With a rich history deeply rooted in both off-track and on-track racing, it’s undeniable that Nissan cars have made a significant impact on the automotive scene. With numerous iconic models playing monumental roles in cementing their mystique.
Although Nissan may not wield the same level of influence as it did during the 1990s and 2000s, perhaps with Toyota’s renewed emphasis on performance and fun vehicles, someone within Nissan would push their company to challenge Toyota once again.
While we sit back and await the day Nissan revives an affordable, fun chassis, here are but a taste of this manufacturer’s iconic cars showcased at the Tokyo Auto Salon.
At an event renowned for its big, bold, and brash aftermarket builds, it was almost amusing to witness the enormous crowds drawn to these fully restored classics. Among them, this impeccably clean S13 Silvia stood out, captivating attention throughout the day as enthusiasts gathered around it.
The masterminds behind this impeccably restored car? None other than NATS, the same school known for producing some of the quirkiest cars to ever grace the event. Previously a hard-driven drift car, this particular S13 found new life under the skilled hands of students from Tsukuba Institute of Science and Technology. They painstakingly patched up any imperfections with reshaped 0.8mm bonded steel, rejuvenated the worn and cracked interior with fresh upholstery, applied a striking factory pearl white and gold two-tone paint job, and added a cheeky aftermarket exhaust we’d like to think was applied as a nod to its former life as a drift machine.
While this Nissan Cedric 230 might look like another meticulously restored project, its presence at the Veilside stand should give one ample reason to pause and take a closer look. Because with a fully built Veilside engine and numerous custom-made Veilside parts, it is anything but OEM. Even the gearbox comes from an S15 Silvia!
Aiming to capture the spirit of the OG VIP cars from the 80s and 90s, Avanzare’s Y72 BBS LM shod Cima was beautifully executed both inside and out.
This Autech R33 Sedan must have been quite a car to command such a crowd. I couldn’t even get near it!
Jokes aside, amidst numerous rumours and disappointing fake renders, the question arises: Will Nissan ever truly bring back a successor to their legendary S-chassis? So far the signs don’t point to anything hopeful.
Surely Drift-girl Kisa Awano would appreciate an S16 if it ever happened!
Until that happens, we’d have to make do with Nissan’s ageing Z33, Z34 and RZ34 platforms.
This isn’t all bad considering the aftermarket crew are still very keen to produce parts for them, like this rather menacing Z34 at Varis.
Similarly, they showcased a couple of RZ34s as well. Although the latest Fairlady might ride on a modified version of the same platform as its predecessor, it undoubtedly triumphs in the visual and aesthetic competition.
At Nissan’s booth, they had a few Nismo-enhanced cars on display for showgoers to experience firsthand.
CREWCH, a shop specializing in drag builds, showcased a 400Z with a G-nose. Do you think it works?
Indeed, Veilside, with support from F&F’s Han, presented a 400Z styled in their signature Fortune aesthetic.
Now, you might be wondering, because it’s Nissan, where are all the Skylines and GT-Rs? Fret not, because Nissan’s most iconic nameplate is up next so stay tuned!
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