I'd like to have one for rallicross
Photography Credit: David S. Wallens
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We lived through the ’80s and ’90s and spent a lot of time with the era’s greatest hits–drove them, raced them, even knew them when they still had that new car smell. We fondly remember shopping for Kamei air dams, Hella lamps and 14-inch tires.
But were the cars of those times really that rad?
We wondered that ourselves, so we ditched the rose-colored glasses for a few to take a look back. Were they all winners, or did a few duds get released? Let’s slip on some Vans, break out the vinyl and take a trip back in time.
This week, we're looking back at the Nissan Sentra SE-R.
The year was 1992 and, as a recent college grad, I needed a reliable way to get to work. I had also just discovered autocrossing.
The Civic Si looked tempting, but the Nissan Sentra SE-R featured more power, alloy wheels and a limited-slip diff. It cost less, too, and was the reigning SCCA D Stock champ.
I found a new, nearly stripped SE-R. The only option was a/c. Instead of a radio, I got a blanking plate. MSRP was $13,315. Factor for inflation, and today that’s $28,392–only about a hundred bucks shy of list price for a new Civic Si. To be honest, that surprises me on a few levels.
I fit some take-off Yokohamas plus the ubiquitous SuperTrapp and ran that car for three seasons–and never had a mechanical issue. The SE-R was also roomy, light on its feet and just enough of a sleeper. In fact, I think I only got pulled over once. (Took it to court and got out of it.)
Verdict: If only these cars were built to last.
I'd like to have one for rallicross
2.5 with an LSD, sign me up
Of all the ones that got away, the SE-R is very much near the top of the list.
I still have a key for it.
Had one as an autoX car for a few years, in the time when stock classes were allowed to run Hoosiers. It was such a fun car, I would love to have it back again in good working order.
And I've got a key for mine still, too.
I'll see that generation of Sentra on the road every once in a blue moon. Probably not an SE-R, but still kind of neat to see nonetheless.
In reply to Colin Wood :
They were sold as new south of the border until about a decade and a half ago.
When new, you saw B13s everywhere here.
Also, notice the number in the SE-R’s window? Back in the day, Atlanta Region SCCA handed out paper numbers to the noobs so you could stick them in your windows.
There is a 1993 SE-R in my garage right now! I need to repair/upgrade a whole raft of things, but this car has been my son's daily driver, my daughter's and recently my DD too. Anyone have any recommendations for a decent set of coil-overs, the ancient GAB stuff on our car are decidedly worn out and squishy!
I can't remember the last time I saw a B13 that wasn't on a racetrack.
In reply to Manxman :
Nice to see one out there.
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