Weekly Treasure: 1992 Nissan 180SX

America never got the Nissan 180SX. Instead, we got a rebadged version called the 240SX. Both rear-wheel-drive coupes shared a platform and many other core components. However, they didn't get the same engine. The 240SX received a 2.4-liter inline-four whereas the 180SX originally came with - you guessed it - a 1.8-liter turbo-four that was later upgraded to 2.0 liters.

Styling-wise, they looked awfully similar inside and out, though the JDM model, of course, was right-hand drive. Both cars debuted in 1989 and ceased their production runs about a decade later. The 240SX did not have a direct successor but the 180SX was replaced by an updated version of the Silvia in Japan. America later got the Nissan 350Z, followed by the 370Z successor and, in the coming months, the 400Z will officially debut. The 180SX and 240SX found an audience who weren't only looking for an affordable sports car but also something that could drift, a very popular motorsport in Japan.

This led to an active aftermarket tuning community in several countries. Over its lifetime, Nissan regularly updated the 180SX every few years following its launch. The first came in 1991 when the engine received that capacity upgrade though the nameplate remained. Bigger brakes were added along with a limited-slip differential. The front bumper was tweaked and the interior was improved.

In 1996, Nissan gave the coupe another new front bumper, restyled taillights, new wheel designs, and a freshened interior. A driver's side airbag was added as well. Unfortunately, the 180SX's time was limited after this. Today, there are plenty of used examples on the road but, again, they're mostly in Japan. Americans will have to settle for older 240SXs. Or do they?