NISSAN 180-200SX/ SILVIA
ONE OF NISSAN'S THE LONGEST SERVING NAMEPLATES WAS FESTOONED TO ONE OF ITS SPORTIEST OFFERINGS
Delve back into Japanese automotive history and you discover that Silvia – along with Bluebird, Fairlady and Cedric – was among Nissan’s longest-serving name plates. Production began in 1964 with the 1.6-litre CSP311 and continued until the last-ever Silvia (unless reports of a planned electric version are correct) was made in 2002.
S13 models were first seen in 1988 and accounted for two thirds of S13-15 production. Some would come here as low volume ‘grey’ imports, but 1995 brought the first official Nissan Australia deliveries of the 200SX.
These were some of the last Silvia-derived cars and available only to Australia, New Zealand and the Japanese domestic market. By the time S15 versions of the 200SX arrived here, three trim levels were available with six-speed manual transmission standard and four-speed automatic available.
S13 Silvias came here with 1.8-litre turbo and non-turbo engines, supplemented by the turbo-only 180SX which began populating import car-lots during the early 1990s. Most obvious difference between the Silvia and 180SX was the latter’s hatchback body style but there were other differences that helped make the 180SX more valuable.
Most of the Silvias arriving in Australia as used imports were four-speed automatics, cheap and plentiful though Japanese auctions. Five-speed manual cars are available but attract a price premium and those that have survived their time in Australia remain expensive.
S14 Silvias and derivatives began using from 1991 the 2.0-litre SR20 engine, with double overhead camshafts, fuel injection and optional turbocharger. This engine, as delivered locally in 200SX form, delivered 147kW of power at 6400rpm.
Spec S versions of the 200SX sold new in Australia for $39,990, with automatic Spec Rs at a $45,990. To those was added a short-lived GT version that came with standard leather trim and was available only for a few months during 2002.
S15s had a new Helical Limited Slip differential replacing the S14’s Viscous LSD. It was quieter and said to deliver better grip in tricky conditions such as ice or mud.
Specification levels in late-series 200SXs were impressive, with air-conditioning, ABS brakes, dual airbags, a CD player and the usual power-operated gizmos all part of the basic package. Spec R versions added a CD stacker, power sunroof, body-kit and rear spoiler.
The money being asked for S14 and S15 models soared during 2019, then the events of 2020 helped sustain demand. Three years later, a local or privately imported S15 in excellent condition will cost $30-40,000 and hunting down low-kilometre cars is worthwhile.
Backing strong local prices is an international market for older Nissans which recognises the significance of Silvia derivatives and will help ensure ongoing gains.