The Excellent Nissan Silvia: Nob Taniguchi’s Iconic S15

‘Timeless’ is a phrase that’s generally thrown round within the automobile world. Typically, it’s used to establish vehicles that got here to exist on account of the golden period of Japanese tuning.

In saying this, it’s fairly unusual for a automobile 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 wherein it was conceived. However Nobuteru Taniguchi’s ex-personal S15 Nissan Silvia is simply that.

Till lately, lots 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 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 vehicles has risen. And that’s meant that probability 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 automobile at Ebisu Circuit, the place it’s at the moment sorted by Energy Autos 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 obtainable manifested into some of the vital S15 Silvias of all time.

While the affect of this automobile is to not be underestimated, few will know that the S15 went by means of a number of iterations earlier than the last word spec you see in your display screen right now.

The S15 started as an EV1 Lightning Yellow Spec R and was initially a Kei Workplace demo automobile earlier than being offered off to be used by Taniguchi-san and Automotive 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 automobile reappeared with a pink open-door respray and the now well-known pink 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 mixture 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.

In the end, Taniguchi-san ended up profitable the primary D1 Grand Prix skilled drifting championship on this very automobile.

After the 2001 D1GP win, the Silvia was retired from monitor use and served as a extra demo-oriented automobile for T&E, HKS, Yokohama Wheel (and in newer years, Yashio Manufacturing facility). The outside acquired a as soon as over, with new pink paint to fully disguise 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 pink eyelids on the headlights, a low boot wing and T&E LEDs have been launched.

In true early-2000s customized automobile fashion, the Silvia was additionally fitted with a Lamborghini-style scissor door system. Whereas it not has these doorways, the legacy continues to be on show on the entrance fenders, very similar to 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 set of wonderful HKS components. 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 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 means of a mixture of a Nismo-reinforced 6-speed guide gearbox, Nismo Coppermix clutch and Nismo LSD.

Highway presence is achieved by means of a low journey top and aggressive unfavourable 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 Method arms entrance and rear. Stopping energy is dealt with by an virtually overkill Venture Mu brake improve that includes 6-piston callipers up entrance.

Regardless of as soon as being a contest drift automobile, 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, somewhat only a tasteful few, together with a Nismo mixture meter and an HKS EVC-S increase controller. A few of the inside’s most hanging options are the small particulars – the carbon trims on the door handles, the black and pink T&E ground mats and shifter, the metallic black decrease sprint portion, and the pink Vertex shift sticker within the place of the cigarette lighter. In fact, 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 offered at public sale earlier this yr, Nobuteru Taniguchi commented on the brand new proprietor’s celebratory submit. His phrases? “Thanks for purchasing it. I’d be pleased if you happen to may maintain the present fashion”. After spending a day with this iconic Nissan Silvia, I actually hope that occurs too.

Alec Pender
Instagram: noplansco