Nissan Skyline: complete history of generations (1957–2026) with photos and technical data

Nissan Skyline - this is not just a car, but a real legend of the Japanese automobile industry, whose history goes back already over 65 years. During this time, the model has gone from a modest business class sedan to a cult sports car, known throughout the world thanks to its racing versions. GT-R. Every generation Skyline reflected the spirit of its time: from the post-war reconstruction of Japan to the technological breakthroughs of the 90s and modern hybrid systems.

In this article we will analyze in detail all 14 generations (including subseries), their key features, technical innovations and rare modifications. You'll find out why Skyline R32 became an icon of drifting, like R34 conquered movie screens in “The Fast and the Furious,” and why modern versions lost the console Skyline in the title. And for collectors we have prepared unique data on limited editions and factory tuning packages, which are almost not documented in open sources.

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

First Nissan Skyline debuted in April 1957 under the brand name Prince (before merger with Nissan in 1966). It was a compact sedan with 1.5 liter engine with a power of only 60 hp, but with an independent front suspension, revolutionary for Japan at that time. The model was created as a response to European business class cars, but taking into account Japanese realities: narrow roads and high taxes on large cars.

Design ALSI-1 developed Shinichiro Sakaguchi - an engineer inspired by American cars of the 50s. The body had characteristic “tails” on the rear wings, reminiscent of Chevrolet Bel Air, but in miniature. Fun fact: name Skyline ("skyscraper") was chosen as a symbol of Japan's desire for economic growth after the war.

• 🔧 Engine: GA-30 (1.5L, 60 hp) - the first production engine Prince with overhead valves.
• 🚗 Body: 4-door sedan only, length 4135 mm (short wheelbase 2480 mm).
• 💰 Price in 1957: 850,000 yen (≈ $2,360 at the exchange rate of that time) - more expensive Toyota Crown by 20%.

⚠️ Attention: Today original Skyline ALSI-1 in good condition - extremely rare. Most examples were scrapped due to corrosion or converted into cargo vans. At auctions in Japan, the price for a preserved copy reaches 500,000–700,000 rubles.

1963–1968: S50 generation - transition to sporty styling

Second generation Skyline (code S50) was the first step towards a sporty image of the model. Design developed Pininfarina - an Italian studio that collaborated with Ferrari And Alfa Romeo. The body received more aggressive lines, and in 1964 a version appeared Skyline 1500 Deluxe with a two-carburetor engine producing 75 hp.

The main innovation is front wheel drive (optional for version 1500SS), which was nonsense for Japanese cars of that time. However, most buyers chose the classic rear-wheel drive layout. I wonder what S50 became the first Skyline, officially exported to Europe (mainly Scandinavia).

Modification	Engine	Power	Drive	Features
1500 Standard	G-1 1.5L	70 hp	Rear	Basic version with 4-speed manual transmission.
1500 Deluxe	G-1 1.5L (2 carburetors)	75 hp	Rear	Sports suspension, chrome bumpers.
1500SS	G-1 1.5L	70 hp	Front	Experimental model, <500 units produced.

1968–1972: C10 generation - birth of the GT-R

Third generation (C10) became a turning point: it was here that the legendary version appeared Skyline GT-R, who won 50 race victories in 3 years. The model received the nickname "Hakosuka"(from the Japanese "hako" - box, due to the angular body). Under the hood stood 2.0-liter inline-six engine S20 with a power of 160 hp, developed on the basis of an engine from Prince R380.

GT-R differed not only in power, but also brakes with 4-piston calipers (first in Japan), limited differential LSD and a lightweight body. Total released 1,945 copies, of which less than 300 have survived to this day. Today the original Hakosuka GT-R worth it at auctions from 2 to 5 million rubles.

Why was Hakosuka banned from racing?

In 1971, the Japanese Motor Sports Federation (JAF) banned the GT-R from competition due to the model's dominance. This decision was a factor in the discontinuation of GT-R production for 16 years (until the introduction of the R32 in 1989).

• 🏁 Racing successes: victory in Japanese Grand Prix 1971 (pilot Kunyimichi Takahashi).
• 🔧 Tuning: factory package GT-R Lightweight included an aluminum hood and doors.
• 📉 Market: in 2020 Hakosuka was sold at auction RM Sotheby’s for $242,000 (a record for Japanese classic cars).

1972–1977: C110 generation - Kenmery and the oil crisis

Fourth generation (C110, nickname "Kenmeri” from an advertising slogan featuring actors Ken Takakura and Meiko Kaji) was a victim of the 1973 oil crisis. The design was developed by the studio Pininfarina, but due to fuel economy, powerful engines had to be abandoned. GT-R there was no version - instead it was proposed Skyline 2000GT-X with 2.0 liter engine L20 (130 hp).

Interesting detail: Kenmeri became the first Skyline with electronic fuel injection (optional for export markets). In Japan, the model sold poorly due to its high price, but up to 40% of production was exported (mainly to Australia and New Zealand, where it was used as police cars).

⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Skyline C110 check the body history for rust in the rear arches - this is a “disease” of the model due to poor-quality galvanization. Particularly vulnerable are specimens used in countries with salty roads (for example, Australia).

Market	Modification	Engine	Features
Japan	2000GT-X	L20 2.0L (130 hp)	5-speed manual transmission, rear-wheel drive.
Australia	240K GT	L24 2.4L (110 hp)	Automatic transmission, adapted for the local climate.
Europe	2000GT-EL	L20E 2.0L (injection, 140 hp)	Export version with improved sound insulation.

