Nissan Skyline: evolution of the legend - all bodies from 1957 to 2026

Nissan Skyline is not just a car, but an entire era in the automotive industry. Over more than 60 years of existence, the model has undergone dramatic changes: from a modest sedan 1957 to a supercar GT-R R35, which is still breaking track records. In this article we will analyze in detail all generations of Skyline, their technical features, weak points and unique features that made this model iconic.

Many people mistakenly associate Skyline only with GT-R, but in fact the history of the model is much broader. There were family sedans, sports coupes, and even station wagons. Each generation had its own unique engineering solutions, which were later adopted by other manufacturers. For example, all-wheel drive system ATTESA E-TS, which debuted in R32 GT-R, was a revolution in the world of racing cars.

If you are planning a purchase Skyline - whether for collection, tuning or daily driving - this article will help you understand the nuances of each body. We will also tell you what to look for during inspection, which modifications are considered the most reliable, and which are the most problematic.

First generation (1957–1963): ALSI-1 and ALSI-2 - the beginning of a legend

Debut Nissan Skyline appeared in April 1957 called Prince Skyline ALSI-1. It was a compact sedan with a 1.5-liter engine GA-30 total capacity 44 hp, but for Japan in those years it was a breakthrough. The car was positioned as a premium model and cost almost twice as much Toyota Crown of that time.

B 1958 modification released ALSI-2 with updated design and more powerful engine GA-4 (55 hp). Interestingly, the first generation Skyline had independent suspension of all wheels - a rarity for that time. However, due to the high price, the model was not in mass demand: in 6 years only about 5,000 copies.

• 🔧 Engines: GA-30 (1.5 l, 44 hp), GA-4 (1.5 l, 55 hp)
• 📏 Body: 4-door sedan only
• 💰 Feature: the first Japanese car with independent suspension on all wheels
• ⚠️ Problems: extremely rare spare parts, body corrosion

⚠️ Attention: First generation Skyline today it is a rarity, and its purchase is justified only for collectors. Prices for original copies in good condition start from $50 000, and restoration costs amounts comparable to the cost of a modern Nissan GT-R.

Second generation (1963–1968): S50 - transition under the wing of Nissan

B 1963 came out Skyline S50, which became the first to be released under the brand Nissan after merger with Prince Motor Company. The design has become more modern, and the technical components have become more reliable. The main innovation was system SOHC in series engines G, which increased the power to 70–94 hp depending on modification.

In this generation, the first sports versions appeared - Skyline 1500GT And Skyline 2000GTwho raced and laid the foundation for future GT-R. Also debuted station wagon (Skyline Van), which made the model more practical for family use.

Modification	Engine	Power	Drive	Features
Skyline 1500 Delux	G15 (1.5 l)	70 hp	Rear	Basic version with 4-speed manual transmission
Skyline 2000GT	GB-30 (2.0 l)	105 hp	Rear	Sports version with dual carburetors
Skyline Van	G15 (1.5 l)	70 hp	Rear	Station wagon with increased trunk

Interesting fact: Skyline S50 became the first Japanese car to be officially exported to Europe. However, due to high customs duties, sales abroad were meager.

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

1968 became a turning point for Skyline: third generation debuted C10, and with it the legendary Skyline 2000GT-R (Hakosuka). It was this model that laid the foundation for all future GT-R and has become a cult favorite among drifters and collectors.

Hakosuka (nickname from the Japanese words for "box" and "skyline") was equipped with a 2.0-liter engine S20 power 160 hp, which was incredibly high for that time. The car dominated Japanese racing Grand Prix, winning 50 wins in a row in class Group 2. Today original Hakosuka GT-R are valued at $200 000–$500 000.

• 🏁 Racing successes: 50 consecutive victories in Japanese racing (1971–1972)
• 🔥 Engine: S20 (2.0 l, 160 hp) with double camshaft
• 🚗 Body: 2-door coupe and 4-door sedan
• ⚠️ Problems: extreme rarity of spare parts, corrosion of the floor and arches

⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Hakosuka GT-R be sure to check body and engine number - There are a lot of fakes on the market. Original examples have stamps on the frame and unique markings on the engine block.

Why is Hakosuka so expensive?

There are fewer than 1,000 original Hakosuka GT-Rs left worldwide. Most were scrapped due to strict environmental regulations in Japan in the 1970s. Today, restoring such a car costs at least $100,000 for parts alone.

Fourth and fifth generations (1972–1981): C110 and R30 - transitional period

Generation C110 (Kenmeri) became the first Skyline, which was officially exported to the USA under the name Datsun 240K. The design became more angular and the engines more fuel-efficient due to the 1973 oil crisis. However, the sporting spirit remained: version GT-R received the engine S20 power 160 hp, but due to stricter environmental standards it was discontinued already in 1973.

Fifth generation R30 (1981–1985) was the last with classic rear-wheel drive. Made their debut here turbocharged engines (L20ET, 140 hp), and an all-wheel drive version also appeared Skyline 2000RS Turbo with the system ATTESA (predecessor of the legendary ATTESA E-TS from R32 GT-R).

Generation	Years	Key models	Innovation
C110 (Kenmeri)	1972–1977	2000GT-R, 240K (for USA)	Export to USA, safer body
R30	1981–1985	2000RS Turbo, Diesel	First turbo engine, all-wheel drive ATTESA

I wonder what R30 became the first Skyline, which was offered with diesel engine (LD20, 70 hp). This version was popular among taxi drivers, but today it is considered the most unreliable due to problems with fuel equipment.

