The Sileighty is a Japaneseautomobile and the common name for a vehicle created by combining the front section of a Nissan Silvia with the body of a Nissan 180SX[1]. It is known as a representative example of a modification commonly called a "front-end swap"[2].
Originally, the name Sileighty was not an official model name but a common nickname, and the official name remained 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).
Overview
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[3].
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[3].
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[3].
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[4]. 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)[5]. 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 with the front section of a 180SX attached. This version was officially sold in North America as the S13 240SX coupé.
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[3], the video game series Gran Turismo, and its commercialization as a toy car in Takara Tomy's "Tomica" line[6] are cited as factors in its recognition and普及 (popularization).
Variations
A Sileighty using the front end of an S15 Silvia
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[7].
New Car Sales
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[4].
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.
Name Origin
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.
References
↑ 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.
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".
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