Nissan Skyline is not just a car, but a real legend of the Japanese automobile industry, whose history goes back more than 65 years. From a modest sedan 1957 to a supercar GT-R R35, capable of competing with European hypercars, Skyline has gone through a path of transformation that amazes the imagination. This model has become a symbol of technological progress, sportsmanship and engineering excellence. Nissan.
In this article we will analyze in detail all 14 generations of Skyline, from the first models with engines of less than 1.5 liters to monsters with two-liter turbo engines developing more than 600 hp. in GT-R versions. You'll learn about key milestones in the model's history, technical innovations that were ahead of their time, and why Skyline became a cult car not only in Japan, but throughout the world.
1. First generation (1957–1963): the beginning of a legend
Debut Nissan Skyline took place in April 1957 at the Tokyo Motor Show. The first model to receive the index ALSI-1, was a modest sedan with a 1.5-liter engine GA-30 total capacity 60 hp - by today's standards this seems ridiculous, but for post-war Japan it was a serious step forward. The car was developed as premium model for businessmen and government officials, which is reflected in its design - strict lines, chrome elements and a spacious interior.
Fun fact: name Skyline (“skyscraper”) was not chosen by chance. It symbolized the desire Nissan to the top of the automotive industry. B 1960 a modification has appeared Skyline Sport with a coupe body, which became the first step towards the sporty image of the model. However, the real breakthrough occurred only in the next generation.
- 🚗 Body: sedan (ALSI-1), coupe (ALSI-2)
- 🔧 Engine: 1.5L GA-30 (60 hp), 1.9L GB-30 (85 hp)
- 💡 Feature: the first Japanese sedan with independent suspension on all wheels
⚠️ Attention: First Skyline today they are extremely rare specimens. At auctions their price can exceed $100 000, especially for models in original condition. Purchasing such a car requires a thorough examination for corrosion and authenticity of parts.
2. Second generation (1963–1968): transition to sporting character
B 1963 came out Second generation Skyline (index S50), which brought the model its first glory on the race tracks. The main innovation was the engine G-7 volume 1.8 liters, developing up to 100 hp - for that time this was a serious achievement. But the real revolution was made by modification Skyline 2000 GT (S54), released in 1964.
This version was the first Skyline with dual carburetors and a five-speed manual transmission. On the track Fuji Speedway she won the class Grand Touring, which marked the beginning of the racing history of the model. The design has also undergone changes: more aggressive lines, dual headlights and chrome bumpers have appeared, giving the car a sporty look.
| Modification | Engine | Power | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Skyline 1500 (S50) | 1.5L G-15 | 70 hp | Basic version with single carburetor engine |
| Skyline 1800 (S51) | 1.8L G-7 | 95 hp | Popular modification for family use |
| Skyline 2000 GT (S54) | 2.0L GR-8 | 125 hp | Racing version with dual carburetors Solex |
- First (1957-1963)
- Second (1963-1968)
- Third (1968-1972)
- Fourth (1972-1977)
- GT-R (R32-R35)
- Other
3. Third generation (1968–1972): "Hakuosu" era
Third generation (C10) became turning point in history Skyline. It was in this series that the legendary modification appeared Skyline GT-R (KPGC10), known as "Hakuosu" ("White Devil") for its color and dominance on the tracks. The car was equipped 2.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine S20 with double camshaft (DOHC) and 160 hp — at that time it was a real supercar.
GT-R KPGC10 won 50 races in a row in the Japanese championship Grand Prix, which became an absolute record. However, due to changes in championship rules in 1972 The model was discontinued because it was considered too dominant. Total was released 1,945 copieswhat does KPGC10 one of the most coveted classic cars for collectors.
- 🏁 Racing achievements: 50 consecutive wins in 1971–1972
- 🔥 Engine: 2.0L S20 DOHC (160 hp)
- 💰 Price today: from $300,000 to $1,000,000 depending on condition
If you are looking Skyline KPGC10 for the collection, pay attention to the originality of the body and engine. Many examples have been modified or restored using non-original parts.
4. Fourth–sixth generations (1972–1985): transition to modernity
C 1972 to 1985 Skyline passed through three generations (C110, C210, R30), which became transitional. During this period, the model lost its racing image due to the oil crisis and stricter environmental regulations. However, engineers Nissan did not sit idly by: in 1973 appeared first Skyline with turbocharged - modification 2000 GT-X (KGC110) with engine L20ET power 145 hp.
Generation R30 (1981–1985) became the last with rear-wheel drive. It debuted an all-wheel drive system ATTESA (predecessor of the famous ATTESA E-TS from GT-R R32), and also the first digital dashboards. The design became more angular, which corresponded to the trends of the 80s. However, the real breakthrough came in the next generation when Skyline regained its sporty character.
Why didn't the Skyline R30 get the GT-R index?
In the 1970s, Nissan decided not to use the GT-R name due to associations with the KPGC10's racing success, which led to the model being banned from the championship. It wasn't until 1989 that the GT-R index returned with the R32 generation.
5. Seventh generation (1985–1989): The return of the GT-R
Generation R31 (1985–1989) became a bridge between the classical Skyline and modern sports cars. For the first time in a long time, the model received turbocharged engine RB20DET (2.0L, 180–210 hp), which became the basis for future GT-R. The body has become more streamlined, and electronic control systems have appeared in the cabin, including on-board computer And climate control.
