MEET THE FIRST GENERATION NISSAN SKYLINE
The ‘Datsun’ based Skyline finally became a Nissan in 1969, when the first performance-bred Skyline GT-R was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show. It was still a sedan, but it now boasted an inline six-engine and (impressive for the day) 160 horsepower under its classic bonnet. The first generation Nissan Skyline was available from 1969-1972.
The 1969 GT-R version of the Skyline was a touring car like no other. Taking cues from the Nissan Prince R380 racing prototype, it relied on a four-valve Dual Overhead Cam engine for power and four-wheel independent suspension for its remarkable handling. The car obliterated the competition in Japan’s domestic touring races, winning 52 races in its first three years of competition.
The first two-door version was introduced in 1970 with a successful launch and was well-received, but a global gasoline crisis and a move towards stricter emissions standards put the Skyline GT-R on the shelf for a time. This two-door coupe version was called the “Hakosuka” and today its asking price starts from USD90,000 for a mint running condition example.
Meanwhile, the prices for some retro Japanese speed machines have gone to almost insane levels which are making retro German cars looking rather less attractive in the collector’s market.
The slow rise in demand for these classic speed machines were somewhat quiet until the last 3-4 years and today they are more in demand than an air cooled Porsche 911. Yup, the asking prices of the classic 911 has somewhat slowed down the past year and cars like the Datsun 240Z and the Toyota 2000 GT have taken podium positions.
So, the Skyline name is not yet retired despite strong rumors in recent years.
