The vehicle considered the origin of the Sileighty was featured in the “TEST on ROAD” section of the August 1989 issue of San-eishobo’s “[[Option (car magazine)|Option]]” magazine. It was a complete car built by a shop in Tokyo, based on a nearly new 180SX ([[Automatic transmission|AT]] model) with light tuning like boost upgrades, onto which the front section of a Silvia was transplanted. At this time, it was not yet called “Sileighty” but was introduced under the name “Silvia 180SX”.
The vehicle considered the origin of the Sileighty was featured in the “TEST on ROAD” section of the August 1989 issue of San-eishobo’s “[[Option (car magazine)|Option]]” magazine. It was a complete car built by a shop in Tokyo, based on a nearly new 180SX ([[Automatic transmission|AT]] model) with light tuning like boost upgrades, onto which the front section of a Silvia was transplanted. At this time, it was not yet called “Sileighty” but was introduced under the name “Silvia 180SX”.
Later, its appearance in Motor Magazine Co.’s biweekly automotive magazine “Holiday Auto”, the manga ”[[Initial D]]”<ref name=”bestcar” />, the video game series ”[[Gran Turismo (series)|Gran Turismo]]”, and its commercialization as a toy car in [[Takara Tomy]]’s “[[Tomica (toy line)|Tomica]]” line<ref>It was rarely released as a regular Tomica, mostly appearing as part of gift sets like those for Initial D. However, limited edition silver-plated versions, display models in the ‘Tomica Limited’ line, and single items were distributed in limited quantities. It was also released under the high-end ‘Tomica Premium’ brand.</ref> are cited as factors in its recognition and普及 (popularization).
Later, its appearance in Motor Magazine Co.’s biweekly automotive magazine “Holiday Auto”, the manga ”[[Initial D]]”<ref name=”bestcar” />, the video game series ”[[Gran Turismo (series)|Gran Turismo]]”, and its commercialization as a toy car in [[Takara Tomy]]’s “[[Tomica (toy line)|Tomica]]” lineIt was rarely released as a regular Tomica, mostly appearing as part of gift sets like those for Initial D. However, limited edition silver-plated versions, display models in the ‘Tomica Limited’ line, and single items were distributed in limited quantities. It was also released under the high-end ‘Tomica Premium’ brand. are cited as factors in its recognition and普及 (popularization).
=== Kids Heart model ===
=== Kids Heart model ===
On May 1, 1998, the tuning shop “Kids Heart Co., Ltd. (Sileighty Business Division)” in Kitanagoya City, [[Aichi Prefecture]], released a limited run of 500 new Sileighty vehicles, commissioned from a Nissan-affiliated [[Car dealership|dealer]]<ref name=”motorz” />.
On May 1, 1998, the tuning shop “Kids Heart Co., Ltd. (Sileighty Business Division)” in Kitanagoya City, [[Aichi Prefecture]], released a limited run of 500 new Sileighty vehicles, commissioned from a Nissan-affiliated [[Car dealership|dealer]]<ref name=”motorz” />
These were treated as genuine Nissan vehicles, not modified cars, and could be serviced at Nissan dealers nationwide. Standard equipment included NI lights, a fin-type grill, an Aero Form bumper, side steps, and专用 logos (side and rear). Genuine options included a NISMO [[Limited-slip differential|LSD]]. Color options were Yellow, Spark Silver Metallic, Midnight Purple Pearl, Super Black, and White, totaling five colors.
These were treated as genuine Nissan vehicles, not modified cars, and could be serviced at Nissan dealers nationwide. Standard equipment included NI lights, a fin-type grill, an Aero Form bumper, side steps, and专用 logos (side and rear). Genuine options included a NISMO [[Limited-slip differential|LSD]]. Color options were Yellow, Spark Silver Metallic, Midnight Purple Pearl, Super Black, and White, totaling five colors.
| footer = The S13-chassis Nissan Silvia and 180SX, of which the parts of the Sileighty is based on
| footer = The S13-chassis Nissan Silvia and 180SX, of which the parts of the Sileighty is based on
}}
}}
The [[Nissan Silvia#Fifth generation S13/PS13 (1988–1993)|S13 Silvia]] and the 180SX are different models but share the same chassis code “S13″ and are sister cars sharing a basic structure. Consequently, part compatibility is high, making interchangeability relatively easy<ref name=”bestcar”>{{Cite web |date=2020-05-29 |title=180SXとシルビアのいいとこどり 伝説の「シルエイティ」が今も買えるって本当か？ |url=https://bestcarweb.jp/news/entame/156722?prd=2 |accessdate=2022-04-01 |website=自動車情報誌「ベストカー」 |lang=ja}}</ref>.
