Nissan Skyline: 65 years of history - from a modest sedan to a GT-R supercar

When it comes to world-famous Japanese cars, Nissan Skyline consistently ranks among the top legends. This model, which began its journey in 1957 as a modest business-class sedan, has become a symbol of Japanese motorsport, and its modification GT-R has become a cult favorite for several generations of car enthusiasts. But how did an ordinary car become an icon? Why Skyline so loved in tuning culture, and R32, R34 And R35 sold at auction for millions?

In this article we will follow the whole path Nissan Skyline - from the first models Prince Skyline to modern GT-R R35, let's look at technical innovations (including the legendary engine RB26DETT), remember the races JGTC And Le Mans, and also reveal little-known facts. If you think you know about Skyline That's it - get ready for surprises.

1957–1968: Birth of a legend. Prince Skyline ALSI-1 and S50

History Skyline didn't start with Nissan, and from the company Prince Motor Company - an independent Japanese manufacturer that produced the first Skyline ALSI-1. It was a four-door sedan with a 1.5-liter engine GA-30 total capacity 44 hp, but with a revolutionary design for Japan, inspired by American cars.

Title Skyline (“skyscraper”) reflected the brand’s ambitions - to create a car that will rise above its competitors. Already in 1962, the model appeared S50 with a more powerful motor G-1 (70 hp) and independent suspension on all wheels, unique for that time. It did Skyline one of the most comfortable cars in Japan.

• 🏆 1964 — Skyline 1500 wins the race Japanese Grand Prix, which brings the model her first sports fame.
• 🔧 Technical feature: S50 became the first Japanese sedan with 5-speed manual transmission (optional).
• 💰 Price in the 1960s: Skyline S50 cost about 800,000 yen - about the same as a two-room apartment in Tokyo.

⚠️ Attention: Many first Prince Skyline (1957–1966) have not survived to this day due to corrosion. Today original copies ALSI-1 or S50 are valued at $50 000–$100 000 at auctions.

1968–1972: Merger with Nissan and introduction of the GT-R (C10)

In 1966 Prince Motor Company was absorbed Nissan, and two years later the first one came out Nissan Skyline - model C10 (1968). It was a turning point: engineers combined technologies Prince with resources Nissanwhich led to the creation of the first Skyline GT-R in 1969.

GT-R C10 (body KPGC10) was the first Japanese production car specifically designed for racing. Under the hood was a 2.0-liter inline-six engine. S20 power 160 hp, and the weight of the car did not exceed 1,000 kg. This allowed GT-R dominate in Japanese Touring Car Championship (JTCC) from 1971 to 1972, winning 50 races in a row.

Model	Engine	Power	Drive	Years of winning in JTCC
Skyline 2000 GT-R (KPGC10)	S20 (2.0L I6)	160 hp	Rear	1971–1972
Skyline 2000 GT-X (KGC10)	L20 (2.0L I6)	130 hp	Rear	—
Skyline 1800 (GC10)	G18 (1.8L I4)	105 hp	Rear	—

Exactly GT-R C10 laid the foundation for future victories Skyline in motorsports and gave the model the nickname “Godzilla” - for its ability to destroy competitors on the track.

1973–1989: Ken and Mary era and turbo engines (C110, R30, R31)

The 1970s became a time of crisis for Skyline. Due to the oil embargo and stricter environmental regulations GT-R was discontinued in 1973, and the model C110 (1972–1977) received the nickname "Ken and MaryC110 became the first Skyline with turbo engine - L20ET (145 hp).

Corrected the situation Skyline R30 (1981–1985), who returned to a sporting image. In 1983, a modification appeared 2000 RS-Turbo with engine FJ20ET (190 hp) - first in the line Skyline with intercooler. And in 1985 he made his debut R31who suggested:

• 🔥 First all-wheel drive in history Skyline (modification GTS-R).
• 💨 Aerodynamic body with drag coefficient Cx=0.31.
• 🎛️ Electronic engine management system ECCS (predecessor of the modern ECU).

⚠️ Attention: Many Skyline R31 with engines RB20DET suffer from turbine problems T25 — its resource rarely exceeds 100,000 km without modernization.

1989–1994: R32 revolution and return of the GT-R

Model Skyline R32 (1989–1994) was a turning point in the history of the legend. It was with her that the era began RB engines, all-wheel drive ATTESA E-TS and four-wheel steering systems Super-HICAS. But the main thing is that he returned in 1989 GT-R, now with index BCNR32.

Under the hood GT-R R32 stood RB26DETT - 2.6-liter inline-six with twin turbocharging, developing 280 hp (officially, according to Japanese standards). The actual power exceeded 320–350 hp, and acceleration to 100 km/h took less 5 seconds. Thanks to this R32 GT-R dominated in:

• 🏁 Japanese Touring Car Championship (JTCC) - 29 victories from 1989 to 1993.
• 🌍 Australian Touring Car Championship - victory in 1991 and 1992.
• 🏆 24 hours Spa - victory in class in 1991.

