Nissan Z Lealia Wagon Rocks A Z Front, A Leaf Rear, And Endless Whys In Between

Sure, Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi’s potential merger might be stealing all the headlines right now, but let’s put the corporate drama aside for a moment. The Tokyo Auto Salon is creeping up fast, and while the big names are out here doing corporate battle, Nissan’s own Automobile College in Japan is busy making some of the wildest one-off builds we’ve seen for a while. And by “wild,” we mean a Nissan Z Lealia, a Frankenstein mashup of the Z sports car and the practical-but-dorky vibes of a wagon.

According to Nissan, the whole point of the Lealia was to create a “sports wagon for families” that somehow blends “excitement with everyday life”. And if you’re wondering about the name, it was cobbled together by merging “Lead” and “Familia,” which is likely meant to sound profound, but really just comes across like the title of a forgettable soap opera.

More: Infiniti G35 Coupe Turned Into Retro-Modern Nissan Z

Despite the resemblance, the one-off wagon that looks like it belongs in a GTA garage doesn’t actually rest on Nissan Z underpinnings. Instead, it’s based on the much humbler second-gen Nissan Stagea (2001-2007). Over six months, the students stripped down the donor vehicle, swapping in genuine Fairlady Z components and custom body panels for good measure.

While the front end of the Nissan Z, which is called the Fairlady Z in Japan, was integrated nicely with the rest of the bodywork, the same can’t be said for the rear, which was sourced from the Nissan Leaf hatchback. The size difference between the two vehicles led to bulky rear fenders and awkward shut lines around the Z-sourced taillights.

Nissan Z Lealia

Z Lealia

完成しました！？
Zのワゴンとしてリヤも再現しました！#Z_Lealia#東京オートサロン#大阪オートメッセ#ステージア#フェアレディZ#サンショウ#共和レザー#ロックペイント#ラルグス#RockyAuto#AGI#WORK#ミシュラン#McGard pic.twitter.com/vW16ZSerww

— 日産京都自動車大学校　カスタマイズ科 (@Nissangakuen_cz) December 24, 2024

The final model was finished in the signature “Ikazuchi Yellow” shade, paired with a set of 19-inch aftermarket wheels. Inside, it features a Z-sourced steering wheel and custom black and yellow upholstery.

There’s no word on any performance or chassis modifications, but the Stagea donor vehicle was exclusively offered with V6 powertrains, sharing its underpinnings with the Nissan Skyline V35 / Infiniti G35.

This isn’t the first time Japanese students from Kyoto have experimented with Z parts. The same team was responsible for the Nissan Fairlady X SUV two years ago, which was based on the Murano.

The Fun Doesn’t End There

If you thought the Nissan Automobile College would be content with just one project for Tokyo, think again. The students have also worked on a “Neo Skyline” concept, which could be described as a reverse restomod.

Nissan Neo Skyline

NEO SKYLINE

完成しました？！
丸目4灯はいいですな☺️
なんとLEDですよ！#NEO_SKYLINE#東京オートサロン#大阪オートメッセ#スカイライン#ケンメリ#サンショウ#共和レザー#ロックペイント#アサヒライズ#Weds#ミシュラン#McGard pic.twitter.com/NztraIIiRO

— 日産京都自動車大学校　カスタマイズ科 (@Nissangakuen_cz) December 24, 2024

The Neo Skyline began life as a V35 Skyline Coupe, known as the Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe in North America. The custom bodywork draws inspiration from the fourth-gen Skyline of the ’70s, affectionately called “Kenmeri” in Japan.

Key references to the original include the quad round headlights, vintage grille, greenhouse shape, and sculpted rear fenders. The exterior is finished in Tomoaki Blue, with 18-inch wheels in black and a matching two-tone interior.

Finally, another group of students from Aichi College crafted the Bluebird Kiwami. This project took 2.5 months to complete and is based on the Bluebird Maxima from 36 years ago. The sporty bodykit includes beefier bumpers and boxy fender extensions, while preserving the original silhouette, pillarless design, and luxurious interior of the V6-powered sedan.

All three vehicles will be showcased at the Tokyo Auto Salon, which will be held between January 10-12 in Japan.

Bluebird Kiwami

Photos: Nissan, Nissan Kyoto Automobile College Customization Department / X