Sixth generation (1985–1989): R31 - a revolution in design and technology

Skyline R31 became the first generation with front wheel drive (for basic versions) and all-wheel drive system ATTESA for sports modifications. Design developed Nissan Design International in the USA, which gave the model a more aggressive look. The main "trick" was electronic suspension control system (E-HICAS), which later migrated to GT-R.

The legendary engine debuted in this generation RB20DET - turbocharged 2.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with power 180–210 hp (depending on version). It was this engine that became the basis for tuning projects and racing cars. There was also a version Skyline GTS-R with engine RB20DE (155 hp), which participated in Australian races Group A.

• ⚡ Engines: RB20DET (210 hp), RB20DE (155 hp), CA18DET (170 hp)
• 🔄 Drive: front, rear or full (ATTESA)
• 🎨 Design: designed in the USA, more aerodynamic
• ⚠️ Problems: corrosion of thresholds, wear of silent blocks E-HICAS

⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase R31 with RB20DET be sure to check the condition of the turbine T25 — its resource rarely exceeds 200,000 km. Also note oil pump: in older copies it often fails.

Seventh generation (1989–1994): R32 - the golden era of the GT-R

Skyline R32 - the most famous generation that made GT-R legend. Made her debut here all-wheel drive system ATTESA E-TS with electronic control, as well as suspension Super-HICAS, which automatically adjusted the angles of the rear wheels. Engine RB26DETT (2.6 l, 280 hp) has become a symbol of Japanese tuning.

In racing history R32 GT-R took a special place: she dominated Japanese Touring Car Championship (JTCC)and also won 29 races in a row in the Australian championship Group A. Because of this, she was nicknamed "Godzilla"—for the ability to destroy competitors. Today original R32 GT-R in good condition cost from $80 000, and rare versions (for example, Nismo 400R) - up to $300 000.

Modification	Engine	Power	Drive	Features
GT-R	RB26DETT	280 hp*	Full (ATTESA E-TS)	Twin turbo, ceramic turbine
GTS-t Type M	RB20DET	215 hp	Rear/Full	Sports version with limited slip differential
GTE	RB20DE	155 hp	Full	More comfortable version with automatic transmission

*Actual power RB26DETT was about 320–330 hp, but according to Japanese standards of that time it was officially reduced to 280 hp.

Eighth to eleventh generations (1993–2026): R33 to V37

After R32 Skyline continued to evolve, but without such revolutionary changes. R33 (1993–1998) received a more aggressive design and improved aerodynamics, and GT-R got a system Active LSD. R34 (1999–2002) became the last "classic" Skyline GT-R with engine RB26DETT and became famous thanks to the film "Fast and Furious".

C V35 (2001–2006) the model moved to the platform Nissan FM, and the engines RB changed to VQ And VR38DETT (in GT-R). Last one for today Skyline (V37) - this is essentially a converted Infiniti Q50 with hybrid engines and driver assistance systems.

• 🚀 R33 (1993–1998): first GT-R with Active LSD, engine RB26DETT (280 hp)
• 🎬 R34 (1999–2002): made famous by the movie "Fast and Furious", the last "classic" GT-R
• 🔄 V35 (2001–2006): transition to the platform FM, engines VQ35DE (280–300 hp)
• ⚡ V37 (2019–present): hybrid versions, systems ProPilot

⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase R34 GT-R Be careful with specimens imported from Japan after 2000. Many of them have twisted run (real may exceed 200,000 km) and traces of serious tuning, which reduces engine life.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about Nissan Skyline

🔧 Which Skyline is the most reliable for daily driving?

Best suited for everyday use Skyline V35 or V36 with engines VQ35DE or VQ37VHR. They are less susceptible to corrosion than older models and have modern safety systems. Among the classic options you can consider R33 or R34 with naturally aspirated engines RB20DE or RB25DE - they are easier to maintain than turbocharged versions.

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

Prices for original Skyline 2000GT-R (C10) in good condition start from $200 000 and can reach $500 000+ for fully restored copies. There are a lot of fakes on the market, so purchasing requires careful examination. A more affordable option is replicas based on conventional C10, but their cost also starts from $50 000.

🔥Which Skyline is better for tuning?

Ideal for tuning R32, R33 And R34 with engines RB20DET, RB25DET or RB26DETT. These motors have great potential for increasing power (up to 500–800 hp on the stock block when assembled correctly). Also popular V35/V36 with VQ35DE, but their potential is limited 400–450 hp without major modifications.

🚗 Is it possible to legally import the Skyline GT-R into Russia?

Yes, but with reservations. R32, R33 And R34 are not officially certified for Russia, so they can only be imported under customs schemes for vintage cars (over 30 years old) or after parallel import (from 2022). V35/V36 can be imported legally as they are certified. The main problem is service: many spare parts have to be ordered from Japan or the USA.

🛠️ What are the most common problems with Skyline?

For classic models (R32–R34) main problems:

• Body corrosion (especially sills, arches, floor)
• Turbine wear (T25/T28 nurse ~150–200 thousand km)
• Electrical problems (oxidation of contacts, malfunctions E-HICAS/Super-HICAS)
• Oil leaks from under the valve cover and crankshaft seals

For new models (V35–V37) problems with CVT (in hybrid versions) and security system sensors.