Nissan Skyline KGC10 (1963–1968): the first Skyline with a 6-cylinder engine and a sporty soul

Nissan Skyline KGC10 — this is not just a car, but a symbol of the era. Released in 1963, it became the first generation Skyline, which received a 6-cylinder engine G7 and laid the foundation for future sports legends of the brand. Unlike its predecessor ALSI-1 (Skyline 1957), model KGC10 offered a more powerful unit, improved suspension and design inspired by European sedans of those years.

This car occupies a special place in history Nissan (back then Prince Motor Company): it was with her that the division of the line into “civilian” and sports versions began, which later resulted in the appearance of iconic GT-R. Today KGC10 - a rare piece for collectors, but its technical solutions still arouse interest among enthusiasts of classic Japanese cars.

Creation history: how the Prince Skyline became the Nissan Skyline

Model KGC10 debuted in August 1963 under the brand Prince - a company that specialized in premium cars and was absorbed in 1966 Nissan. Initially the car was positioned as luxury business class sedan, but thanks to the engine G7 volume 1.9 l and power 94 hp. it quickly gained a reputation as a "sports family car."

Fun fact: name Skyline (“skyscraper”) was not chosen by chance. It symbolized the brand's aspiration to heights in the automotive industry. A alphanumeric index KGC10 deciphered like this:

• 🔹 K — car class (sedan);
• 🔹 G - engine type (G7);
• 🔹 C — modification (in this case standard);
• 🔹 10 - model series.

In 1966, after the merger Prince And Nissan, the model began to be sold under dual branding - Prince Skyline And Nissan Skyline, which added confusion to the documentation. Today, original copies with the emblem Prince are valued by collectors 15–20% more expensive.

Specifications: Why the G7 Engine Was Revolutionary

With my heart Nissan Skyline KGC10 became inline 6-cylinder engine G7 - first in the line Skyline, which replaced the outdated 4-cylinder engines of previous models. Its key features:

Parameter	Meaning
Volume	1.883 l
Power	94 hp at 5,200 rpm
Torque	147 Nm at 3,600 rpm
Power type	Two carburetors Hitachi
Transmission	4-speed manual transmission or 3-speed automatic transmission Jatco 3N71B

Engine G7 had aluminum cylinder head - a rarity for Japanese cars of that time. This made it possible to reduce weight and improve heat transfer. However, the motor had a significant drawback: carburetors required frequent adjustment (every 10–15 thousand km), otherwise the engine began to “triple” at idle.

Suspension KGC10 combined:

• 🔧 Front double wishbones with springs;
• 🔧 Rear continuous axle on springs (inherited from Prince Gloria);
• 🔧 Steering with worm gear (without amplifier).

⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase KGC10 Be sure to check the condition of the rear axle. The springs often sag and the silent blocks dry out - this leads to the car “steering” at speeds above 100 km/h.

Design and interior: European influence and Japanese practicality

Appearance Skyline KGC10 developed under the guidance of a designer Shinichiro Sakamoto, which was inspired by German sedans Mercedes-Benz W110 And Opel Rekord. The car received:

• 🚗 Panoramic windshield with thin stands;
• 🚗 Chrome bumpers with “fangs” (a characteristic feature Prince);
• 🚗 Tail lights in the style of American cars of the 60s;
• 🚗 Two-tone paint (optional for top versions).

The salon was dominated genuine leather and wood (in versions Deluxe), but even in the basic configuration there were options unusual for that time:

• 🎛️ Electric windows (on the front doors);
• 🎛️ Heater with temperature control;
• 🎛️ Radio Panasonic with antenna on the rear wing.

However, the ergonomics left much to be desired: the steering wheel was too large (42 cm in diameter), and the pedals were located inconveniently for drivers with large shoes. But back row pleased with the space - for comfort KGC10 not inferior to European competitors.

Secret life hack for the salon

In some examples, a tool compartment (19 mm wrench and screwdriver) is hidden under the rear seat. To open it, you need to press the latch under the armrest.

Modifications and rare versions: what collectors should look for

During 5 years of production (1963–1968), several modifications were produced KGC10, but most valuable for collectors:

Modification	Features	Market Price (2026)
Skyline 1900 Deluxe	Two-tone paint, leather interior, chrome moldings	$25 000–$40 000
Skyline 1900 S54	Sports version with boost to 105 hp engine	$35 000–$55 000
Skyline Van	Station wagon (less common than sedan)	$20 000–$35 000
Skyline 1900 Automatic	With 3-speed automatic transmission Jatco	$18 000–$30 000

The rarest version - Skyline 1900 S54, released in just 500 copies. She was different:

• 🔥 Two-chamber carburetors Solex;
• 🔥 Sports camshaft;
• 🔥 Strengthened brakes (front discs instead of drums).

⚠️ Attention: There are many fakes on the market S54. The original has a stamp S54 on the engine block and a unique body number with a prefix KGC10-00XXX (where XXX is from 001 to 500).

