Nissan’s S13 coupe from the late 1980s and early 1990s is a popular base for modifiers, no question. In fact it’s difficult these days to find an S13 that hasn’t been fiddled with in some way. But those modifications are usually added with the goal of making the Nissan a better track car, or more often than not, a better drift car.
So this conversion is a little different. Instead of making the Nissan lower, they make it taller. And instead of learning how to drift it around obstacles, you can almost drive over them thanks to the huge amount of additional ground clearance and massive 30-inch all-terrain tires.
It started life in 1996 as a JDM 180SX, which is the turbocharged Japanese version of the naturally-aspirated and slower 240SX sold in America. That meant it left the factory with a 2.0-liter SR20DET 2.0-liter turbo four making just over 200 hp (203 hp), though it’s possible that modifications like the Greddy intercooler and custom exhaust system have liberated a few more horses since.
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The engine mods though, are certainly the least interesting ones in this build, which includes a one-off custom suspension lift kit, Rocket Bunny over-fenders, 15-inch Method Race wheels, those 30-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A tires we mentioned earlier, and other tweaks to the bumpers and lights. Inside, there are aftermarket seat covers, an aftermarket steering wheel and shift knob, a Panasonic head unit and one of those Japanese toll card readers that’s going to be of no use on the I95 but is a fun reminder of its past life.
Past hard life, that should probably say. The Carfax report lists a collision in January 2023 plus a mileage discrepancy the following month and there are cracks in the dash and various little bits of trim missing. But that’s what happens with old performance cars. They get used as intended and don’t stay in perfect condition.
No, this Nissan SX, which is now located in the U.S. and up for sale on the Cars & Bids auction site, isn’t perfect, but it’s different and has a real sense of fun, and that counts for plenty provided you’re not looking for a trailer queen.
