Nissan Skyline: the complete history of the iconic car from Prince to GT-R

When it comes to Japanese sports cars, Nissan Skyline occupies a special place - this is not just a model, but a real legend with more than 65 years of history. Starting its journey in 1957 as a modest business class sedan from the company Prince Motor Company, Skyline has become a symbol of Japanese motorsport, becoming the basis for supercars GT-R, which still dominate the tracks today. Its evolution reflects not only technological progress, but also cultural shifts - from Japan's post-war reconstruction to the global acceptance of JDM culture.

In this article we will look at all generations in detail. Skyline, from the first ALSI-1 to modern R35 GT-R, we highlight key technical innovations (including the legendary engine RB26DETT), and we’ll also talk about the racing triumphs that made the model an icon. If you've ever wanted to know why Skyline GT-R called "Dear God» (Godzilla), or how a small Japanese sedan was able to challenge European supercars - welcome to a fascinating journey through the history of one of the most influential cars in the world.

1957–1963: Birth of a legend. Generation ALSI-1 and the first Skylines from Prince

Origins Nissan Skyline go to the company Prince Motor Company, which introduced the model in 1957 Prince Skyline ALSI-1 - the first car with this name. It was a four-door sedan with a 1.5-liter engine GA-30 total capacity 44 hp, but for post-war Japan it became a symbol of progress. The design in the style of American cars of the 1950s (with chrome bumpers and fins) emphasized the ambitions of the brand.

Fun fact: name Skyline (“horizon line”) was not chosen by chance - it reflected the company’s desire to “rise higher” in the automotive hierarchy. Already in 1958 a version appeared ALSI-2 with a more powerful engine (60 hp), and made his debut in 1960 Skyline Sport - two-door coupe with design inspired by Chevrolet Corvette. These models laid the foundation for future success.

• 🔧 Engines: GA-30 (1.5L, 44–60 hp), later GB-30 (1.9L, 94 hp)
• 🏆 Achievements: Victory in the rally Round Australia Trial (1958) - first international success
• 💡 Innovation: The first Japanese car with self-adjusting brakes

⚠️ Attention: Models ALSI-1/2 today they are rare collector's items. Their original spare parts are practically unavailable, and restoration costs hundreds of thousands of dollars. Before buying, check the history of the car for fakes - under the guise of “originals” they often sell replicas based on Datsun Bluebird.

1963–1972: S50 era and the beginning of racing glory

In 1963 Prince introduced the second generation - Skyline S50, which was the first step towards the model’s sporty image. The design became more angular, and in 1964 a version appeared Skyline 2000 GT with 2.0 liter engine G-7 (125 hp). This was a revolutionary step: for the first time, a Japanese sedan could compete with European cars in terms of dynamics.

The main event of this period was the victory Skyline 2000 GT-B (1968) in Japanese Grand Prix - the first race where a Japanese car overtook Porsche 911. This success cemented the reputation Skyline like a racing car and attracted attention Nissan, which in 1966 absorbed Prince Motor Company. From that moment on, the model began to develop under the brand Nissan.

Model	Years of production	Engine	Power	Features
Skyline 1500 (S50)	1963–1965	G-1 (1.5L)	70 hp	First Skyline under the brand Nissan
Skyline 2000 GT (S50)	1965–1968	G-7 (2.0L)	125 hp	Victory in the Japanese Grand Prix 1968
Skyline 2000 GT-R (PGC10)	1969–1972	S20 (2.0L)	160 hp	First GT-R, 53 wins in a row!

The culmination of the era was the debut Skyline 2000 GT-R (PGC10) in 1969 - the car that started the legend GT-R. Equipped with a 2.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine S20 (160 hp), this car dominated the race, winning 53 races in a row in Japanese championships. He was nicknamed "Hakosuka" (from Japanese "box-shaped Skyline") - this name has become a household name for all classical GT-R.

1972–1981: Transition period. Kenmeri and the oil shock crisis

Third generation Skyline (series C10, 1972–1977) received the nickname "Kenmeri” - in honor of the popular manga character. The design became more streamlined, but the main innovation was hidden under the hood: for the first time, an engine appeared L20 - predecessor of the legendary series RB. However, the oil crisis of 1973 forced Nissan focus on efficiency, and the sports versions temporarily took a backseat.

