Nissan Skyline is not just a car, but a symbol of Japanese engineering, which in 66 years has gone from a modest sedan to a supercar that can compete with European giants. The history of the model began in 1957 under the brand Prince Motor Company, and after merging with Nissan in 1966, the Skyline became the flagship of the company's technological innovations. Today's name Skyline associated with turbo engines RB26DETT, all-wheel drive system ATTESA E-TS and cult GT-R, which dominated the racetracks in the 1990s.
In this material we will analyze all generations of Skyline - from the first ALSI-1 to the last V37 (2023), including rare versions, technical features and tips for choosing aftermarket. We will pay special attention to the legendary GT-R (R32, R33, R34) and their modern successor - Nissan GT-R R35, which, despite being a separate line, retained the spirit of Skyline. If you are planning a purchase or are simply interested in JDM culture, this article will help you understand the variety of models and avoid common mistakes.
1. Prince Skyline (1957–1966): the beginning of a legend
First generation Skyline debuted in 1957 under the brand name Prince - a company specializing in premium cars. Model ALSI-1 (1957–1963) equipped with a 1.5-liter engine GA-30 60 hp and was offered in sedan and station wagon bodies. The car was positioned as an affordable alternative to European sedans, but even then it was distinguished by a design that was progressive for Japan: independent front suspension and hydraulic brakes.
In 1963, the second generation appeared - S50, which received a more modern design and engine G-1 volume 1.9 l (94 hp). Interesting fact: it is on the basis S50 racing was created Skyline 2000 GT-A, who won the class at Japanese Grand Prix 1964. This was the model's first triumph in motorsport and laid the foundation for future sports versions.
- 🔧 Engines: GA-30 (1.5 l, 60 hp), G-1 (1.9 l, 94 hp)
- 🚗 Body: sedan (4-door), station wagon (Skyline Van)
- 🏁 Sports versions: 2000 GT-A (1964, 125 hp)
- 💰 Market value today: from $20,000 for restored copies
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing classic Prince Skyline check the originality of the body - many examples have been repainted or modified. The version is especially appreciated GT-A with dual carburetors Solex, but it is often counterfeited by installing engines from later models.
2. Nissan Skyline C10/C110 (1968–1977): transition under the Nissan wing
After the merger Prince And Nissan in 1966 the model received the prefix Nissan, and in 1968 the third generation debuted - C10. This was the first Skyline, already developed under the guidance Nissan, and it brought revolutionary solutions for its time: rear-wheel drive, front disc brakes and an optional 2.0-liter engine L20 (130 hp). In 1971 a version appeared 2000 GT-R (PGC10) - the progenitor of all future GT-R.
Skyline C110 (1972–1977) was a response to the oil crisis: dimensions decreased, economical engines appeared L16 And L18, and the design acquired angular features. However, he became a real legend GT-R (KPGC110) 1973 - first Skyline with turbo engine (S20, 160 hp). Only 197 copies were produced, and today the original KPGC110 costs more than $200,000.
| Model | Years of production | Engine | Power | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skyline 2000 GT-R (PGC10) | 1971–1972 | S20 (2.0 l) | 160 hp | First GT-R, 800 copies |
| Skyline GT-R (KPGC110) | 1973 | S20 (2.0 l, turbo) | 160 hp | 197 copies, "Hakuoshia" (White Devil) |
| Skyline 2000 GT-X (GC110) | 1972–1977 | L20 (2.0 l) | 130 hp | Civil version with dual carburetors |
- C10 (1968–1972)
- C110 GT-R (1973)
- C110 2000 GT-X
- Other
Key Fact: Skyline GT-R (KPGC110) became the first Japanese production car with a turbo engine, accelerated to 200 km/h. His nickname "Hakuoshia" (White Devil) appeared after winning races Fuji Grand Champion Series, where he bypassed European sports cars.
