Silvia (1966: CSP311): The First Nissan Sport Car That Started It All

Posted on May 15, 2025

Silvia (1966: CSP311): The First Nissan Sport Car That Started It All

When we think of Nissan today, we think of innovation, performance, and reliability. But long before the GT-R and the Z-series stole the spotlight, there was a handcrafted masterpiece that marked the beginning of Nissan’s legacy in stylish performance: the first Nissan sport car, the 1966 Silvia CSP311.

At Rendez-Vous Nissan, we’re proud to carry that legacy forward — and we love celebrating where it all began.

A Nissan Built to Be Beautiful

The World in the 1960s

Back in the mid-60s, car lovers wanted something different. Sedans were practical, but drivers craved style. That’s when carmakers began experimenting with sleek, two-door coupes that looked as good as they drove.

Nissan didn’t just follow the trend — they built a car that looked like art on wheels. The CSP311 Silvia was unlike anything Japan had made before. Every single one of its 554 units was handbuilt. It wasn’t just a car — it was a statement.

A Design Collaboration with European Flair

To shape the Silvia, Nissan brought in Albrecht Goertz, a German-American designer known for the BMW 507 — one of the most beautiful cars of the era. With input from Nissan’s in-house designers K. Kimura and F. Yoshida, the CSP311 became a true East-meets-West design success.

You can check out Nissan’s official heritage page here.

Why the Silvia CSP311 Was the First Nissan Sport Car

This was no ordinary coupe. It marked the first time Nissan truly stepped into the world of performance styling. Here's what made the Silvia CSP311 the first Nissan sport car:

• Engine: 1.6L inline-4 (R-series engine with SU twin-carburetors)

• Horsepower: 90 PS at 6,000 rpm

• Torque: 132 Nm at 4,000 rpm

• Top Speed: Around 165 km/h

• Transmission: 4-speed manual

• Suspension: Double wishbone (front), leaf spring (rear)

• Brakes: Front disc, rear drum

• Weight: Only 980 kg

It was built on the Datsun Fairlady 1600 chassis — another early icon — and designed to be light, responsive, and refined. The Silvia CSP311 wasn’t just about looks; it delivered an authentic sports car feel for the era.

Built by Hand. Limited by Design.

Only 554 Silvia CSP311s were ever made between 1965 and 1968. Most were sold in Japan, with a few units exported to Australia and other select countries.

That makes the CSP311 one of Nissan’s rarest production models — and one of the most desirable classic cars in its lineup.

If you’re lucky enough to see one at a collector show, take a moment to admire the details: chrome bumpers, the distinctive front fascia, and the elegant side profile. This wasn’t just engineering — it was craftsmanship.

From Silvia to Sports Icon: The Legacy of the First Nissan Sport Car

The Silvia CSP311 wasn’t just Nissan’s first sport car — it set the blueprint for what a Japanese sports coupe could be.

Later models like the 240SX, and the S13–S15 generations of Silvia, all owe their DNA to the CSP311. Nissan built a reputation on stylish, rear-wheel-drive cars that delivered fun behind the wheel — and it all started here.

And today? You can still see that spirit alive in cars like the Nissan Z, Altima SR, and even the Rogue Platinum — all blending performance, style, and innovation.

Want to see how Nissan’s modern line-up builds on its sporty past? Explore our inventory at Rendez-Vous Nissan.

Why This Classic Still Matters as the First Nissan Sport Car

You might ask — why does a car from 1966 matter today?

Because the Silvia wasn’t just a car. It was the first Nissan sport car and a bold step into performance and design excellence.

It matters because:

• It showed Nissan could go beyond function and build for emotion

• It helped shape the design language for future models

• It proved Japan could compete with Europe on style

Whether you’re into classic cars or just love a good backstory, the CSP311 Silvia is a reminder that great things come from taking bold first steps.

Carrying on the Tradition at Rendez-Vous Nissan

At Rendez-Vous Nissan, we celebrate Nissan’s past while driving into the future. While you might not find a CSP311 on our lot, you’ll definitely find cars that carry the same spirit — smart, sporty, and built to inspire.

Want to feel the evolution for yourself? Book a test drive of the Nissan Z, Altima SR, or Rogue Platinum and see how far we’ve come.

Ready to drive a modern classic? Contact us today or visit our showroom in Hawkesbury.

FAQ – First Nissan Sport Car: Silvia CSP311

Q: What was the first Nissan sport car?
A: The 1966 Silvia CSP311 is widely recognized as the first Nissan sport car, known for its lightweight design, elegant hand-built body, and rear-wheel-drive layout.

Q: Was the Silvia CSP311 sold in Canada?
A: No, the Silvia was a Japan-exclusive model with only a few units exported to select countries like Australia.

Q: Is the CSP311 connected to the 240SX or later Silvia models?
A: Yes. The CSP311 started the Silvia series, which evolved into the popular S-chassis line, including the 240SX and Silvia S13–S15.

Q: Can I see the first Nissan sport car at Rendez-Vous Nissan?
A: While we don’t have a CSP311 in our showroom, we’re always happy to talk Nissan heritage and show you how today’s models continue the legacy.

Q: Is the CSP311 valuable today?
A: Absolutely. Due to its rarity and historical significance, the CSP311 is highly collectible and can command a premium price at classic car auctions.

Final Thoughts

The 1966 Silvia CSP311 isn’t just a piece of history — it’s the first Nissan sport car that introduced the world to Japanese sports car styling and performance. And even though decades have passed, its influence is still felt in every Nissan built today.

At Rendez-Vous Nissan, we don’t just sell cars — we tell stories, preserve legacies, and help you discover vehicles that are as exciting as they are practical.

Let’s keep the Silvia spirit alive — one thrilling drive at a time.