Silvia History CSP311, S10, S110, S12, S13, S14, S15
Silvia is the surname given to Nissan's long legacy of rear wheel drive sport coupes under the Nissan S platform. While the chassis of this series has been used on other Nissan models the Silvia name only pertains to the models listed below.
All in all the production of the Silvia line began in 1964 ending shortly in 1968 only to begin again in 1974. The Nissan S Platform continued throughout the 70s, 80s and 90s all the way until 2002, where it ended with the limited S15.
Nissan Silvia CSP311
During the short three year (1965-1968) production run of the CSP311, also known as the Datsun Coupe 1500, only 554 were made. The Nissan Silvia CSP311 was handmade and included a 96 horsepower, 1.6 L Nissan R series engine with a 4 spd tranny. This 2 door coupe was based on the Nissan Fairlady convertible.
Nissan Silvia S10
Reintroduced on the S platform in 1975, the Nissan Silvia S10, also known as the Datsun 200SX and 180SX was a more traditional Japanese car. It was based on the Datsun B210 featuring a 2 door fastback body style and the same drivetrain as the Datsun 510. Even though the S10 featured a larger displacement 2.0L L20B SOHC I4 engine in the American markets, it was not popular with most consumers.
Silvia S110 & Nissan 240RS
This Nissan S110 was introduced in 1979 originally with a Wankel rotary engine that due to unreliability was quickly replaced with the Nissan Z series engine. This featured a turbocharged, fuel injected Z18ET available only in Japan. The S110 was known as the Datsun 200SX in the USA and Canada and the Datsun Sakura in Mexico. Immediately following the S110 was the Nissan 240RS built in 1983, 1984 and 1985 which was Nissan's official rally car in the World Championships finishing second in the 83 New Zealand race.
Nissan Silvia S12 & Grand Prix
The S12, like previous generations was badged as the Nissan 200SX in North America, but was known as the Nissan Gazelle in the Australian and Japanese markets. This was done to allow various dealership networks to carry the Silvia line without breaching previous contracts. This generation featured six different engine and three different drivetrain variations. This gen also began with a Mark I exterior design and moved to a Mark II trim in 1987. Fifty, limited edition Nissan Silvia Grand Prix units were made in Europe. It should also be noted that the American Nissan 200SX replaced the 240RS in motorsports, utilizing a 6 cylinder engine and placing 1st in the 1988 Ivory coast rally and 2nd in both the 88 and 89 Safari Rally.
Nissan Silvia S13
The Japanese S13, known as the 200SX in Europe and the Nissan 240SX in North American, was made from 1989 to 1994. Like the previous S12, the S13 provided many engine variations and also introduced J, Q, K and A trim designations. The S13 was unique in that it overlapped the production of the next generation and continued to be produced in some markets (namely Japan) until 1999.
Silvia S14, AREX Elite 901 & Nismo 270R
The S14 while losing steam in other markets proved to remain popular in Japan. Boasting a lower and wider design with a longer wheelbase and increased track, its handling was improved. It was still known as the 240SX in America but picked up the AREX Elite 901 name badge in Taiwan. A limited edition racing Nismo 270R was made on the S14 base with many enhancements including a more powerful engine, heavy-duty clutch, Nismo body kit and 2-way slip diff.
Nissan Silvia S15
The powerful redesigned S15 reclaimed the 200SX badge and became known as the AREX Elite 951 in Taiwan. This generation was simplified with two trim levels the Spec-S and Spec-R, both offering an Aero variant. The engine diversity was also minimized to three options however in Australia only the SR20DT was made available.
For more detailed specifications of the S15 generation check out our review of the Nissan 200SX. Nissan Silvia S15 Review