The fourth generation debuted in 1977 (C210), which became the first Skyline with front-wheel drive (in some versions). It was a controversial decision: fans criticized the loss of "sporting DNA", but the model remained popular due to its reliability and comfort. However, racing ambitions did not disappear: in 1980 a version appeared Skyline 2000 Turbo with engine L20ET (145 hp) - first serial Skyline with turbocharging.

Why did the Kenmeri GT-R (C110) fail in racing?

Unlike Hakosuka, the model C110 GT-R (1973) had problems with weight and reliability. Her engine S20 was boosted to 190 hp, but due to new racing rules (limitation on displacement), the car lost its competitive advantage. In addition, the oil crisis made it too “gluttonous” for everyday use. Only 197 examples were produced, making the C110 one of the rarest versions of the GT-R.

• ⚡ Technical innovations: The first turbo engines (L20ET), electronic fuel injection
• 📉 Problems: Loss of racing spirit due to economic realities
• 🔄 Legacy: C210 became the last Skyline without rear-wheel drive (until the return of RWD in 1989)

1981–1989: Revival of the sporting spirit. Era R30 and R31

In 1981 Nissan introduced the fifth generation Skyline (R30), which returned the model to a sporty image. Design in the style "aerodynamic wedge"and the return of rear-wheel drive (in versions RS And Turbo) were greeted with enthusiasm. But the real breakthrough came in 1985 with the debut R31 - first Skyline, equipped with series engines RB (RB20DET, 180–210 hp).

Model R31 became the first to introduce an all-wheel drive system ATTESA (in version GTS-R), a precursor to the technology that would later make GT-R R32 invincible. Also worth noting is the debut Skyline GTS-X - the first production version with turbocharging and intercooler, which developed 205 hp. These cars actively participated in group racing, laying the foundation for future victories GT-R.

⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Skyline R30/R31 pay attention to the condition of the body - these models suffer greatly from corrosion, especially in the wheel arches and sills. Engines RB20DET reliable, but require regular inspection of the turbine (the service life of the original Garrett T25 - about 150 thousand km).

1989–2002: Golden Age. Skyline R32, R33, R34 and Legend RB26DETT

This period became peak of glory Nissan Skyline thanks to three generations: R32 (1989–1994), R33 (1995–1998) and R34 (1999–2002). This is where the legend was born GT-R as "supercar killers". Model R32 GT-R debuted in 1989 with a revolutionary engine RB26DETT — 2.6-liter inline six-cylinder twin-turbo power 280 hp (according to Japanese standards, actual power exceeded 320 hp).

Technical Innovation R32 included:

• 🔄 ATTESA E-TS: Electronic all-wheel drive system with multi-plate clutch
• 🎯 Super-HICAS: Rear steering system for better handling
• 🏁 Results: Victories in JTCC, 24 hours Spa And Bathurst 1000 (1991–1992), where GT-R defeated Porsche And BMW

Models R33 And R34 built on this success. R33 GT-R (1995) received improved aerodynamics and system Active LSD, and R34 GT-R (1999) became the last "classic" Skyline GT-R with engine RB26DETT. Exactly R34 became famous thanks to:

• 🎬 To the movie "Fast and Furious": Its appearance in the first part of the franchise (2001) made it a cult car for tuning culture
• 🎮 Games Gran Turismo: R34 became a symbol of JDM culture for gamers
• 🏆 Records at the Nurburgring: In 2000 GT-R R34 passed the ring for 7:52 - an incredible result for a production car of those years

2002–present: Era of the GT-R as a standalone model and Skyline legacy

In 2002 Nissan made a Controversial decision: Skyline GT-R was separated into a separate model - Nissan GT-R (R35), and himself Skyline turned into a luxury business class sedan (V35/V36). This move caused dissatisfaction among fans, but R35 met expectations: with engine VR38DETT (480–600 hp) and all-wheel drive system ATTESA E-TS Pro it became one of the fastest production cars in the world.

