The highly anticipated Tokyo Auto Salon 2024 is right around the corner, and among the standout showcases this year are three unique student-built Nissan vehicles. Students from the Nissan Automobile Technical College, along with a separate team from Aichi University, have worked tirelessly to bring their creative automotive visions to life. Their efforts have resulted in three one-of-a-kind builds that blend history, innovation, and performance. These include the Nissan Z Lealia Wagon, the Neo Skyline, and the Bluebird Kiwami.
Nissan Z Lealia Wagon
The Nissan Z Lealia Wagon is a striking project based on the second-generation Nissan Stagea (2001-2007). Dubbed as a “sports wagon for families,” the Lealia Wagon is a fusion of performance and practicality. The name is derived from “Lead” and “Familia,” emphasizing its role as a leading family vehicle with a sporty twist.
After six months of development, the Lealia Wagon now sports an aggressive front end taken directly from the modern Nissan Z (known as Fairlady Z in Japan). The rear end, however, is borrowed from the Nissan Leaf, making for an unconventional but eye-catching design. The car is painted in Nissan’s iconic “Ikazuchi Yellow,” which contrasts beautifully with its 19-inch aftermarket wheels.
Inside, the cabin features a steering wheel from the Nissan Z, complemented by custom black and yellow upholstery that matches the bold exterior. While no details on performance enhancements have been revealed, the Lealia Wagon retains the factory Nissan Stagea powertrain, which includes V6 engine options and underpinnings shared with the Nissan Skyline V35/Infiniti G35.
Neo Skyline
The Neo Skyline takes a different approach, blending modern performance with vintage aesthetics. The base vehicle for this project is a Nissan Skyline V35 Coupe, known in North America as the Infiniti G35 Sport Coupe.
Inspired by the fourth-generation Nissan Skyline from the 1970s, the Neo Skyline features quad round headlights, a retro-styled grille, and sculpted rear fenders, bringing a nostalgic feel to a modern sports car. The Tomoaki Blue paint job, combined with black 18-inch wheels, adds a contemporary yet classic touch.
Unlike traditional restomods that update old cars with new technology, this build is more of a “reverse restomod,” where an existing modern platform is styled to look retro while retaining its original engine and drivetrain.
Bluebird Kiwami
Unlike the other two Nissan projects, the Bluebird Kiwami was built by students from Aichi University. The car is based on the Bluebird Maxima from the 1980s, a luxury hardtop sedan originally designed for the North American market.
Featuring an aggressive body kit with enlarged bumpers and extended wheel arches, the Bluebird Kiwami maintains its classic silhouette while appearing more muscular. The signature pillarless hardtop design remains intact, preserving the elegant and luxurious character of the original car. The interior has been kept largely unchanged, maintaining the plush, high-quality feel of the 1980s model.
The entire project took approximately 2.5 months to complete, demonstrating the dedication and craftsmanship of the students involved.
Tokyo Auto Salon Exhibition
All three of these incredible builds will be showcased at the Tokyo Auto Salon from January 12 to January 14, 2024, at the Makuhari Messe in Chiba City. With their blend of nostalgia, creativity, and automotive engineering, these cars are expected to draw significant attention from enthusiasts, industry professionals, and media alike.
As student-led projects, these builds highlight the passion and ingenuity of the next generation of automotive engineers and designers. Whether it’s the family-friendly Nissan Z Lealia Wagon, the retro-inspired Neo Skyline, or the refined Bluebird Kiwami, each of these vehicles tells a story of innovation and dedication.
