The Nissan Silvia S12 Turbo is the angular, pop-up-headlight predecessor to the better-known S13 200SX. Sold in Britain during the 1980s, its rear-wheel-drive chassis and turbocharged 1.8-litre engine make surviving standard cars increasingly unusual.
This guide covers S12 history, European specifications, facelift differences, the rare Rally Pack, common problems and the essential checks for identifying and buying an original or modified car.
Nissan Silvia S12 Turbo at a glance
| Chassis | Nissan S12 |
|---|---|
| Production era | 1983–1989 |
| European body | Three-door hatchback |
| UK turbo engine | 1,809cc CA18ET, SOHC, fuel injected and turbocharged |
| Typical European output | Approximately 122PS, depending on market specification |
| Transmission | Five-speed manual on the featured car |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Main buying concerns | Structural rust, incomplete rare trim and old modifications |
What is the Nissan S12?
The S12 was Nissan’s third Silvia generation. It combined unmistakably 1980s styling—pop-up headlights, a wedge profile and a large glass hatch—with a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. Names differed by market: Silvia, Gazelle and 200SX were all used, which is why advertisements and registration records can appear inconsistent.
European cars were hatchbacks. Britain received the turbocharged CA18ET, a single-overhead-cam, eight-valve 1.8 with electronic fuel injection. This should not be confused with the later twin-cam CA18DET fitted to some Japanese-market late S12s and, with an intercooler, the European S13 200SX.
Early versus facelift S12
A substantial 1986 update created what enthusiasts commonly call the Mk2. Changes included revised bumpers and rubbing strips, a full-width slatted grille, shorter corner lights, a different bonnet bulge and updated lower body trim. Specifications varied by country and date, so use the VIN, model plate and period literature rather than appearance alone.
What was the S12 Rally Pack?
A small number of European S12s are described in model histories as having a Rally Pack or Rally Spec. Period descriptions go beyond an ordinary cosmetic kit and include specialist equipment such as headlamp guards or cleaning equipment and a navigator’s foot brace. Exact contents could vary by market.
Identification warning: spoilers, skirts and rally-style accessories can be copied. Treat a car as a genuine factory or dealer Rally Pack only when its VIN, original invoice, supplying-dealer records or convincing period photographs support the claim.
The 1988 car pictured here
The S12 originally featured on this page was advertised in 2025 as a low-mileage 1988 manual Turbo with long-term ownership, a clean interior and Rally Pack equipment. Its seller said it had been bought from the showroom by its original owner and later stored in a garage. Those details are part of this individual car’s story, but the expired auction description is not independent proof of specification or condition.
Nissan S12 Turbo buying checklist
Body and structure
- Inspect sills, floor edges, jacking points, chassis rails and suspension mounting areas.
- Check front strut towers, inner wings, radiator support and battery area.
- Examine rear arches, quarter panels, boot floor, hatch aperture and spare-wheel well.
- Look for drift or accident damage: rippled rails, fresh seams, overspray and distorted panel gaps.
- Inspect bodykit fixings and the metal hidden behind skirts and arch trims.
CA18ET engine and turbo
- Start from cold and check for smoke, rattles, oil leaks and unstable idle.
- Let the engine reach temperature and watch for overheating or coolant loss.
- Check turbo boost is smooth and listen for unusual whine or compressor contact.
- Inspect aged vacuum hoses, fuel lines, wiring and intake pipework.
- Ask for evidence of regular oil changes and any turbo or engine work.
Transmission, suspension and brakes
- Test every gear, clutch take-up, propshaft joints and differential for noise.
- Check steering play, wheel bearings, dampers and suspension bushes.
- Uneven tyres can indicate poor geometry or a damaged shell.
- Inspect discs, calipers, rear brakes, hoses and brake fluid condition.
Interior, trim and electrics
- Test pop-up headlights repeatedly, along with wipers, heater, instruments and every switch.
- Check dashboard, seats, door cards and luggage trim; replacement S12-specific pieces are scarce.
- Look for alarm, stereo and engine-management wiring modifications.
- Confirm Rally Pack-specific items are present and supported by documentation.
Standard or modified?
The S12 has long lived in the shadow of later drift-oriented S-chassis cars, so many were modified when values were low. Sensible upgrades can improve reliability and handling, but originality now carries real appeal. Engine swaps, welded differentials, extreme lowering and poorly fitted cages require particularly close inspection.
Frequently asked questions
Is an S12 the same as an S13 200SX?
No. The S12 is the earlier generation and European turbo cars normally used the SOHC CA18ET rather than the S13’s twin-cam CA18DET.
Was the Rally Pack factory fitted?
European Rally Pack cars are documented, but a particular car’s status should be verified through its identity and period paperwork rather than bodykit appearance alone.
What is the biggest S12 buying risk?
Structural corrosion and historic modifications. A complete, straight shell with good documentation is difficult to replace.
Explore more rare Japanese cars
Continue through our Rare & Forgotten Cars guides, the Rare Nissan Cars guide, the March Super Turbo guide, the Toyota Starlet KP61 guide and the Nissan Micra K10 guide.