Modern Skyline (V37, 2014–present) have lost their sporting character, but have retained their prestigious image. They are equipped with hybrid systems and turbo engines. VR30DDTT, and debuted in 2023 Skyline Nismo — an attempt to bring back some of the racing DNA. Meanwhile, GT-R R35 continues to evolve: a new generation with a hybrid powertrain is expected to debut in 2026 700+ hp.

Model	Years	Engine	Power	Features
GT-R R35	2007–present	VR38DETT (3.8L V6)	480–600 hp	First GT-R without prefix Skyline
Skyline V37	2014–present	VR30DDTT (3.0L V6)	300–405 hp	Version Nismo with aggressive body kit
GT-R (R36)	2026 (expected)	Hybrid (V6 + electric motor)	700+ hp	New platform and e-4ORCE system

Skyline in motorsport: from JTCC to Le Mans

Racing history Skyline is a separate saga that began with victories Hakosuka in the 1970s and continues to this day. Here are the key milestones:

• 🏁 1968–1972: Skyline 2000 GT-R (PGC10) won 53 races in a row at JTCC
• 🌏 1990–1993: R32 GT-R dominated in JTCC, Australian Touring Car Championship And 24 hours Spa
• 🏆 1995–1999: R33/R34 GT-R won JGTC (predecessor Super GT)
• 🏎️ 2011–present: GT-R R35 competes in Super GT, Nürburgring 24h and even Le Mans (in LMGTE class)

The project occupies a special place Nismo R34 GT-R Z-tune (2005) - limited edition of 20 cars with engine RB26DETT, forced to 500 hp. These cars were built on the basis of used R34, which Nismo bought from the owners, completely reworked and sold for $150 000+ (today their price exceeds $1 million).

⚠️ Attention: If you're planning on doing retro racing with a classic Skyline, please note: original spare parts for Hakosuka or Kenmeri GT-R extremely rare. Many teams use modern analogues (for example, turbines Garrett GTX instead of the original ones Nissan), but this requires agreement with the competition organizers.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Skyline

🔧 Why is the Skyline GT-R called “Godzilla”?

Nickname "Godzilla" (translated as "Godzilla") appeared in Australia in the early 1990s, when R32 GT-R dominated local races, destroying competitors left and right - like a monster sweeping away cities. Journalists compared him to an unstoppable force of nature, and the name stuck.

💰 How much does the original Skyline GT-R R34 cost today?

Prices vary greatly depending on condition and history:

• $80 000–$150 000: Standard versions with a mileage of 50–100 thousand km
• $200 000–$300 000: Machines in perfect condition with documentation
• $500 000+: Ordinary specimens (for example, Nismo 400R or Z-tune)

Important: imports have been legalized in the United States since 2026 R34 (25-year age rule), which pushed up prices.

🔧 Is it possible to legally tune Skyline in Russia?

Yes, but with reservations:

• Engine: Replacement with a more powerful one (for example, RB26 instead of RB20) requires traffic police approval and making changes to the PTS.
• Turbines: Installing a biturbo on a naturally aspirated engine is considered design change — expertise is needed.
• Suspension: Replacement with sports one (for example, Tein or Ohlin) is allowed if the geometry is saved.

Tip: Before tuning, consult with accredited laboratory - this will save time and money.

🎮 Which Skyline is the rarest?

Top 3 rarest versions:

1. 1973 Skyline 2000 GT-R (PGC10) - released 197 pcs.
2. Skyline R33 GT-R LM - racing version for Le Mans, 10 pcs.
3. Skyline R34 GT-R Z-tune — 20 pcs., all sold through auctions

Even "ordinary" Hakosuka GT-R are less common today than Ferrari 250 GTO - less than 200 copies have survived.

🚗 How to distinguish an original GT-R from a replica?

Check the following details:

• VIN code: Original GT-R have a prefix BNR32 (R32), BCNR33 (R33), BNR34 (R34).
• Engine: On the block RB26DETT must be engraved 24U (engine code).
• Body: Original GT-R have unique welds and reinforced side members.
• Documents: Japanese cars must have Shaken (technical inspection) and Export Certificate.

Warning: before 80% R34 GT-R on the secondary market - fakes or “assembled” cars from several donors.