The [[Nissan Silvia#Fifth generation S13/PS13 (1988–1993)|S13 Silvia]] and the 180SX are different models but share the same chassis code “S13″ and are sister cars sharing a basic structure. Consequently, part compatibility is high, making interchangeability relatively easy<ref name=”bestcar”>{{Cite web |date=2020-05-29 |title=180SXとシルビアのいいとこどり 伝説の「シルエイティ」が今も買えるって本当か？ |url=https://bestcarweb.jp/news/entame/156722?prd=2 |accessdate=2022-04-01 |website=自動車情報誌「ベストカー」 |lang=ja}}</ref>
The vehicle known as the Sileighty skillfully utilizes this characteristic. Its origin is said to be when a [[Street racing|hashiriya]] damaged the front of their 180SX and thought, “Repairing the retractable headlights is expensive due to part costs, so why not use the front end from the more plentiful and cheaper sister car, the Silvia?” Another stated purpose was to remove the front-heavy retractable headlights to reduce front-end weight<ref name=”bestcar” />.
The vehicle known as the Sileighty skillfully utilizes this characteristic. Its origin is said to be when a [[Street racing|hashiriya]] damaged the front of their 180SX and thought, “Repairing the retractable headlights is expensive due to part costs, so why not use the front end from the more plentiful and cheaper sister car, the Silvia?” Another stated purpose was to remove the front-heavy retractable headlights to reduce front-end weight<ref name=”bestcar” />
The Silvia underwent a full model change in 1993 to the [[Nissan Silvia#Sixth generation S14 (1993–1999)|S14 type]]. However, factors like its increased width placing it in the larger “3-number” vehicle size classification meant its initial popularity was somewhat lacking. Many users who preferred the S13 type, when considering switching to the S14, also had the 180SX as an option, as it continued to be sold without a full model change and remained in the smaller “5-number” size. The Sileighty, allowing the 180SX to be modified to resemble the S13 Silvia’s design, gained popularity<ref name=”bestcar” />.
The Silvia underwent a full model change in 1993 to the [[Nissan Silvia#Sixth generation S14 (1993–1999)|S14 type]]. However, factors like its increased width placing it in the larger “3-number” vehicle size classification meant its initial popularity was somewhat lacking. Many users who preferred the S13 type, when considering switching to the S14, also had the 180SX as an option, as it continued to be sold without a full model change and remained in the smaller “5-number” size. The Sileighty, allowing the 180SX to be modified to resemble the S13 Silvia’s design, gained popularity<ref name=”bestcar” />
[[File:Sil-180SX (cropped).JPG|thumb|An unofficial Sileighty]]
[[File:Sil-180SX (cropped).JPG|thumb|An unofficial Sileighty]]
To create a Sileighty, the front-end exterior parts from an S13 Silvia—such as the [[Bumper (car)|bumper]], [[Fender (vehicle)|fenders]], [[Hood (vehicle)|hood]], and [[Headlamp|headlamps]] (essentially everything forward of the A-pillar)—are transplanted onto a 180SX<ref name=”motorz”>{{Cite web |title=実はマイナー車だった!?シルエイティはなぜ人気が出たのか？ {{!}} Motorz（モーターズ）- クルマ・バイクをもっと楽しくするメディア – |url=https://motorz.jp/race/great-car/85868/#i-3 |accessdate=2022-04-01 |website=motorz.jp |lang=ja}}</ref>. Because the Silvia has a shorter front overhang than the 180SX, the completed Sileighty’s overall length is reduced by about 4 cm compared to the original 180SX. Driving in this condition on public roads violates Article 67 of the Road Transport Vehicle Act (regarding inspection for changes to recorded matters on the vehicle inspection certificate and structural modifications)<ref>[https://laws.e-gov.go.jp/law/326AC0000000185 道路運送車両法（昭和二十六年法律第百八十五号）] e-Gov Laws and Regulations Search, accessed May 21, 2023</ref>. Therefore, it is necessary to either undergo a structural modification inspection to obtain a new vehicle inspection certificate or install [[Aerodynamics|aero parts]] to extend the overall length and make it compliant. Note that since the body [[monocoque]] remains unaltered, it is not what is commonly known as a “[[Cut-and-shut|nikoichi]]” (cut-and-welded) vehicle.
