Nissan Skyline is not just a car, but a legend of the Japanese automobile industry, whose history already dates back over 65 years. From humble 1950s sedan to supercar GT-R R35, this model has gone from mass transport to collectible and tuning object. In the article we will analyze all 14 generations of Skyline (from C10 to V38), we will highlight key technical innovations, talk about rare versions and explain why some models have become iconic.

We will pay special attention GT-R - a separate branch of Skyline, which has turned into an independent line of supercars. You will find out which engines RB26DETT, VR38DETT and others made these cars legendary, how the design changed from generation to generation, and why R32, R34 And R35 are still breaking records at auctions. At the end of the article - FAQ with answers to frequently asked questions about the purchase, tuning and history of the model.

1. C10 generation (1968–1972): the beginning of a legend

First "real" generation Skyline (before this there were experimental models ALSI-1 And BLRA-3) debuted in 1968 and laid the foundations for future success. C10 became the first mass-produced car Nissan with independent rear suspension and engine G15 (1.5 l, 75 hp). The "Coca-Cola" design (as the body style was called) was revolutionary for Japan.

Features C10:

  • 🔧 Engines: G15 (1.5 l), G16 (1.6 l), G18 (1.8 l) - all in-line “fours”.
  • 🚗 Body: 4-door sedan, 5-door station wagon (Skyline Van), 2-door coupe (Skyline Hardtop).
  • 🏁 Sports versions: Skyline 2000GT with engine S20 (2.0 l, 160 hp) - the first “hot” Skyline.

It was the C10 that became the first Skyline to be exported outside of Japan - to Australia under the name Datsun 240K. Today, original copies in good condition cost from $20 000 and above.

⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Skyline C10 check the condition of the frame - these cars rust a lot at the rear suspension mounting points. Original parts (such as bumpers or radiator grilles) are almost impossible to find.

2. C110 generation (1972–1977): “Kenmery” and the first turbocharging

Skyline C110 received the nickname "Kenmery"(from English) Ken & Mary) due to an advertising campaign with a newlywed couple. This generation became transitional: the design became more angular, the first turbocharged engines (L20T, 190 hp), and in 1973 the legendary Skyline GT-R (KPGC110).

Key facts about C110:

  • 🔥 GT-R KPGC110: released in only 197 copies, today it's worth $500 000+.
  • 💨 Turbo: the first production Japanese car with turbocharging (model Skyline Turbo, 1973).
  • 🚘 Export: sold as Datsun K-series in the USA and Europe.
Model Engine Power (hp) Drive Rarity (estimate)
Skyline 1800 G18 105 Rear ⭐⭐
Skyline 2000GT-X L20 130 Rear ⭐⭐⭐
Skyline GT-R KPGC110 S20 (2.0 l, 24 valves) 160 (official) / ~200 (real) Rear ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

📊 Which generation of Skyline do you like best?
  • C10 (1968–1972)
  • C110 (1972–1977)
  • R32 (1989–1994)
  • R34 (1999–2002)
  • V38 (2023–present)

3. Generations C210/211 (1977–1981): crisis and departure of the GT-R

Skyline C210 appeared at the height of the oil crisis, so it became more economical and “civilized”. The design was developed by an Italian studio Pininfarina, but due to strict emissions regulations, engine power dropped. The GT-R was no longer produced - a model appeared instead Skyline 2000 Turbo (L20ET, 145 hp).

Interesting facts:

  • 🛢️ Economical: version Skyline E10 with engine Z16S spent everything 8 l/100 km.
  • 🚫 End of the GT-R: due to stricter emission standards Nissan temporarily canceled the program GT-R (will be revived only in 1989).
  • 🔄 Restyling: released in 1981 C211 with updated optics and interior.

Why is the C210 called the “failed” generation?

This generation is often criticized for being too “soft” in nature and lacking sporting ambitions. The main reason is the oil crisis of the 1970s, which forced Nissan to focus on efficiency rather than power. In addition, the design from Pininfarina seemed to many to be too European and uncharacteristic of the Skyline.

4. R30 generation (1981–1985): the return of sporting spirit

Skyline R30 was the answer Nissan to criticism from the previous generation. The car received aggressive design with a wedge-shaped body, independent rear suspension and new series engines FJ And RB. In 1983 a version appeared Skyline 2000RS-Turbo with motor FJ20ET (190 hp), which became the predecessor of future GT-R.

Technical features R30:

  • 🔧 Engines: RB20E (155 hp), FJ20ET (190 hp, turbo), DR30 (diesel).
  • 🎯 Tuning: R30 became the first Skyline model to be actively modified for drifting.
  • 🏆 Racing: based on R30 cars were built for Group A And Group C.

💡

If you are looking Skyline R30 for tuning, pay attention to versions with engine RB20ET - it’s easier to boost them to 300+ hp. without major modifications to the block.

5. R31 generation (1985–1989): the last rear-wheel drive Skyline

Skyline R31 became latest generation with classic rear-wheel drive (except GT-R). The design has become more streamlined, electronic systems have appeared (for example, ECCS — engine control system). The main novelty is the engine RB20DET (180 hp), which would later become the basis for the legendary RB26DETT.

