2000 Nissan S15 Varietta, Varietta S15

ard-to-find manual gearbox, the Varietta was the gentleman’s S-chassis, and our 2000 example looks great and is one of 123 examples finished in (326) White. Set off by LED tail lamps and 17″ WEDS SA-50M wheels, the cosmetics are factory fresh, and show well. We did want to note some points of high corrosion and prior repairs to the quarter panels and floor pan, but this cabrio has passed its VA state safety inspection. This delicious droptop has plenty of life left in it indicated by the 77k verified and documented miles on the clock. From cruising the strip to snapping necks at your local Cars & Coffee, this neat Nissan would appeal to dedicated enthusiasts, eccentric drifters, or a seasoned wrencher. One of just 1143 produced, it’s easy to see why we’d call this one a Japanese Classic! The interior deviates from the S-Chassis norm and feels downright luxurious in comparison. Standard appointments like heated leather seats, premium touchscreen audio, and silver trim set this cabin apart from the bunch, and judging by the condition of the cabin, this S15 was well cared for in a prior life. The driver gains access to a tilt-adjustable steering column and an easy to use climate control unit to pump in heat and cold A/C. Adjacent to the HVAC, a factory touch screen radio comes pre-loaded with throwback Japanese tunes, and the interface is surprisingly intuitive to operate. The heated seats work well, and the black leather is in good shape throughout, save for a few small scuffs and rips. The dash houses dual SRS airbags for peace of mind, and the driver can settle in behind a leather wrapped steering wheel. Appointments for the power windows, locks, and electric side mirrors are within arm’s reach, should you choose to forgo the top-down experience. Deploying the top is as easy as flicking open the front latches and watching the assembly seamlessly fall into the boot lid. For additional storage, the trunk pops open, and there’s room for a bit more cargo. All in all, we think Nissan nuts and enthusiasts will like this Varietta’s cabin, although we did want to note the front window regulators are slightly noisy, the speedo doesn’t read correctly, the rear seat is a bit loose, and the power antenna no longer works. These issues should be easy to mend, and even the original owner’s manual and carpet mats were retained, and are included with the purchase! Nissan’s SR20DE engine has a lot of history and staying power. This chain-driven four-banger is easy to service, fun to rev up to redline, and fresh off a recent tune-up here in the shop. Cranking over care of a new 12V battery, this 2.0 received an oil and filter service to get you on track for maintenance schedules. The engine air filter and fuel filter were also replaced. It drives like a dream, and shifts are handled by a smooth 5-speed manual gearbox. Gear changes are easy to articulate, and purists will appreciate the responsive rear-wheel-drive layout. The stock suspension is plenty comfortable, and we installed new front caster arms to keep the handling up to snuff. A fresh alignment was performed, and also helps maximize the lifespan of the fresh rubber that was installed all the way around. It tracks straight as an arrow, and we bolstered the ABS system with all new brake pads and rotors on all four corners. This unique, stylish, and rare Japanese Classic would be ideal for any Nissan nut looking for a turn-key restoration project, and is one sweet deal!