Originally produced by the Prince Motor Company in 1955 and subsequently by Nissan in 1966 (after the merger between Prince and Nissan (Datsun), the NISSAN SKYLINE (スカイライン in Japanese) is a line of compact executive cars available in coupe or sedan bodies, and the most significant icon is the double round-stove look a like brake lights as well as the rear wheel drive configuration.
First Generation Skyline – KPGC10
The emergence of the GTR (Gran Turismo Racing) started off in 1969, with the production of the first generation of Nissan Skyline GTR. The first GTRs were produced in 1969 – 1972, with the introduction of the PGC10. Also known as the Hako-Suka (Hako means box in Japanese, and Suka stands for Sukarain (aka Skyline in Japanese), the KPGC10 was the first edition of GTR, riding on semi-trailing arm strut suspension and power delivery is driven by a 5-speed manual transmission, mated onto a coupe body. A total of 1,945 PGC and KPGC10 Skyline GTRs were produced during the period.
Second Generation Skyline (KPGC110)
Following KPGC10’s success, the KPGC110 were released in 1973 after it was showcased in Tokyo Motor Show in 1972. Also known as Ken-Mari (due to ads for the Skyline in the 70’s), it was powered by a L6 1989cc S20 engine and power was delivered to the rear wheels by a 5-speed manual transmission gearbox. The body is supported by a semi trailing ring arm suspension setup and to enhance aerodynamics, some minor parts are added to the body.
However, due to poor reception from the public as the gas crisis hit in 1970s, these high performance cars suffered bad sales volume and only 197 were built and sold. The Skyline GTR model has since been suspended for production until 1989.
