Ahead of the upcoming Tokyo Auto Salon in January, Nissan has previewed several custom cars built by students from the Nissan Automobile Technical College. It operates five campuses across Japan: Tochigi, Yokohama, Aichi, Kyoto, and Ehime. Aside from offering standard courses in automotive maintenance, the college also provides specialized courses in motorsports and vehicle bodywork, including panel beating and coating.

Three vehicles built by students from Aichi and Kyoto will be displayed at the motor show. The first two were created by fourth-year students from the Auto Maintenance and Customization Department of Nissan Kyoto Automobile Technical College, with each taking six months to complete.

NEO Skyline. This is based on a CV35 Skyline Coupe. Meant to evoke the fourth-generation Skyline C110 released in 1972 and nicknamed “Kenmary” or “Kenmeri” by fans, “NEO” stands for Nostalgia, Encouragement, and Originality.

It’s targeted at car enthusiasts in their thirties to fifties. Fifty-somethings will remember the Kenmary Skyline from their childhood; 40-year-olds will rediscover the joy of driving; and those in their thirties will appreciate the novelty in a modern vehicle.

The NEO Skyline is painted in Tomoaki Blue, which is inspired by the original Kenmary’s bright-blue metallic paint. A pearl finish is added this time.

Z Lealia. This one is a sports station wagon. Based on the M35 Stagea, the Z Lealia is for dads who love sports cars but also want to bring the family along. It basically answers the question of “How would a Fairlady Z look like if it were a wagon?” Lealia combines the English word “lead” with the Latin word “familia.”

To achieve the look, “the students cut parts of the rear fender and the roof, and welded on the rear section of a Nissan Leaf.” The front clip of the base car has been completely replaced with a custom creation. The rear fenders have also been widened to recreate the stance of the Fairlady Z. The Ikazuchi Yellow body color matches that of the RZ34 Fairlady Z.

Bluebird Kiwami. Finally, we have this one made by third-year students in the Auto Body Master Course at Nissan Aichi Automobile Technical College, which took two-and-a-half months to complete.

It’s based on a PU11 Bluebird Maxima, a model that was sold 36 years ago and which featured a four-door hardtop body without a center pillar. Kiwami means “ultimate” in Japanese, reflecting the students’ desire to perfect every aspect of the exterior, the interior, and the driving experience. It’s a Gen Z vision of a luxury car that also provides a sporty driving experience.

The Tokyo Auto Salon is happening from January 10 to 12, 2025, at Makuhari Messe in Chiba Prefecture, Tokyo.