R32 GT-R It also became the first Japanese car to compete with European supercars on price and performance. For example, in 1990 it cost about $40 000 - three times cheaper Porsche 911, but was faster on the track.

Why is the R32 GT-R banned in the US?

According to the rule 25 year import, R32 GT-R Can only be legally imported into the US since 2014. However, before this, many cars got there illegally through Canada or Mexico, which created a cult of “grays” Skyline in the tuning scene.

1995–2002: Golden age of the R33 and R34

Model Skyline R33 (1995–1998) are often underestimated in comparison R32 And R34, but it was she who secured the fame GT-R like an invincible track monster. R33 GT-R received an improved all-wheel drive system ATTESA E-TS Pro, 6-speed manual transmission and a more rigid body. Power RB26DETT remained at the level 280 hp, but real indicators reached 380–400 hp after flashing the ECU.

However, he became a real star Skyline R34 GT-R (1999–2002) - latest model GT-R based on Skyline. Its key features:

• 🔧 Engine RB26DETT with forged pistons and crankshaft, designed for 800+ hp in tuning.
• 📊 Multidisplay MFD with data on turbine pressure, oil temperature and lap time.
• 🎯 Aerodynamics with an active wing generating up to 100 kg downforce at a speed of 200 km/h.

R34 GT-R became famous thanks to:

1. Victory in JGTC (predecessor Super GT).
2. Record at the Nurburgring in 1999 - 7:59 (unofficial).
3. The film "Fast and Furious 2"(2003), where R34 became one of the main characters.

💡

The Skyline R34 GT-R is the only model that was sold officially in the UK (under the name Nissan GT-R V-Spec II Nür).

2002–2023: GT-R R35 era and break with Skyline

In 2002 production Skyline GT-R was stopped, and appeared in 2007 Nissan GT-R R35 - already as a separate model, not related to Skyline. This decision caused controversy among fans, but R35 proved its worth:

• 🏎️ Engine VR38DETT — 3.8-liter V6 with twin turbocharging, power 480–600 hp (depending on modification).
• 💻 System ATTESA E-TS And VDC - Electronic traction and brake control for ideal power distribution.
• ⚡ Acceleration 0–100 km/h for 2.7 seconds (modification GT-R Nismo).

Since 2014 Skyline returned as a business class sedan (V35, V36, V37), but without a sports heritage GT-R. The latest model for today is Nissan Skyline (Z52) 2023, which is sold only in Japan and China.

⚠️ Attention: GT-R R35 with mileage often suffers from problems with VR38DETT — turbine wear (Garrett GT-R) and oil leaks in the intercooler. Before purchasing, be sure to check the compression and condition of the turbines!

Skyline in motorsport: from JTCC to Le Mans

Nissan Skyline - one of the most titled models in the history of motorsport. His main achievements:

Year	Event	Model	Result
1971–1972	Japanese Touring Car Championship	GT-R C10	50 wins in a row
1991	24 hours Spa	GT-R R32	Victory in class
1995	JGTC (Super GT)	GT-R R33	Championship title
2011	24 Hours of Nürburgring	GT-R R35	Victory in the SP8T class

Participation holds a special place in history Skyline GT-R R33 in Le Mans 1995. Despite the fact that the car did not finish due to problems with the gearbox, it showed potential - it overtook many factory prototypes in qualifying.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Skyline

Why is the Skyline GT-R called "Godzilla"?

The nickname appeared in Australia in the 1990s when R32 GT-R dominated local races, “destroying” competitors like a monster. Journalists compared him to Godzilla, a symbol of Japanese power.

Which Skyline is the rarest?

Skyline GT-R R34 V-Spec II Nür (2002) - total released 1,000 copies, many of which were sold to the UK. Today its price at auctions exceeds $200 000.

Is it possible to legally import the Skyline GT-R into Russia?

Yes, but with reservations. R32, R33 And R34 can be imported as a “rarity” (over 30 years old) or through certification. The main problems are compliance with environmental standards (Euro 5) and right-hand drive.

Which Skyline engine is the most reliable for tuning?

RB25DET Neo (from R34 GT-T) is considered the best basic engine for modifications. It lasts up to 500–600 hp on the stock block (if assembled correctly). RB26DETT more powerful, but requires large investments in maintenance.

Why did Nissan split the Skyline and GT-R?

Main reasons: 1) desire to do GT-R global model (and Skyline remained a Japanese sedan), 2) Marketing move - branch of a sports brand GT-R from mass Skyline.