Nissan Skyline: 70 years of evolution - from Prince to GT-R

Nissan Skyline is not just a car, but a symbol of Japanese engineering, which in 70 years has gone from a modest family sedan to one of the most recognizable supercars in the world. This model has experienced a change of owners (first Prince Motor Company, then Nissan), participated in races, became the object of tuning and inspired entire generations of car enthusiasts. In this article we will look at everything in detail 14 generations of Skyline, we will highlight key technical innovations and explain why this particular model has become a cult favorite.

From Skyline ALSI-1 1957 with 1.5 liter engine up to GT-R R35 with 600+ hp - each stage of evolution reflected the spirit of the times: the Japanese economic boom of the 1960s, the oil crisis of the 1970s, the rise of JDM culture in the 1990s and the global recognition of the 2000s. We will not only list the characteristics, but also reveal little known factseg why Skyline GT-R was banned in some countries or as a model R32 saved Nissan from bankruptcy.

1957–1963: Skyline ALSI-1 - the beginning of a legend

First generation Nissan Skyline debuted in April 1957 under the brand Prince Motor Company - a company that was later acquired Nissan. Model ALSI-1 (body code) was a four-door sedan with rear-wheel drive and a 1.5-liter inline engine GA-30 total capacity 44 hp - modest numbers even by the standards of that time. However, even then the key features emerged Skyline:

• 🔧 Innovative suspension: independent front with double wishbones (a rarity for Japanese cars of the 1950s).
• 💰 Premium status: positioned as a car for businessmen, cost 1.5 times more expensive Toyota Crown.
• 🎨 Italian design: body developed Michelotti, author of design BMW 3200CS.

In 1960 a version appeared Skyline Sport - the first step towards a sporty image. It was equipped with a 1.9-liter engine GB-30 (70 hp) and could accelerate to 140 km/h, which made it the fastest Japanese car of that time. I wonder what Skyline Sport became the first Japanese car exported to Europe - it was sold in Finland under the name Prince Skyline 1900.

⚠️ Attention: collectors are often confused Skyline ALSI-1 with Prince Gloria - another model from the same manufacturer. The main difference is that Gloria had a V-engine, and Skyline - in-line.

1963–1972: S50–S57 era – birth of the GT spirit

Second generation (S50, 1963) became a turning point: Skyline received a new 1.5-liter engine G-1 with overhead camshaft (SOHC) and 5-speed manual transmission - the first in the history of Japanese production cars. But the real breakthrough came in 1964 with the advent of Skyline 2000GT (S54):

• 🏁 Racing in the blood: 2000GT debuted on Japanese Grand Prix 1964 and took 2–6 places, overtaking Porsche 904.
• 🔥 G7 engine: 2.0-liter inline six (125 hp), later boosted to 160 hp for racing.
• 🚗 Coupe body: rare version Skyline GT-B (1967) with a short wheelbase.

In 1968 Prince merged with Nissan, and Skyline became part of the new line. Model S57 (1971) received a Coca-Cola style design (smooth lines) and engines L20 (2.0 l, 130 hp), which later formed the basis of the legendary RB-series. I wonder what exactly S57 became the first Skyline, officially exported to the USA - albeit under the name Datsun 240K.

1972–1981: Crisis and transformation (C10, C110, C210)

The 1970s became a test for Skyline: the oil crisis of 1973 forced Nissan reconsider the strategy. Generation C10 (1972) received a more angular design and economical engines, but lost its sporty spirit. However, it was in this generation that the following appeared:

• 🔄 First turbo engine: Skyline GT-Turbo (1973) with 2.0-liter L20ET (140 hp).
• 🚘 Hatchback body: version Skyline Hardtop (1975) with a shortened rear part.
• 💥 "240K" scandal: in the USA the model was sold as Datsun 240K, but due to weak sales it was quickly withdrawn from the market.

Generation C210 (1977) became the most controversial: Nissan completely abandoned sporting ambitions, making Skyline an ordinary family sedan. Engines L24E (2.4 l, 135 hp) and L28E (2.8 l, 160 hp) were reliable, but not impressive. However, it is C210 became the first Skyline with electronic fuel injection (EFI), which later played a key role in the evolution GT-R.

Generation	Years of production	Key engines	Max. power
C10	1972–1977	L20, L20ET	140 hp (turbo)
C110	1977–1981	L24E, L28E	160 hp
R30	1981–1985	FJ20ET, RB20ET	190 hp

⚠️ Attention: if you are looking Skyline 1970s for restoration, avoid bodied models C110 - their corrosion resistance is worse than that of C10, due to savings on galvanizing.

1981–1989: A Legend Reborn (R30, R31, R32)

The 1980s are back Skyline into the world of sports. Generation R30 (1981) received a revolutionary engine FJ20ET - the first Japanese turbo engine with 4 valves per cylinder. Version Skyline 2000RS-Turbo developed 190 hp and accelerated to 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds - a record for Japanese sedans of that time.

But the real breakthrough came in 1989 with the debut R32. This model became the basis for the legendary GT-Rwhich:

• 🏆 Dominated the races: won 29 of 29 stages Japanese Touring Car Championship (1989–1993).
• 🔧 ATTESA Technologies: all-wheel drive with electronic traction vector control.
• 💣 Engine RB26DETT: 2.6-liter “six” with twin turbo (280 hp by Japanese standards, actually - 320+ hp).

