We don’t know where Elyria, Ohio is, but we do know that right now there’s a 1984 Nissan 200SX Turbo there pulling some pretty impressive prices on eBay. It’s got all the right ingredients to justify the numbers, too. It’s a rare first-year-only color, has super-low mileage, and three pedals. It’s also a paragon of 80s radness.
When we say the name Silvia in the US, the Nissan chariot that conjures in people’s minds is generally an S13 or S14, maybe an S15. It makes sense, since Silvia is the JDM name for Nissan’s sub-Z sport coupe, and in the pre-internet days before the S13 the only things people knew about Japan were sumo wrestlers and raw fish. I mean, this thing still says “Datsun” on it, one of the last holdouts from the Datsun-to-Nissan transition period.
Despite the fact that it doesn’t cause otherwise sane observers to think OMG DRIFT MISSILE whenever they see one, the S12 is a pretty sophisticated sport coupe. The example for sale is powered by Nissan’s stalwart but underrated 1.8-liter, 139-horsepower CA18ET engine, which boasted incredible 80s technologies like turbocharging and multi-port fuel injection, and in this case has seen only 36,470 miles of use. Nissan also offered a 2.0-liter inline-four and a later a 3.0-liter V6, rendering the 200SX name somewhat meaningless.
With its flip-up headlights, massive turbo hood scoop and super angular styling, there is no question this S12 was Made in the 80s. But if you needed to be constantly reminded of it when sitting inside the car, just look to the incredible digital dash, tinted flip-up sunroof, and trapezoid-themed 2-spoke steering wheel.
Its well-bolstered seats and door panels have the dizzying plaid pattern of a Trapper Keeper, but that’s part of the charm. Importantly, the interior looks fresh and new and glows with a Tron computer green from its digi-dash.
The seller claims that the car was stored indoors before they got their hands on it, after which they spent $1,700 for new brakes, tires, fluids and freon. Oh, and part of the exhaust system was replaced. Those are all wear items expected to need a once-over on a car of this age, so no red flags there.
The seller says that there was no rust anywhere to be found on its Sunset Bronze Metallic body. The color was offered in 1984 only, so it’s quite rare. Currently the bidding is up to $10,500 with 19 bids and about a day and a half to go on the auction clock. See+the+auction+on+eBay.
Looks like a 85 Trueno Sprinter to me
I have never seen an S12 go for this kind of money, but then again with the mileage, color and condition, this might literally be a one-of-a-kind survivor at this point.
I’ve only seen a s12 in person one time, and it was a piece.
I’m about an hour from Elyria if anyone seriously needs a set of eyes.
That is very generous of you, Myron! For those who don’t know Myron, he owns a wide variety of classics and knows his stuff.
I remember when Car and Driver tested the 200 SX, and their tag line for it…
“The body of a Ferrari, and the soul of a B210”.
Maybe they tested the 2.0L NA base model, which was good for 105 hp. I can’t imagine they’d say that about the turbo or later V6 versions.
I bought a red 1985 200SX base model new and it was light years ahead of the 1980 Datsun 310GX I owned previously. The soul of the B210? Breaks my heart to read this Car and Driver dudes.
I did grow to hate the futuristic dash board but I did enjoy the smooth shifting 5-speed tranny.
Some bonehead will buy it, put on a crap carbon hood, unpainted body kit, and a huge wing in the back that will only slow it down. Add the required fart can and 4-point harness that’s a pain to put on, and stance it so it rides like an ox cart.
Gawd, I hope someone preserves this car as is.
Oh yeah……………$11,000? I am too shocked.
Almost got one in the 90s. They do kinda look like a 86 corolla.
Needs more FJ with a scoop like that.
OMG!!! I had this EXACT same car in the same color that I bought in 1984 right off the showroom floor!! I had it for 14 years!!! I LOVED this car…and it TALKED!! It said “right door is open” and “lights are on”!!! I didn’t want to give it up so I asked my mechanic when things were going wrong on it too often, how much would it cost for you to make this like a new car? And he said it just wouldn’t be worth it, it was 14 years old would still be an old car and things will still go bad. So I sold it and got another car. But I didn’t get another car that I loved like that one.
Sounds like I bought your car if it was from california
I had this car too! I was the only one around with a car this color! It also said “fuel level is low”! It had metal louvers in the back (basically a mini blind). I loved this car and was so sad when it started messing up. I have looked and looked for another one, but could never find one in this color. It was by far my favorite car!
One of my all time favorites of the 80’s! Our SunTec team love 80’s cars – they just don’t make ’em like they used to! Would love to see more of these old beauties driving about Phoenix!
I just bought a 1 owner 1987 Nissan 200sx XE last week for $6000 Canadian. It is rust free and has just over 204,xxxkms on the stock CA20E. It’s a wonderful car and glad I was able to find one. It also still has the owners manual and factory warenty book/card.
i have a 1984 200 SX hatch 5 speed turbo car that I bought NEW off showroom floor, 1984. Been thinking of selling it. Looks great wonder what it might go for?
Did you ever sell it?
Still have it Larry. Would love one. Would bring back alot of nostalgia. Dad had one