in its revival

The Nissan “180SX” shares the basic structure with the “Silvia” but has a different appearance with retractable headlights and a hatchback coupe design. Moreover, it was only available with a turbocharged engine until a minor change to a later model in 1996, which made it popular among users who enjoyed driving.

The 180SX spotted at the “RETRA JAM Vol. 2” held on May 4, 2024, at the Hibiki Sea Park in Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, had the stock look but was tuned to the point. Moreover, its beautiful body was hard to believe that 30 years had passed since its debut. This was the reason why we approached the owner, “Diesuke” (52 years old).

“It’s been 31 years ago now,” he said.

“This is a one-owner car that I bought 31 years ago when I was 21 years old. The body cracked and I left it parked out in the open for about 9 years. I started restoring it about four years ago and finally brought it back to life.”

At the time he acquired this car, “Diesuke” wanted a Nissan 6th generation R30 “Skyline RS” called the “Iron Mask,” but a friend of his who had joined the company at the same time bought it first. Not wanting to drive the same car, he rushed to the dealer with 3,000 yen in his pocket as a down payment and purchased a 180SX, which was rumored to be discontinued at the time, with a full loan.

After enjoying this car for many years, the hood ledge area of the engine compartment became so damaged that it was impossible to get a continuing vehicle inspection without repairing it. As a result, nine years passed with the car parked out of the blue without having its license plate number erased, with the thought that “there must come a time when I will drive it again someday.

translated by DeepL