3. Skyline R30/R31 (1981–1989): the era of turbo and all-wheel drive
The 1980s were a turning point for Skyline: the model switched to a front-wheel drive platform (except GT-R), received turbo engines and electronic injection. R30 (1981–1985) offered with naturally aspirated L20E and turbocharged L20ET (190 hp), as well as an all-wheel drive system ATTESA in version RS Turbo. However, the real breakthrough came with the release R31 (1985–1989) - first Skyline with engine RB20DET (210 hp) and all-wheel drive ATTESA E-TS.
He made his debut in 1987 Skyline GTS-R (R31) - racing version for participation in Group A, equipped with a motor RB20DET-R (210+ hp) and a lightweight body. A total of 800 copies were produced for homologation, and today the original GTS-R costs from $150,000. Interestingly, what exactly is based on R31 Nissan developed technologies that later formed the basis of the legendary R32 GT-R.
- ⚡ Technical innovations: first Skyline with RB-series engines, electronically controlled all-wheel drive
- 🏎️ Sports versions: GTS-R (R31), RS-X Turbo
- 🔧 Weak points: corrosion of thresholds, problems with the turbine T25 on engines RB20DET
- 💡 Buying tip: avoid copies with replaced motors - original ones RB20DET low mileage is rare today
Originality of the engine (the number on the block must match the VIN)
Turbine condition (check shaft play)
All-wheel drive operation (test on dry asphalt with a sharp start)
Presence of corrosion in arches and sills -->
4. Skyline R32 (1989–1994): the birth of a GT-R legend
Generation R32 was a turning point in history Skyline. He made his debut in 1989 Nissan Skyline GT-R (R32) - the car that revolutionized the world of sports sedans. Located under the hood RB26DETT (2.6 l, 280 hp according to Japanese standards), equipped with twin turbines Garrett T25, all-wheel drive system ATTESA E-TS and rear multi-link Super HICAS. Thanks to this GT-R R32 accelerated to 100 km/h in 5.6 seconds and dominated Japanese Touring Car Championship.
Except GT-R, ruler R32 included versions GTS-t Type M (turbo, 215 hp), GTE (aspirated, 160 hp) and rare GT-R N1 — lightweight racing version with motor RB26DETT boosted to 320+ hp Today is original R32 GT-R in good condition it costs from $80,000, and examples with less than 50,000 km go from auctions for $150,000+.
⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase R32 GT-R be sure to check the history of the engine - many copies were subjected to tuning with an increase in power to 500+ hp, which reduces the service life RB26DETT up to 50,000 km. Original turbines Garrett T25 often replaced by T28 or T3, which requires reconfiguring the ECU.
Why is the R32 GT-R called "Godzilla"?
Nickname "Godzilla" R32 GT-R received after victories in Australian races Bathurst 1000 in 1991–1992, where he crushed European teams. The Australian press wrote that the Japanese sedan was “crushing competitors like a monster,” and the name stuck.
5. Skyline R33 (1993–1998) and R34 (1999–2002): The peak of GT-R glory
R33 (1993–1998) became an evolutionary development R32: more rigid body, improved aerodynamics and modified RB26DETT (now officially 280 hp, but realistically ~300–320 hp). In 1995 a version appeared GT-R LM Limited - a special series of 188 copies, created to participate in Le Mans. Distinctive features: a reinforced transmission, ceramic turbines and an active rear wing system.
R34 (1999–2002) became the last Skyline GT-R before separating the rulers. This car became famous thanks to the movie "Fast and Furious" (2001), where Brian O’Conner ran orange R34 GT-R V-Spec II Nür. Technically R34 received a 6-speed gearbox, improved system ATTESA E-TS Pro and motor RB26DETT with titanium turbine (in version Nür). Today the price for the original R34 GT-R starts from $200,000, and examples with mileage less than 20,000 km sell for $500,000+.
| Model | Years | Engine | Features | Price today (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GT-R LM Limited (R33) | 1995–1996 | RB26DETT | Ceramic turbines, 188 pieces | $300 000–$450 000 |
| GT-R V-Spec (R34) | 1999–2000 | RB26DETT | 6-speed manual transmission, active rear wing | $250 000–$350 000 |
| GT-R V-Spec II Nür (R34) | 2002 | RB26DETT | Titanium turbine, 750 copies | $400 000–$600 000 |
When purchasing an R34 GT-R, check the VIN to ensure it matches the original equipment. Many cars were repainted "film" orange (Bayside Blue in the original), and the motors were replaced with RB25DET or 2JZ from Toyota.