To create a Sileighty, the front-end exterior parts from an S13 Silvia—such as the [[Bumper (car)|bumper]], [[Fender (vehicle)|fenders]], [[Hood (vehicle)|hood]], and [[Headlamp|headlamps]] (essentially everything forward of the A-pillar)—are transplanted onto a 180SX<ref name=”motorz”>{{Cite web |title=実はマイナー車だった!?シルエイティはなぜ人気が出たのか？ {{!}} Motorz（モーターズ）- クルマ・バイクをもっと楽しくするメディア – |url=https://motorz.jp/race/great-car/85868/#i-3 |accessdate=2022-04-01 |website=motorz.jp |lang=ja}}</ref> Because the Silvia has a shorter front overhang than the 180SX, the completed Sileighty’s overall length is reduced by about 4 cm compared to the original 180SX. Driving in this condition on public roads violates Article 67 of the Road Transport Vehicle Act (regarding inspection for changes to recorded matters on the vehicle inspection certificate and structural modifications)<ref>[https://laws.e-gov.go.jp/law/326AC0000000185 道路運送車両法（昭和二十六年法律第百八十五号）] e-Gov Laws and Regulations Search, accessed May 21, 2023</ref> Therefore, it is necessary to either undergo a structural modification inspection to obtain a new vehicle inspection certificate or install [[Aerodynamics|aero parts]] to extend the overall length and make it compliant. Note that since the body [[monocoque]] remains unaltered, it is not what is commonly known as a “[[Cut-and-shut|nikoichi]]” (cut-and-welded) vehicle.
[[File:1993 Nissan 240SX LE in Aztec Red, Front Right, 07-06-2019.jpg|thumb|1993 [[Nissan 240SX]] coupe, similar to the Onevia]]
[[File:1993 Nissan 240SX LE in Aztec Red, Front Right, 07-06-2019.jpg|thumb|1993 [[Nissan 240SX]] coupe, similar to the Onevia]]
As mentioned, the Sileighty originally referred to a 180SX with the front end of an S13 Silvia (modified RPS13). However, vehicles combining the 180SX body with the front ends of the differently styled S14/S15 Silvia also exist.
As mentioned, the Sileighty originally referred to a 180SX with the front end of an S13 Silvia (modified RPS13). However, vehicles combining the 180SX body with the front ends of the differently styled S14/S15 Silvia also exist.
Unlike the S13, these models have significantly different body structures from each other and the 180SX, requiring major modifications involving panel work. However, due to the popularity of the S13 and consequent demand, aftermarket parts manufacturers also sell conversion parts for creating these vehicles<ref>{{cite web |title=D1SPEC フェンダー（S15→180SX） |url=https://www.dmax-cs.com/products/detail/464 |accessdate=2023-05-21 |publisher=D-MAX |lang=ja}}</ref>.
Unlike the S13, these models have significantly different body structures from each other and the 180SX, requiring major modifications involving panel work. However, due to the popularity of the S13 and consequent demand, aftermarket parts manufacturers also sell conversion parts for creating these vehicles<ref>{{cite web |title=D1SPEC フェンダー（S15→180SX） |url=https://www.dmax-cs.com/products/detail/464 |accessdate=2023-05-21 |publisher=D-MAX |lang=ja}}</ref>
== See also ==
== See also ==
The Sileighty is a Japanese automobile and the common name for a vehicle created by combining the front section of a Nissan Silvia with the body of a Nissan 180SX.[a] It is known as a representative example of a modification commonly called a “front-end swap”.[b]
Originally, the name Sileighty was not an official model name but a common nickname, and the official name remained as 180SX. However, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. later registered it as a trademark (Registration Number 5118200), and “Sileighty” also exists as an official model name (details below).
Name
The name is a portmanteau of “Silvia” (the front half) and “180SX” (One-Eighty, the rear half). Conversely, the name “Onevia” comes from the reverse combination.
History
The vehicle considered the origin of the Sileighty was featured in the “TEST on ROAD” section of the August 1989 issue of San-eishobo’s “Option” magazine. It was a complete car built by a shop in Tokyo, based on a nearly new 180SX (AT model) with light tuning like boost upgrades, onto which the front section of a Silvia was transplanted. At this time, it was not yet called “Sileighty” but was introduced under the name “Silvia 180SX”.
Later, its appearance in Motor Magazine Co.’s biweekly automotive magazine “Holiday Auto”, the manga Initial D[1], the video game series Gran Turismo, and its commercialization as a toy car in Takara Tomy‘s “Tomica” line[c] are cited as factors in its recognition and普及 (popularization).
