The 1970s was a decade of radical experimentation for Nissan, and no car embodies this spirit more than the S10 series, famously known as the “New Silvia.” Moving away from the hand-built, niche elegance of the first generation, the S10 was redesigned as a bold, mass-produced specialty car aimed squarely at the North American “secretary car” market. In Japan, its avant-garde, flowing curves earned it the affectionate yet quirky nickname “Hamaguri” (The Clam). To rent a Silvia S10 today is to drive one of the rarest survivors of the 1970s JDM era, offering a distinct retro-futuristic charm that you won’t find in any modern sports car.
Explore the Lineage: Discover all available generations in our complete Silvia Rental Guide.
Detailed Specifications: The S10 “New Silvia”
Unlike the S13 or S15 that would follow decades later, the S10 focused on style and comfort. Despite its sporty silhouette, it utilized a reliable chassis derived from the Sunny B210, ensuring it was approachable for daily driving. The chance to rent the S10 model provides a unique mechanical perspective on how Nissan balanced emission regulations with the desire for a premium, stylish coupe.
| Item | Specification |
|---|---|
| Generation | 2nd Generation |
| Chassis Code | S10 / S11 |
| Nickname | New Silvia / Hamaguri (Clam) |
| Engine | L18 (SOHC) / L18E (EGI) |
| Displacement | 1,770 cc |
| Max Power | 105 ps (L18) / 115 ps (L18E) |
| Max Torque | 15.0 kg-m (L18E) |
| Transmission | 5-speed Manual (Dog-leg) / 4-speed Manual / 3-speed Auto |
| Drivetrain | FR (Front-Engine, Rear-Wheel Drive) |
| Steering | RHD (Right-Hand Drive) |
| Production Period | 1975 – 1979 |
The Phantom Rotary and the “Hamaguri” Design
The history of the S10 is one of “what could have been.” Nissan originally developed this chassis to house a revolutionary twin-rotor rotary engine, aiming to compete with Mazda’s RX series. However, the 1973 oil shock forced Nissan to abandon these plans at the last minute, leading to the installation of the dependable L-series piston engines. This last-minute change resulted in the uniquely high-profile “bulge” in the hood, originally designed for the rotary’s placement. When you rent a Silvia S10, you are driving a car that nearly changed the course of Nissan’s engineering history forever.
The exterior design is equally fascinating. Often described as a “Japanese take on Americana,” the S10 features Coke-bottle lines and recessed headlights that mimic the muscle cars of the era, such as the Buick Skylark. The wrap-around tail lights and the heavy C-pillars create a silhouette that was polarizing in 1975 but is celebrated as a masterpiece of 70s retro-style today.
The Driving Experience: A Sci-Fi Time Capsule
Stepping inside an S10 is like entering a 1970s science fiction film. The emerald green velour interior and integrated “alien-head” headrests create an atmosphere unlike any other JDM car. The dashboard, with its array of Star Trek-style warning lights and a driver-focused cockpit, makes every journey feel like an event. Those who rent the S10 will find the dog-leg 5-speed manual transmission remarkably slick and satisfying, even as the L18 engine provides a smooth, nostalgic cruise rather than raw speed.
The driving feel is defined by its era. While the 1970s emission regulations made the engine response somewhat “relaxed,” the tactile feedback through the steering and the mechanical “click” of the shifter remind you of a time when driving required a true connection between man and machine. Choosing to rent a Silvia S10 is less about chasing lap times and more about savoring the authentic, unhurried pace of 1970s Tokyo.
Rival Match-up: Silvia S10 vs. Toyota Celica
In the mid-70s, the S10 was Nissan’s answer to the dominant Toyota Celica “Daruma.” While the Celica went for a more traditional, widely appealing sports look, the Silvia S10 was for the individualist. It was marketed as the “Beauty & Elegant” choice for those who wanted to stand out from the crowd. The S10 offered a more avant-garde interior and a softer, more comfortable ride compared to the stiffer, more aggressive Celica, making it the ultimate “Secretary Car” of the JDM world.
Experience the Legend with JDM TOUR
Renting a car as rare as the Silvia S10 on your own can be daunting—parts are non-existent, and navigating Tokyo’s complex highways in a vintage machine adds unnecessary stress. With JDM TOUR, you can experience the S10 on a guided tour to Daikoku PA, where we handle the navigation and logistics while you soak in the 70s atmosphere. This is not just a rental; it is a curated cultural immersion that ensures you see the best of Japan’s car scene with total peace of mind. Let us take the wheel of the logistics so you can focus on the magic of the drive.
Looking for Standalone Car Rentals?
If you prefer a self-drive experience without a guide, we recommend checking these reputable external services for availability:
- Omoren (Rental 819)
- JDM Rental Japan
- Car Rental Tokyo
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Silvia S10 difficult to drive for beginners?
The S10 features a “dog-leg” 5-speed manual where 1st gear is located to the left and down. While it takes a few minutes to get used to, the gearbox itself is very smooth and forgiving for those with basic manual driving experience.
Why is the Silvia S10 nicknamed “Hamaguri”?
“Hamaguri” means clam in Japanese. The nickname comes from the car’s unique, rounded rear-end and curved body lines which were thought to resemble the shape of a clam shell.
What is the best way to see the S10 in action in Japan?
The best way to experience this rare classic is to Join our Daikoku Tour. Seeing the S10 parked under the lights of Daikoku PA alongside modern supercars is a sight you will never forget.
