The Nissan Silvia, originally known as the Nissan CSP311, is a series of small sports cars manufactured by Nissan. It has been marketed under different names such as the 200SX or 240SX for export, and some versions were even sold under the Datsun brand. The name "Silvia" is thought to be derived from the nymph Sylvia, who served Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt. It also translates to "forest" in Latin, reflecting a connection to nature.
The development of the CSP311 began in 1962 when Albrecht Graf von Goertz, known for designing the BMW 507, recognized the potential of Japanese automakers. This led to the creation of the Silvia series, which aimed to deliver a balance of style, performance, and affordability within the small sports car segment.
Key Points:
- The Nissan Silvia is a line of small sports cars produced by Nissan, also marketed as the 200SX or 240SX for export and sold under the Datsun brand in some regions.
- The name "Silvia" is linked to the Roman goddess Diana's nymph Sylvia and translates to "forest" in Latin.
- The series started with the Nissan CSP311, introduced in 1962 following recognition from Albrecht Graf von Goertz, who identified the potential of Japanese car manufacturers.
- The Silvia series sought to offer a blend of style, performance, and cost-effectiveness in the niche of small sports cars, appealing