Kids Heart model
On May 1, 1998, the tuning shop “Kids Heart Co., Ltd. (Sileighty Business Division)” in Kitanagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, released a limited run of 500 new Sileighty vehicles, commissioned from a Nissan-affiliated dealer.[2]
These were treated as genuine Nissan vehicles, not modified cars, and could be serviced at Nissan dealers nationwide. Standard equipment included NI lights, a fin-type grill, an Aero Form bumper, side steps, and专用 logos (side and rear). Genuine options included a NISMO LSD. Color options were Yellow, Spark Silver Metallic, Midnight Purple Pearl, Super Black, and White, totaling five colors.
While the Sileighty was originally merely a common name and the official name remained 180SX, this “Kids Heart” Sileighty was the only one officially granted permission by Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. to use the registered trademark, making it, in effect, the official “Sileighty” model.
Overview
The S13-chassis Nissan Silvia and 180SX, of which the parts of the Sileighty is based on
The S13 Silvia and the 180SX are different models but share the same chassis code “S13” and are sister cars sharing a basic structure. Consequently, part compatibility is high, making interchangeability relatively easy.[1]
The vehicle known as the Sileighty skillfully utilizes this characteristic. Its origin is said to be when a hashiriya damaged the front of their 180SX and thought, “Repairing the retractable headlights is expensive due to part costs, so why not use the front end from the more plentiful and cheaper sister car, the Silvia?” Another stated purpose was to remove the front-heavy retractable headlights to reduce front-end weight.[1]
The Silvia underwent a full model change in 1993 to the S14 type. However, factors like its increased width placing it in the larger “3-number” vehicle size classification meant its initial popularity was somewhat lacking. Many users who preferred the S13 type, when considering switching to the S14, also had the 180SX as an option, as it continued to be sold without a full model change and remained in the smaller “5-number” size. The Sileighty, allowing the 180SX to be modified to resemble the S13 Silvia’s design, gained popularity.[1]
.JPG)
To create a Sileighty, the front-end exterior parts from an S13 Silvia—such as the bumper, fenders, hood, and headlamps (essentially everything forward of the A-pillar)—are transplanted onto a 180SX.[2] Because the Silvia has a shorter front overhang than the 180SX, the completed Sileighty’s overall length is reduced by about 4 cm compared to the original 180SX. Driving in this condition on public roads violates Article 67 of the Road Transport Vehicle Act (regarding inspection for changes to recorded matters on the vehicle inspection certificate and structural modifications).[3] Therefore, it is necessary to either undergo a structural modification inspection to obtain a new vehicle inspection certificate or install aero parts to extend the overall length and make it compliant. Note that since the body monocoque remains unaltered, it is not what is commonly known as a “nikoichi” (cut-and-welded) vehicle.
Conversely, there also exists a modified vehicle called the Onevia, which is based on the S13 Silvia but with the front section of a 180SX attached. This version was officially sold in North America as the S13 240SX coupé.
Variations
_in_Petaling_Jaya,_Malaysia.jpg)
As mentioned, the Sileighty originally referred to a 180SX with the front end of an S13 Silvia (modified RPS13). However, vehicles combining the 180SX body with the front ends of the differently styled S14/S15 Silvia also exist.
Unlike the S13, these models have significantly different body structures from each other and the 180SX, requiring major modifications involving panel work. However, due to the popularity of the S13 and consequent demand, aftermarket parts manufacturers also sell conversion parts for creating these vehicles.[4]
See also
- Nissan Silvia — The car of which the front-end of the Sileighty is based on
- Nissan 180SX — The car of which the middle and rear portion of the Sileighty is based on
- Nissan 240SX — The car of which its coupe body style for the S13 generation is based on the Onevia
- Initial D – Appears as the car driven by Usui Tōge racer Sato Noriko and her navigator Sayuki (in an Impact Blue model).
- Gran Turismo series — Appears as the unofficial model based on the one featured in Initial D in the first two games and as the Kids Heart version in later games
- Option – Besides featuring the original Sileighty mentioned above, a parody vehicle called the “Nissan Cerueighty”, created by grafting the front end (from the A-pillar forward) of a Toyota Celsior onto another car (a nikoichi), appeared in Atsuno Arino’s manga “Kan Tōge”.
Notes
- ^ Excluding the new vehicles sold as described later.
- ^ The act of replacing various parts that constitute the front of a car, such as the front bumper and headlamps, with those from a different model.
- ^ It was rarely released as a regular Tomica, mostly appearing as part of gift sets like those for Initial D. However, limited edition silver-plated versions, display models in the ‘Tomica Limited’ line, and single items were distributed in limited quantities. It was also released under the high-end ‘Tomica Premium’ brand.