6. Skyline V35/V36 (2001–2014): transition to premium
After dividing the lines (GT-R became a separate model) Skyline refocused on the premium segment. V35 (2001–2006) debuted with rear-wheel drive, engines VQ30DD (250 hp) and VQ35DE (280 hp), as well as adaptive suspension. In 2006 appeared V36 with motor VQ37VHR (333 hp) and a 7-speed “robot”. These generations lost the sporting spirit, but received a luxurious interior and technologies like Lane Departure Warning.
Stands apart Skyline Coupe (CV36) - a rare version with a coupe body, produced in 2007–2010. Under the hood she had the same VQ37VHR, but with a modified exhaust system, which added 10 hp. Today CV36 prized by collectors as the last "real" Skyline before switching to Infiniti Q50.
- 💼 Target Audience: business class, family sedans
- 🔧 Engines: VQ30DD, VQ35DE, VQ37VHR
- ⚠️ Problems: expensive maintenance VQ37VHR, problems with the variator in early V35
- 💰 Cost: V36 3.7 — from $15,000, CV36 Coupe — from $25,000
7. Skyline V37 (2014–2023): return of the name, but not the spirit
In 2014 Nissan revived the name Skyline for Japanese version Infiniti Q50. V37 offered with turbo engines VR30DDTT (3.0 l, 405 hp) and a hybrid system, but no longer had anything to do with the sports heritage of the model. In fact it was a rebranding Infiniti for the Japanese domestic market. Production ended in 2023 and today V37 interesting only as a curiosity of history.
However, special editions like Skyline 60th Anniversary Edition (2017) with a unique interior trim and a limited edition of 600 copies. But even they cannot compare in status with the classic ones GT-R 1990s
Skyline V37 is not a continuation of the legend, but a marketing ploy. The real legacy of the model today bears Nissan GT-R R35, which, despite its separate line, retained the spirit Skyline GT-R in technical terms.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Skyline
🔹 Which Skyline GT-R is the rarest and most expensive?
Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec II Nür (R34) - the most popular version. A total of 750 copies were produced, and today their price reaches $600,000. Also highly valued R32 GT-R N1 (560 copies) and R33 GT-R LM Limited (188 copies).
🔹 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” by paying a 0% duty. For newer models (R34) certification is required, which is difficult and expensive. An alternative is to purchase copies that have already been cleared through customs (the price is 30–50% higher).
🔹 Which Skyline engine is the most reliable for tuning?
RB26DETT (from GT-R R32/R33/R34) is the best choice for forcing. The stock block can handle up to 500 hp. with proper tuning, and with reinforced connecting rods and crankshaft - up to 800+ hp. Alternative - RB25DET (from Skyline R33 GTS-t), but it requires replacing the turbine and intercooler for serious tuning.
🔹 What is the difference between the GT-R V-Spec and V-Spec II versions?
V-Spec (1993–2002) is a “sports version” with improved suspension (Multilink rear) and system ATTESA E-TS Pro. V-Spec II (1995–2002) added an active wing, stiffer springs and (in the case of R34) titanium turbine. V-Spec II Nür - the rarest and most expensive modification.
🔹 Is it worth buying Skyline R32/R33/R34 today?
If you are looking for an investment asset - yes, the prices are original GT-R growing by 10–15% per year. For daily use it is better to choose Skyline R33 GTS-t (less rare, cheaper to maintain). Main risks: fake GT-R (repainted GTS-t) and worn-out engines after aggressive tuning.