Datsun

The original Silvia, introduced in 1965, was hand-built in small numbers and never officially sold in European markets. It wasn’t until the launch of the S10 generation in the mid-1970s that the Silvia began to appear sporadically on European roads, mostly in left-hand-drive export markets. In Europe, the car was typically badged as the Datsun 180SX or 200SX, depending on the engine. The early models were styled in a distinctive wedge shape and offered with rear-wheel drive, appealing to a small but loyal group of enthusiasts looking for an affordable sports coupé. Despite its performance potential, the Silvia faced tough competition from established European brands and was never a major sales success on the continent.