Operation and repair: what to look for when purchasing

Before purchasing Nissan Skyline KGC10 check:

Originality of the body (welds on the pillars must not be cleaned)

Engine condition (compression in all cylinders must be at least 10 bar)

Carburetor performance (no fuel leaks)

Integrity of chrome elements (restoration costs $1,500–$3,000)

Availability of original documentation (especially books Prince Skyline Manual)

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Typical problems KGC10:

• 🛠️ Corrosion on the sills and arches (especially if the car was driven on salty roads);
• 🛠️ Synchronizer wear in manual transmission (characteristic crunch when switching to 2nd gear);
• 🛠️ Oil leaks from the crankshaft rear oil seal (repair requires removal of the engine).

Spare parts for KGC10 It’s hard to find, but there are ways out:

• 🔧 Engine G7 unified with Prince Gloria S40;
• 🔧 Suspension compatible with Nissan Cedric 130;
• 🔧 Electrics (generator, starter) suitable from Datsun 510.

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If you can't find original carburetors Hitachi, they can be replaced by Solex 32/35 PII with minimal modifications to the intake manifold.

How much does Nissan Skyline KGC10 cost today?

Prices for KGC10 vary greatly depending on the condition and rarity of the version:

Condition	Price (USD)	Notes
Project (requires complete restoration)	$8 000–$15 000	Often without an engine or with a rusty body
On the move, but with wear and tear	$18 000–$25 000	Requires investment in suspension and interior
In good condition (original paint, interior)	$30 000–$50 000	The price goes up if there is a history of ownership
Competition copy (full restoration)	$60 000–$120 000+	With original parts and documentation

The most expensive specimens are sold at auctions in Japan (for example, Tokyo Auto Salon) or through specialized dealers such as Japanese Classic Car Center. In Europe and the US, prices are 10–15% lower due to less demand.

Investment attractiveness KGC10 is growing: over the past 5 years, the cost of original copies has increased by 40–60%. However cars with non-original engines (for example, with a swap on RB20) lose in price up to 30%, despite the improved characteristics.

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Buying KGC10 As an investment, choose pieces with a documented history. Cars with mileage less than 50 thousand km (even after restoration) are valued 2 times more expensive.

Where to look and how to legalize KGC10 in Russia?

Main search sites Nissan Skyline KGC10:

• 🌍 Japan: auctions USS Tokyo, Goo-Net Exchange;
• 🌍 USA: Bring a Trailer, eBay Motors;
• 🌍 Europe: Mobile.de, Classic.com.

Legalization in Russia is possible through:

1. Import as "collector car" (age over 30 years) with a fee of 0.5 €/cm³;
2. Registration temporary import (for 1 year with the possibility of extension);
3. Registration via customs union (if the car is already in Belarus or Kazakhstan).

⚠️ Attention: Upon import KGC10 check the light matches UNECE. Japanese versions drive on the left and the headlights may not pass inspection without modifications.

Average cost of legalization (including customs clearance and certification) — $5 000–$8 000. We recommend working with brokers who specialize in retro Japanese, such as JDM Legacy or Right Drive.

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about the Nissan Skyline KGC10

Is it possible to put a modern engine in the KGC10?

Technically yes, but it will reduce the collectibility value. Popular swaps:

• 🔧 SR20DET (from Nissan Silvia);
• 🔧 RB20 (from Skyline R32);
• 🔧 KA24DE (from Nissan 240SX).

For legalization in Russia you will need certificate of conformity for revision, which will cost $2 000–$4 000.

What kind of oil to pour into the G7 engine?

Semi-synthetic recommended 15W-40 with permission API SG. Popular options:

• 🛢️ Castrol GTX Classic;
• 🛢️ Mobil 1 Classic;
• 🛢️ Liqui Moly MoS2 (for used engines).

Oil volume in the system - 4.2 l. Change every 5,000 km or once a year.

Where can I find the original documentation for KGC10?

Original manuals Prince Skyline you can buy:

• 📄 On eBay (search for Prince Skyline KGC10 Manual);
• 📄 In Japanese stores Old Timer Garage or Nostalgic Hero;
• 📄 Digital copies on forums JNC Forum or Skyline Owners Club.

The cost of the original manual is $200–$500. Check for a stamp Prince Motor Co. on the cover.

How many original KGC10s are left?

According to Japanese Classic Car Association, there are about 1 200–1 500 copies KGC10, of which:

• 🇯🇵 In Japan - ~800;
• 🇺🇸 In the USA - ~300;
• 🇬🇧 In Europe - ~200;
• 🇷🇺 In Russia - ~10–15 (mainly in Primorye and Moscow).

About 20–30 cars are restored annually, but due to the difficulty of finding spare parts, this number is not growing.

Is it possible to drive the KGC10 in winter?

Technically possible, but not recommended:

• ❄️ The rear axle on springs does not hold the road well in the snow;
• ❄️ Carburetors Hitachi sensitive to moisture;
• ❄️ There is no carburetor heating system (risk of icing).

If you still decide, install rear wheel chains and use an additive HEET into the gas tank to remove moisture.