Why i fell in love with the Nissan C34 Stagea

“A prestige touring wagon that is functional yet comfortable”

I didn’t fall in love with it for its looks, power, handling, or even its amazing functionality, but at the same time I did.

Growing up in a small town on the coast of New South Wales, Australia I didnt really know what an import was until ‘The Fast And The Furious’ burst onto the scene. But then I only knew what a supra or a skyline was. It wasnt until my friends and I all started getting our licenses that we started getting into imports, small capacity engines with massive power, whats not to love?!
Well like most beginner JDM enthusiasts I chose my side in the battle between Nissan, Toyota, Honda, Mazda and the ilk. Siding with Nissan only because the skyline and the silvia are soooo sexy. I say this now with a smirk as i have come to love all of the Jap producers.
Well one day my mate rang me all excited saying “I got a new car and it’s like an r34 skyline wagon and it’s even turbo!!!” He said it was a Stagea, I’d never heard of such a thing so I told him to come show me. Next thing I know this ‘ugly volvo’ is coming up my driveway slowly trying to dodge the ruts. In that moment i instantly hated it - it was ugly, it felt like a boat on the road and it was auto.
After many road trips spent in comfort in its plush stock seats and soft suspension, after many hours wrenching on it (don’t get me started on the wiring in a jap car), after many car shows looking at it I started to develop an admiration for the thing. It was so much more useful for day to day life than a sedan or coupe ever could hope to be.

I’ve come to love the Stagea.
What I once thought was ugly started to make sense and appeal to me.
I once thought it was a boat, but its amazing what a set of wider tires, a set of coilovers and a decent service can do to a car.
Even the simplicity of auto has grown on me, simply put it in gear and drive - the perfect way to tour in your prestige wagon.