Important versions R31:

  • 🏁 GTS-R: limited edition (800 copies) with motor RB20DET-R (210 hp).
  • 🚗 Skyline GTS: base for drift cars in the 1990s.
  • 🔋 Electronics: first all-wheel drive system ATTESA (will be later GT-R).
⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase R31 with engine RB20DET check the condition of the turbine T25 — its resource rarely exceeds 150,000 km. Also pay attention to corrosion on the sills and arches.

6. R32 generation (1989–1994): the birth of a GT-R legend

Skyline R32 became revolutionary: all-wheel drive debuted ATTESA E-TS, thrust vector control system Super-HICAS and of course GT-R with engine RB26DETT (280 hp). This car dominated the races JTCC And Group A, and her nickname is “Godzilla

Technical features R32 GT-R:

  • 🔥 Engine: RB26DETT (2.6 l, twin-turbo, 280 hp according to Japanese standards).
  • 🎯 Drive: ATTESA (all-wheel drive with electronic control).
  • 🏆 Racing: won 29 of 29 races JTCC in 1991–1993.

💡

The Skyline R32 GT-R is the only car that has been banned from some races due to excessive advantage. Today, original copies cost from $150,000, and replicas and tuned versions start from $50,000.

7. R33 (1995–1998) and R34 (1999–2002) generations: the peak of GT-R glory

Skyline R33 And R34 steel most famous generations thanks to the movie "Fast and Furious” and dominance in racing. R33 GT-R received an improved RB26DETT (320 hp in version LM Limited), and R34 - system MULTI-MODE AFD (adaptive all-wheel drive) and a 6-speed manual transmission.

Comparison R33 And R34:

Parameter R33 GT-R R34 GT-R
Engine RB26DETT (280–320 hp) RB26DETT (330 hp in V-Spec II Nür)
Box 5-speed manual 6-speed manual transmission (optional)
Price today (original) $80 000–$150 000 $200 000–$500 000

☑️ What to check when buying an R34 GT-R

Done: 0 / 5

8. Generations V35/V36 (2001–2014) and modern V38 (2023–present): transition to the premium segment

C Skyline V35 (2001) model became premium sedan, having lost his sporting character. Engines VQ35DE (280 hp) and VQ30DD (hybrid), all-wheel drive ATTESA E-TS Pro, but without racing ambitions. V38 (2023) brought back some of the sporting spirit thanks to the engine VR30DDTT (405 hp) and system 4WD with thrust vector.

Key changes to modern Skylines:

  • 💼 Premium: leather interior, adaptive cruise control, driver assistance systems.
  • 🔌 Hybrids: V37 (2014–2019) offered a hybrid version with a motor QR25DER.
  • 🏁 Return of sports: V38 got driving modes Sport+ And Track.

💡

If you want a modern Skyline with a sporty character, look no further than V38 400R (2026) with engine VR30DDTT and adaptive suspension. This model is closest in spirit to the classic GT-R.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about Nissan Skyline

🔧 Which Skyline is better for drifting?

Ideal for drifting Skyline R32/R33 with engine RB20DET or RB25DET. They are lightweight, have a 50/50 balance and reliable mechanics. R34 too expensive for such purposes, and V35/V36 heavy and not as controllable. The main thing is to remove all-wheel drive (if there is one) and install a mechanical differential.

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

Prices for R34 GT-R depend on version and state:

  • Standard version: $150 000–$250 000.
  • V-Spec II: $250 000–$350 000.
  • V-Spec II Nür (2002, 750 copies): $400 000–$1 000 000.
  • M-Spec Nür (2002, 250 copies): $800 000–$2 000 000.

Prices are rising 10–15% per year due to collector demand.

🛠️ Is it possible to legalize Skyline in Russia?

Yes, but the process is complicated:

  1. Need to find a car under 5 years old (for simplified customs clearance).
  2. Check out vehicle type approval (VTA) at NIIAT.
  3. Go through customs clearance (duty ~30–50% of the cost).
  4. Adapt the car to Russian standards (lighting, exhaust).

Cost of legalization: from 1,000,000 rubles (excluding car price).

🚗 Which Skyline engines are the most reliable?

Top 5 most reliable motors:

  1. RB25DE (aspirated, resource 300,000+ km).
  2. RB20E (simple, non-turbocharged).
  3. VQ35DE (V35/V36, resource 400,000 km).
  4. CA18DET (R31, if not driven).
  5. SR20DET (in some markets, e.g. Skyline GT-S).

The most capricious: RB26DETT (due to the complex twin-turbo system) and VQ30DD (hybrid, expensive to repair).

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

Nickname "Godzilla" emerged in the early 1990s due to the dominance R32 GT-R in motorsport. The car won 29 races in a row in Japanese Touring Car Championship (JTCC), humiliating European and American teams. Australian journalists compared it to a monster that destroys all rivals - and that’s how the name stuck.