R32 GT-R became the first Japanese car capable of competing on equal terms with Porsche 911 on the track. He was nicknamed "Godzilla"for the ability to destroy European supercars in races. Interestingly, Nissan deliberately lowered the official power to 280 hp in order to comply with the “gentleman’s agreement” of Japanese automakers.

Why was the R32 GT-R banned in some countries?

In Australia and New Zealand R32 GT-R was banned from import until 1992 due to failure to meet emission standards. However, the real reason is local dealers Ford And Holden lobbied for a ban because GT-R destroyed their models in races.

1990s: Golden Age (R33, R34) and the cult of JDM

Generations R33 (1993) and R34 (1999) made Skyline GT-R global legend. R33 received an improved all-wheel drive system ATTESA E-TS Pro and engine RB26DETT with increased to 330 hp potential (with the same “official” 280 hp). But he brought real fame R34:

• 🎬 Movie star: main role in the film "Fast and Furious 2"(2003) with Paul Walker.
• 🎮 Gamers icon: R34 GT-R became a symbol of the series Gran Turismo.
• 🔧 6-speed manual transmission: first in line Skyline, developed jointly with Getrag.

R34 GT-R V-Spec II Nür (2002) became the last in a line of classic Skyline GT-R. His engine RB26DETT with ceramic turbines and titanium turbine Garrett developed 390–400 hp in stock configuration, and after tuning - up to 800+ hp without loss of reliability. Today is original R34 GT-R worth it in good condition $200 000+.

2000s: Transition to premium (V35, V36, V37)

In 2001 Nissan radically changed the concept Skyline, representing the generation V35. Now it was not a sports sedan, but a luxury car E-segment from:

• 🛋️ Premium interior: leather Nappa, tree Burl Wood, climate control with ionizer.
• 🔄 VQ engines: VQ30DD (3.0 l, 260 hp) and VQ35DE (3.5 l, 280–315 hp).
• 🚗 FM platform: Rear-wheel drive with ideal 50:50 weight distribution.

V35 And V36 (2006) became the basis for Infiniti G35/G37 - a model that conquered the American market. In Japan Skyline lost its former sports image, which caused discontent among fans. However V36 370GT with engine VQ37VHR (333 hp) and a 7-speed automatic transmission restored some of its former dynamics.

⚠️ Attention: upon purchase V35/V36 Pay attention to the corrosion of the fender liners - the weak point of these generations. Also check the service history of the CVT (on models with CVT).

2014–present: Skyline as Infiniti Q50 and return of the GT-R

Since 2014 Nissan Skyline in Japan it is sold as Infiniti Q50 (and its modifications), and the name GT-R inherited a supercar R35 (2007). New GT-R lost contact with Skyline, becoming a separate model with:

• 💣 Engine VR38DETT: 3.8-liter V6 with twin turbo (570–600 hp).
• 🔧 GR6 transmission: 6-speed manual transmission with system Transaxle (engine front, gearbox rear).
• 🏁 Nürburgring records: in 2008 GT-R R35 completed a lap in 7:29, overtaking Porsche 911 Turbo.

The last "real" one Skyline - this is V37 (2019), which in Japan is sold as Nissan Skyline 400R (with engine VR30DDTT from Infiniti Q50 Red Sport, 405 hp). However, for most fans the real Skyline died with R34.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Skyline

Why is the Skyline R32 GT-R called "Godzilla"?

Nickname"Godzilla" appeared in the Australian press after R32 GT-R dominated local races Australian Touring Car Championship in the early 1990s. Journalists compared him to a monster that destroys all competitors, like Godzilla destroys cities.

Is it possible to legally import Skyline R34 into Russia?

Yes, but with reservations. Starting in 2021, Russia has new rules for the import of used cars older than 5 years. For R34 (1999–2002) you will need:

1. Registration vehicle type approval (OTTS).
2. Walkthrough customs clearance with payment of duties (about 54% of the cost).
3. Adaptation for euro-5 (catalyst replacement, ECU firmware).

The cost of legalization can reach 1–1.5 million rubles in addition to the price of the car itself.

Which Skyline engine is the most reliable for tuning?

Unconditional leader - RB26DETT (R32–R34). Reasons:

• 🔧 Cast iron cylinder block (withstands up to 1000+ hp when assembled correctly).
• 💰 Cheap and available spare parts (compared to VR38 or 2JZ).
• 📈 Linear torque characteristic (ideal for drifting and dragging).

Alternative - RB25DET (2.5 l, 250 hp), but it requires reinforcement of the crankshaft for high power.

Why is the Skyline R34 so expensive today?

Prices for R34 GT-R have grown 3–5 times over the past 10 years due to:

• 🎬 "Fast and Furious effect": Demand increased after the film's release.
• 📉 Limited quantity: only released 11 000 copies R34 GT-R.
• 🔧 Spare parts and restoration: original parts (for example, turbines IHI) cost thousands of dollars.

Today R34 GT-R V-Spec II Nür in perfect condition valued at $200 000–$500 000.

Is it possible to put a GT-R R35 engine into an old Skyline?

Technically yes, but this is an extremely complex and expensive project. Main problems:

• 🔌 Electronics: VR38DETT requires a modern ECU (ECU), which is not compatible with the old wiring R32/R34.
• 🔧 Fastenings: You need to make custom subframes and engine mounts.
• 💰 Cost: swap alone will cost $20 000–$30 000, plus modification of the transmission.

It is much easier and cheaper to boost the original one RB26 or put LS engine from Chevrolet.