Nissan’s Most Important Car - BIGTIME

Summary

In this engaging video, the host explores the Nissan S13 Silvia, a 1990s sports car treasured by drifters and late-stage millennials. The video delves into the S13's significance, its unique marketing to women, and the various trim levels. The host's friend, Jimmy, shares his experience with his own S13, discussing its appeal, aftermarket support, and the joy of driving a 'slow car fast.' The video concludes with a spirited drive and a casual meal in the car, emphasizing the S13's role in shaping car enthusiasts' passions.

Takeaways

• 🏎️ The Nissan S13 is considered one of the most important cars in Nissan's history, especially for its influence on the drifting culture and its popularity among Millennials.
• 🚗 The S13 was marketed and sold mainly to women in Japan, with 75% of sales claimed to be purchased by educated women, positioning it as an 'automobile fashion accessory'.
• 💰 The S13 was an affordable sports car, priced between $13,000 to $18,000 in 1990, making it a cost-effective alternative to the more expensive 300 ZX.
• 🔑 The car was offered in different trim levels identified by playing card themes, such as Jack, Queen, King, and special packages like Club and Diamond.
• 🌐 The S13 was sold under various names depending on the region, including 240 SX in the US and 180 SX or Sylvia in Japan.
• 🔄 Nissan kept the S13 in production for a decade due to its popularity, selling over 300,000 units in Japan during its run.
• 💡 The S13's used market value made it an attractive option for those interested in drifting, as it was a rear-wheel drive manual sports car that was both balanced and cost-effective.
• 🛠️ The car's engine options varied by region, with the Japanese spec featuring the SR20 and the US spec having the KA24DE and KA24DE.
• 🔍 The S13 has a massive engine bay, making it suitable for various engine swaps, which contributed to its appeal in the modification and drifting scenes.
• 🚧 The car's suspension design, featuring McPherson struts in the front and a multi-link rear suspension, provided good handling and was an innovative feature for Nissan at the time.
• 🍽️ The script also humorously touches on the personal life of Jimmy, a car enthusiast and friend of the host, who owns a Nissan S13 and shares his passion for the car and its community.

Q & A

What is the significance of the Nissan S13 in the 1990s?

The Nissan S13 was significant in the 1990s as it was a cheap, lightweight, two-door rear-wheel drive sports car that was beloved by drifters and revered by late-stage Millennials. It was considered one of the most important cars Nissan ever made.

Why was the Nissan S13 marketed and sold mainly to women?

Nissan marketed the S13 to women by offering options that seemed like an automobile fashion accessory. The company claimed that 75% of the sales were purchased by better-educated women, using this as a marketing strategy.

What were the different trim levels of the Nissan S13, and how were they identified?

The Nissan S13 had unique trim levels identified by playing cards: the base model was the Jack with bare-bones features, the Queen offered middle-of-the-road options like power mirrors, windows, and AC, and the King included all the upgrades of the Queens plus a turbo under the hood. There were also Club and Diamond selection packages.

How much did the Nissan S13 cost when it was first released, and how did this price compare to other Nissan models?

The Nissan S13 was priced between $13,000 to $18,000 depending on the options, which was significantly cheaper than a base 300 ZX in 1990, which cost $27,000. This made the S13 an affordable sports car option.

What is the difference between the Nissan S13 sold in Japan and the 240 SX sold in the United States?

In Japan, the Nissan S13 was called the 180 SX for the hatch and the Sylvia for the coupe. In the United States, it was marketed as the 240 SX, available in both hatchback and coupe configurations.

Why did Nissan keep the S13 in production for so long?

Nissan kept the S13 in production for a long time because it was a popular model, selling over 300,000 units in Japan during its run. The demand for the car helped to keep it in the market.

What was the appeal of the Nissan S13 in the used car market?

The appeal of the Nissan S13 in the used car market was its affordability. It was possible to find well-maintained examples for as little as $1,500, making it an attractive option for those interested in rear-wheel drive manual sports cars.

What engine options were available for the Nissan S13?

The Nissan S13 had several engine options, including the SR20, SR20 turbo, CA18DE, and CA18DET in the Japanese spec. In the US, the KA24E and KA24DE were available.

Why did the host consider the Nissan S13 a 'date car'?

The host considered the Nissan S13 a 'date car' because it was marketed to women and had a reputation for being a car that people would use for dates due to its stylish design and comfortable ride.

What is the current market situation for Nissan S13s, and why might it be difficult to find one at a low price today?

The current market situation for Nissan S13s is that they are no longer as affordable as they once were, with prices having increased due to their popularity and rarity. This makes it more challenging to find a low-mileage, well-maintained example at a low price.

What modifications or upgrades can a Nissan S13 owner expect to find in the aftermarket?

Nissan S13 owners can find an extensive aftermarket for their cars, including parts from at least five optional catalogs from Nissan, such as different seat covers, a factory Arrow kit, and even a Nismo Racing catalog for engine upgrades like an N2 SR20 engine build.