‘Timeless’ is a phrase that’s generally thrown round within the automotive world. Usually, it’s used to determine vehicles that got here to exist on account of the golden period of Japanese tuning.
In saying this, it’s fairly unusual for a automotive to haven’t simply been thought-about timeless, however to have retained the modifications that gave it that very description, and to finally be thought-about a time capsule of the period during which it was conceived. However Nobuteru Taniguchi’s ex-personal S15 Nissan Silvia is simply that.
Till lately, most of the vehicles that will match the above standards have been left behind, both forgotten within the far nook of a storage or having simply turn out to be low precedence in a cluttered workshop. Some have been completely maintained, whereas others have been uncared for.
Happily, because the Japanese drifting world has embraced its roots, the significance of many of those vehicles has risen. And that’s meant that likelihood encounters with iconic 2000s tuning vehicles at the moment are changing into more and more widespread.
I used to be fortunate sufficient to catch this explicit automotive at Ebisu Circuit, the place it’s at the moment sorted by Energy Autos forward of being shipped to the US to affix the ‘JDM Supreme’ assortment.
To many D1 Grand Prix purists, Taniguchi-san’s S15 Silvia represents a golden period of drifting. A time when his type, driving prowess and the tuning efficiency accessible manifested into one of the vital important S15 Silvias of all time.
While the affect of this automotive is to not be underestimated, few will know that the S15 went by way of a number of iterations earlier than the final word spec you see in your display in the present day.
The S15 started as an EV1 Lightning Yellow Spec R and was initially a Kei Workplace demo automotive earlier than being bought off to be used by Taniguchi-san and Automotive Make T&E. The fitment of a T&E Unique Aero bodykit and Ganador mirrors marked the start of the long-lasting Taniguchi type.
On the 2001 Tokyo Auto Salon, the automotive reappeared with a crimson open-door respray and the now well-known crimson T&E headlight covers, a glance that was finalised all through the 2001 D1GP sequence with the addition of Craft Sq. aspect mirrors and a staggered 17-inch/18-inch set of AVS Mannequin 5 wheels. Efficiency was dealt with by a mix of HKS, Nismo and ORC engine and drivetrain merchandise, while the suspension and braking consisted of HKS coilovers and Swift springs, with a full JIC adjustable arm set and Venture Mu brakes.
Finally, Taniguchi-san ended up successful the primary D1 Grand Prix skilled drifting championship on this very automotive.
After the 2001 D1GP win, the Silvia was retired from observe use and served as a extra demo-oriented automotive for T&E, HKS, Yokohama Wheel (and in newer years, Yashio Manufacturing facility). The outside obtained a as soon as over, with new crimson paint to utterly cover the unique EV1 yellow. A extra aggressive T&E Vertex Lang bodykit was additionally fitted, while up to date 19-inch Yokohama AVS Mannequin T6 wheels – 19×9.5-inch entrance and 19×10.5-inch rear – accomplished the look. Moreover, a set of crimson eyelids on the headlights, a low boot wing and T&E LEDs have been launched.
In true early-2000s customized automotive type, the Silvia was additionally fitted with a Lamborghini-style scissor door system. Whereas it now not has these doorways, the legacy remains to be on show on the entrance fenders, very like the remainder of the livery that highlights the sponsors concerned.
Given Taniguchi-san’s long-time partnership with HKS, it comes as no shock to discover a completely completed engine bay that host a group of fantastic HKS elements. The two.1L stroker SR20DET options HKS 256- and 264-degree camshafts and bolstered valve springs, and an HKS GTIII-RS turbo hung from a Yashio Manufacturing facility exhaust manifold. There’s additionally an HKS consumption and enormous HKS front-mounted intercooler, plus a T&E titanium Legerfort exhaust. The ignition system has lately been changed with R35 coil packs on high of an airflow improve, each courtesy of Yashio Manufacturing facility.
The result’s a really wholesome 430 horsepower, which is despatched to the rear wheels by way of a mix of a Nismo-reinforced 6-speed guide gearbox, Nismo Coppermix clutch and Nismo LSD.
Street presence is achieved by way of a low journey top and aggressive destructive camber in each the entrance and rear. The S15 sits on HKS Hipermax coilovers and Swift springs (10kg entrance, 7kg rear), working at the side of Ikeya Components arms entrance and rear. Stopping energy is dealt with by an nearly overkill Venture Mu brake improve that includes 6-piston callipers up entrance.
Regardless of as soon as being a contest drift automotive, the cabin is immaculately completed with Bride gradation material from the door playing cards to the rear seats, accomplished by two black Bride Brix II recliners.
There are minimal devices and gauges to be discovered, slightly only a tasteful few, together with a Nismo mixture meter and an HKS EVC-S enhance controller. A number of the inside’s most putting options are the small particulars – the carbon trims on the door handles, the black and crimson T&E ground mats and shifter, the metallic black decrease sprint portion, and the crimson Vertex shift sticker within the place of the cigarette lighter. After all, the look is accomplished with a black NOB-branded Nardi steering wheel.
The cabin is a particular place. It’s easy, but nonetheless oriented for driver enjoyment.
When the Silvia was bought at public sale earlier this 12 months, Nobuteru Taniguchi commented on the brand new proprietor’s celebratory submit. His phrases? “Thanks for purchasing it. I might be pleased if you happen to might hold the present type”. After spending a day with this iconic Nissan Silvia, I actually hope that occurs too.
Alec Pender
Instagram: noplansco