However, the main news was the return of the legendary index GT-R in 1987 - however, not in the production version, but in the form of a racing prototype Skyline GTS-R (HR31), who competed in the Australian Championships Group A Touring Cars. This machine developed 450 hp and became a harbinger of great things GT-R R32.
⚠️ Attention: Many Skyline R31 with engines RB20DET today they undergo swaps (engine replacement) with more powerful units from R32 GT-R. When purchasing, check that the engine and body numbers match the documents.
6. Eighth–ninth generations (1989–1998): GT-R R32 and R33 era
Generation R32 (1989–1994) became rotary in history Skyline. It was here that the legendary Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 - a car that received the nickname "Godzilla"for its dominance in motorsport. Located under the hood 2.6-liter twin-turbo engine RB26DETT power 280 hp (by Japanese standards), but in reality - everything 320+ hp thanks to the safety factor.
GT-R R32 equipped all-wheel drive ATTESA E-TS and braking system Super HICAS, which made him invincible on the tracks. The car won 29 races out of 29 in Japanese touring JTCC, and also won victories in the Australian and European championships. B 1993 came out GT-R R33, which received improved aerodynamics, more powerful turbines and a system Active LSD.
| Model | Engine | Power (declared/real) | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| GT-R R32 | 2.6L RB26DETT | 280 / 320+ hp | First production GT-R with all-wheel drive |
| GT-R R33 | 2.6L RB26DETT | 280 / 350+ hp | Improved system ATTESA E-TS Pro |
| GT-R R34 | 2.6L RB26DETT | 280 / 400+ hp | The latest Skyline-based GT-R |
☑️ What to check before buying Skyline GT-R R32/R33
7. Tenth generation (1998–2002): the end of the Skyline era
Generation R34 (1999–2002) became the last one to bear the name Skyline GT-R. This car went down in history thanks to its participation in the cult franchise “Fast and Furious", where she was managed by Paul Walker. Under the hood remains the same RB26DETT, but with improved turbines Garrett GT25 and control system Nissan V-Cam, which made it possible to increase the actual power to 400+ hp.
B 2002 production Skyline GT-R was stopped - not due to lack of demand, but due to stricter environmental regulations. Last batch from 345 cars in color Midnight Purple II has become the most coveted among collectors. Today is original R34 GT-R in good condition worth from $200 000, and copies with mileage less than 10,000 km leave auctions for $1 000 000+.
The Skyline GT-R R34 is the only generation to be officially exported to Australia and the UK under the Nissan GT-R name. All previous models were only available in the Japanese domestic market.
8. Modern era: Skyline V35–V37 and GT-R R35
After production ceased GT-R in 2002, name Skyline continued to exist in the form of premium sedans (V35, V36, V37). These models lost their sporty character, becoming competitors BMW 5 Series And Lexus GS. They were equipped with engines VQ35DE (3.5L, 280–315 hp) and all-wheel drive ATTESA, but without turbines and racing ambitions.
Meanwhile, in 2007 debuted Nissan GT-R R35 - already as a separate model, not related to Skyline. Despite this, R35 inherited the spirit of his predecessors: 3.8-liter twin-turbo VR38DETT (570–720 hp), all-wheel drive and starting system Launch Control. Today GT-R R35 remains one of the fastest production cars, accelerating to 100 km/h in 2.7 seconds.
- 🚀 GT-R R35: 0–100 km/h in 2.7 s, top speed – 315 km/h
- 💎 Skyline V37: last sedan named Skyline (2014–2019)
- 🔄 Future: rumors about the return of the Skyline name in the Nissan electric vehicle line
Why were Skyline V35-V37 not successful?
The main reason is the loss of sports image. Buyers expected the Skyline to continue the GT-R tradition, but received a premium sedan without flashy features.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Skyline
🔧 Which Skyline GT-R is the rarest and most expensive?
Skyline GT-R KPGC10 (1971–1972) - the rarest, as only 1,945 copies were produced. The auction price reaches $1 000 000+. Among modern models, the most expensive is GT-R R34 Midnight Purple II (2002), which sells for $500 000–$1 500 000.
🏁 Is it possible to legally import the Skyline GT-R into Russia?
Yes, but with reservations. Cars over 30 years old (eg R32) can be imported as retro car without certification. Younger models (eg. R34) require registration according to the rules vehicle type approval (VTA), which is difficult and expensive. Many owners resort to gray import schemes through Kazakhstan or Belarus.
🔥 Which engine does Skyline have the most reliable?
RB25DET (2.5L, turbo) from R33/R34 is considered the most balanced in terms of reliability and tuning potential. It is less susceptible to overheating than RB26DETT, and has a resource 300,000+ km with proper maintenance. Series engines VQ (V35/V36) are also very reliable, but do not have a sporty character.
💰 How much does it cost to restore a Skyline GT-R?
Full recovery GT-R R32/R33 costs $30 000–$80 000, depending on the condition. Main expense items:
- 🔧 Engine overhaul RB26DETT — $10 000–$20 000
- 🔄 Replacement of turbines - $5,000–$10,000
- 🎨 Full body painting – $8,000–$15,000
- 🛠️ Restoration of suspension and brake system - $7,000–$12,000
🚗 Which Skyline modification should you choose for daily driving?
For everyday use it is best to avoid GT-R - they require constant attention and expensive maintenance. Optimal options:
- Skyline R33 25GT-T (RB25DET, 250 hp) - reliable and comfortable
- Skyline V35 350GT (VQ35DE, 280 hp) - modern sedan with automatic transmission
- Skyline R34 GT-T (RB25DET Neo, 280 hp) - balance of sport and practicality