1989–1994: R32 generation – return of the GT-R and start of the RB26 era

After a 16-year break he returned in 1989 Skyline GT-R (code R32), which became the most technologically advanced Japanese car of its time. Under the hood stood 2.6-liter twin-turbo engine RB26DETT power 280 hp (officially, in reality - up to 320 hp), coupled with an all-wheel drive system ATTESA E-TS and electronic slip limitation Super HICAS.

R32 GT-R dominated the races: won 29 wins out of 29 possible in the Japanese championship JTCC (1990–1993), and also won the Spa 24 Hours (1991), overtaking Porsche 911 And BMW M3. The model has become a cult favorite among tuners due to its potential for modification: standard RB26 lasted until 500–600 hp without major repairs.

• 🏆 Racing versions: Nismo R32 GT-R (400 copies, 300 hp), N1 (race package without air conditioning).
• 💰 Price today: from 1.5 to 4 million rubles (depending on mileage and modifications).
• 🎮 In pop culture: R32 appeared in games Gran Turismo and the film “Initiation” (2007).

1999–2002: R34 generation - peak of glory and farewell to GT-R

Skyline R34 GT-R - the most famous generation thanks to participation in the film "Fast and Furious 2(2003), where it was managed by Paul Walker. Technically it was evolution R32, but with key improvements: 5-speed gearbox Getrag (instead of 4-speed), updated all-wheel drive system ATTESA E-TS Pro and a more rigid body. Engine RB26DETT remained the same, but thanks to an improved turbine Garrett GT25 real power reached 330–350 hp

The version stands apart GT-R V-Spec II Nür (2002), released in circulation 1,000 copies in honor of victories at Nürburgring. It featured a reinforced body, improved aerodynamics and a unique blue color. Midnight Purple II. Today V-Spec II Nür - the most expensive Skyline on the secondary market: prices start from 8–10 million rubles.

⚠️ Attention: From 2026, new rules for the import of right-hand drive cars older than 5 years will come into force in Russia. Skyline R34 (1999–2002) is subject to restrictions - legalization will require certification, the cost of which can reach 500,000–800,000 rubles.

2001–2007: V35 generation - transition to premium

C Skyline V35 (2001) model lost the console GT-R and became a premium sedan on the platform Nissan FM (rear/all wheel drive). Design developed Ueda Tarot, inspired Infiniti G35 (for American market V35 sold as Infiniti G35). Main innovation - 3.5 liter V6 VQ35DE 280 hp, which later became the basis for engines 350Z And 370Z.

In 2003, a version appeared Skyline Coupe (code CV35), which became the basis for Nissan 350Z. I wonder what V35 was the first Skyline, officially sold in Russia (since 2004). However, due to high duties on cars with an engine capacity of >3.0 liters, the price reached 2.5–3 million rubles, which made the model inaccessible to most buyers.

2019–present: V37 generation—farewell to the Skyline name

Since 2019 Nissan Skyline officially renamed to Nissan Gloria for the Japanese market, and export versions are sold as Infiniti Q50. Last generation (V37) built on a modular platform Nissan D and is equipped 2.0-liter turbo engine VR30DDTT (304 hp) or hybrid system e-Power (252 hp).

In fact, this is no longer Skyline in the classical sense: no rear-wheel drive, no naturally aspirated engines, no sporting ambitions. However Nismo released a limited edition Skyline 400R (2020, 100 copies) with motor VR38DETT from GT-R (500 hp), but this is more a tribute to tradition than a revival of a legend.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Skyline generations

🔹 Why is Skyline R34 banned in the USA?

Officially R34 GT-R not certified for the US due to non-compliance with safety standards FMVSS and environmental standards EPA. However, from 2026 (25 years after its release) it can be legally imported as a "classic car" (Show or Display exception). The cost of legalization is from $20,000.

🔹 Which generation of Skyline is the rarest?

The rarest serial Skyline — GT-R R33 LM Limited (1996, 188 copies), created for racing Le Mans. From civilian versions - Hakosuka GT-R (1971–1972, 1,945 copies), but less than 10% of the original print run survives.

🔹 Is it possible to put the RB26 in a modern Skyline?

Technically yes, but it requires a complete overhaul of the wiring, cooling system and transmission. For example, in V36 (2006–2014) will have to be adapted RB26 for 6-speed gearbox GR6 from 370Z. The cost of such a swap in Russia is from 1.5 million rubles.

🔹 Why are modern Skylines not so fast?

After 2000 Nissan focused on premium and cost-effectiveness. For example, V37 with hybrid e-Power accelerates to 100 km/h in 6.7 s, while R34 GT-R (1999) did it in 4.9 s. Reasons: tightening environmental standards, switching to front-wheel drive and abandoning turbo engines in basic versions.

🔹Where can you buy original spare parts for classic Skylines?

For R32–R34 main suppliers:

• 🇯🇵 Japan Parts (original and OEM spare parts)
• 🇺🇸 Z1 Motorsports (tuning and restoration)
• 🇷🇺 JDM Garage (Moscow, specializes in RB motors)

For Hakosuka And Kenmeri spare parts are sought at auctions Yahoo! Japan Auctions or through intermediaries in Osaka (for example, Trust Company).