Option — Shōwa Car Tuning & Buyers Guide (2000 Edition)

A SilEighty is a car that combines a Silvia front end with an 180SX body. It has never been part of Nissan’s official past or present lineup. In the early 1990s, as drifting grew, the old rule that ‘the fastest driver is the best’ gained a new companion: ‘the one who stands out wins.’ The SilEighty made spectators ask, ‘What is that?’ Because it was relatively easy to build, their numbers multiplied. It eventually became more common than some minor facelift models. Today, more owners choose one because they personally like the styling, rather than simply to surprise the crowd. More advanced variations also appeared, including the ‘Eighty-Sil’ (an 180SX front on a Silvia) and S14- and S15-based versions. These are less about showing off and more about freely choosing a style and enjoying the car. Complete examples can now be found on the used market, so they may be worth considering when choosing a car.

The SilEighty became more common than many minor facelift models. Today, more owners choose it because they like the styling, rather than to shock onlookers. Other advanced variants appeared, such as the Eighty-Sil (a Silvia with an 180SX face), along with S14- and S15-based versions. Compared with the first SilEighty boom, these builds seem less about standing out and more about relaxed freedom to choose a car’s style. Complete examples are now fairly easy to find used, so consider one as an option for your next car.

Strictly speaking, the order of the front and rear bodies might make ‘Onevia’ the more correct name, but ‘Eighty-Sil’ is the term generally used. This version needs the retractable-headlight system, so it costs and takes somewhat more work than a SilEighty, but some readers may prefer it. Since its rear is not a hatchback, it may also offer a little more body rigidity.