‘Timeless’ is a phrase that is generally thrown round within the automotive world. Typically, it is used to determine automobiles 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 of timeless, however to have retained the modifications that gave it that very description, and to finally be thought of a time capsule of the period through which it was conceived. However Nobuteru Taniguchi’s ex-personal S15 Nissan Silvia is simply that.
Till just lately, lots of the automobiles that will match the above standards have been left behind, both forgotten within the far nook of a storage or having simply develop into 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 automobiles has risen. And that is meant that likelihood encounters with iconic 2000s tuning automobiles are actually turning into more and more widespread.
I used to be fortunate sufficient to catch this specific automotive at Ebisu Circuit, the place it’s at present being taken care of by Energy Automobiles forward of being shipped to the US to hitch 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 fashion, driving prowess and the tuning efficiency out there manifested into some of the important S15 Silvias of all time.
Whereas the affect of this automotive is to not be underestimated, few will know that the S15 went by means of a number of iterations earlier than the final word spec you see in your display screen at present.
The S15 started as an EV1 Lightning Yellow Spec R and was initially a Kei Workplace demo automotive earlier than being offered off to be used by Taniguchi-san and Automobile Make T&E. The fitment of a T&E Authentic Aero bodykit and Ganador mirrors marked the start of the enduring Taniguchi fashion.
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 finalized 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, whereas the suspension and braking consisted of HKS coilovers and Swift springs, with a full JIC adjustable arm set and Venture Mu brakes.
In the end, Taniguchi-san ended up profitable the primary D1 Grand Prix skilled drifting championship on this very automotive.
After the 2001 D1GP win, the Silvia was retired from monitor use and served as a extra demo-oriented automotive for T&E, HKS, Yokohama Wheel (and in more moderen years, Yashio Manufacturing unit). The outside acquired a as soon as over, with new crimson paint to fully conceal the unique EV1 yellow. A extra aggressive T&E Vertex Lang bodykit was additionally fitted, whereas 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 fashion, 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 hosts a set of fantastic HKS elements. The two.1L stroker SR20DET options HKS 256- and 264-degree camshafts and strengthened valve springs, and an HKS GTIII-RS turbo hung from a Yashio Manufacturing unit exhaust manifold. There’s additionally an HKS consumption and huge HKS front-mounted intercooler, plus a T&E titanium Legerfort exhaust. The ignition system has just lately been changed with R35 coil packs on prime of an airflow improve, each courtesy of Yashio Manufacturing unit.
The result’s a really wholesome 430 horsepower, which is distributed to the rear wheels by means of a mix of a Nismo-reinforced 6-speed handbook gearbox, Nismo Coppermix clutch and Nismo LSD.
Street presence is achieved by means of a low trip peak and aggressive adverse 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 Formulation arms entrance and rear. Stopping energy is dealt with by an virtually overkill Venture Mu brake improve that includes 6-piston calipers up entrance.
Regardless of as soon as being a contest drift automotive, the cabin is immaculately completed with Bride gradation cloth 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, quite only a tasteful few, together with a Nismo mixture meter and an HKS EVC-S enhance controller. Among 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 instead 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 is easy, but nonetheless oriented for driver enjoyment.
When the Silvia was offered at public sale earlier this yr, Nobuteru Taniguchi commented on the brand new proprietor’s celebratory publish. His phrases? “Thanks for getting it. I might be completely satisfied for those who may hold the present fashion”. After spending a day with this iconic Nissan Silvia, I actually hope that occurs too.
Alec Pender
Instagram: noplansco
