Forklift driver saves rare Nissan Silvia S14 from destruction in genius way during Japan’s devastating floods

Just when it looked like another classic car would be claimed by rising waters, a quick-thinking forklift driver has stepped in to save a Nissan Silvia S14 from water damage.

The dramatic moment unfolded during Japan’s devastating floods in 2018, when entire streets were submerged.

With thousands of vehicles being written off, there didn’t seem be much hope for this poor Nissan.

Somehow, amid the chaos, one stranded coupe caught the operator’s eye, and now the footage is going viral.

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The Nissan Silvia S14 is rare piece of Japanese automotive history

As floodwaters crept higher, the Silvia sat helplessly, at serious risk of being destroyed.

Rather than leaving it to its fate, the forklift operator carefully maneuvered into position, slid the forks underneath the car, and gently lifted it onto higher ground.

It was a simple idea, and it likely saved the car from being permanently ruined.

In a disaster that caused widespread loss, this small act stood out as a moment of ingenuity and care.

The Nissan Silvia S14 is no ordinary car, which is why the rescue struck such a chord with enthusiasts.

Produced in the mid-to-late 1990s, the S14 is part of Nissan’s legendary S-chassis lineup, celebrated for its rear-wheel-drive layout, near-perfect balance, and turbocharged performance options.

It became a cornerstone of drifting culture in Japan and beyond, thanks to its tunability and sharp handling.

Today, clean examples are increasingly rare, making each surviving car a valuable piece of Japanese automotive history.

Even a little water can cause devastating damage to a car

Saving the Nissan Silvia S14 from floodwaters was especially important because water damage is one of the most destructive threats to a car.

Once water enters the cabin, engine bay, or electrical systems, problems multiply fast.

Floodwater can contaminate engine oil, destroy sensors, short-circuit wiring looms, and cause corrosion that continues long after the car appears dry.

Even shallow water can total a vehicle if it reaches critical components, which is why flood-damaged cars are often written off entirely.

Of course, it isn’t impossible to revive a car suffering from water damage, and it can sometimes be a good deal to buy a flood-damaged car.

However, don’t count on it happening too often, as repairing cars with prolonged exposure to water tends to be both difficult and expensive.

In fact, if you’re really unlucky, even spilling a bottle of water in your car may result in you receiving a hefty repair bill.

While countless vehicles weren’t as lucky, this S14’s narrow escape is proof that sometimes, quick thinking can make all the difference.

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