Nissan rolled the first 240SX off its assembly line in 1989 and ended production of this magnificent machine on July 23, 1998. During that time, Nissan produced more than two million 240s for the US market. In classic Nissan fashion, there are two separate generations for the 240, thus creating many names that car enthusiasts choose to use for this particular vehicle.

The 240SX has been called the S13, S14, Silvia (the Japanese market name), S, 180SX (Japanese market), and 200SX (the European and Australian markets), but the American 240SX isn’t exactly the same as the other S platforms. Although related, there were differences in important areas such as the engines and front body design. With the similarities, American 240 owners are a distinct and individual group that idolizes their cars for the things they can do.

First generation 240SX

Nissan produced the first generation of the 240SX (also known as the S13) from 1989 to 1994. The S13 showed us three separate models, the coupe, the fastback (truly a hatchback), and the convertible. The mid-term of the first generation, also known as the Chuki, saw some minor bodywork changes to the SX. For example, Nissan gave it a newer, more modern-looking front bumper. However, enthusiasts were more excited about the 15-hp boost that came with the new DOHC engine upgrade. Even with the engine upgrade in the interim, critics said the 240SX was underpowered for its size, forcing many tuners and drifters to special order the Japanese model’s engines.

In 1992, Nissan produced its “American Only Market” convertible, but pulled it out of the market entirely after 1994. Nissan only produced 8,320 convertibles for the SX. In fact, in 1994, the only 240SX available in the United States was the Convertible Special Edition.

Second generation 240SX

The second generation of the 240SX (also known as the S14) was created between 1995 and 1998, with most of the contrast to the S13 coming in the form of bodywork differences. Nissan replaced the fastback and convertible, with SE and LE versions of the coupe. The main differences from the first generation were predominantly in the body design, making it look more like its Japanese market counterpart. However, Nissan gave the new 240 a two-inch-wider wheelbase and a stiffer suspension.

Creating a new story for the 240SX

Nissan owners are true car enthusiasts and are absolutely loyal to the Nissan market. These same enthusiasts have their own groups… some are tuners, some are ricers, and some are bums. The modifications that these fans make to the 240 often depend on the group they are in. Specifically, the tuners have more of a “show car” look, therefore their mods will be along the lines of vertical doors, dash trim kits, neon and carbon fiber parts.

On the other hand, the drifters are in a different world than the tuners. While they love and respect their 240SX a lot as a tuner, they demand a lot more from the SX than their tuner counterparts. Their modifications often involve engine and performance upgrades that are made in an effort to make drifting easier. Drifters also use other customizations, such as installing a limited slip differential or shock absorbers for the suspension, to get a more exciting drifting experience with their 240SX. In the unfortunate event that the 240 is damaged during skidding, the body kits and intercoolers may need to be replaced. While some mods are the result of damage, others are directly related to the sport of drifting, which puts some pressure on the 240. SX owners often find themselves replacing clutches and tires. Serious bums will tell you; however, they do not mind making these modifications. The excitement of the sport, the recognition from your peers, and the rewards that come with it make these customizations a “necessary evil.”

Regardless of which group an enthusiast fits into, they both need to find a place they trust to buy aftermarket parts and accessories for their “baby.” While there are great companies that have some custom parts and accessories for the 240, most of them aren’t solely dedicated to the SX, nor do they have everything a tuner or drifter could dream of. But there is a little piece of paradise, just on the horizon.