When it comes to JDM cars, one name stands tall as both recognizable and fear inducing, depending on who you’re talking to. The Skyline. Say it again. Skyline. The name alone stokes a sense of elegance, but we know it today as a street machine ready to eat up anything in its path. Alright, alright, this is so not me. I like it, but I am a historian, so here’s the run down. Since its debut on April 24, 1957 as the Prince Skyline, the car has been a symbol of Japanese automotive innovation, performance, and style. Let’s take a journey through the history of the Nissan Skyline, exploring its various generations and the milestones that have shaped its legacy.
Genesis of an Icon
The story of the Nissan Skyline begins in 1957, with its grand unveiling at the Takarazuka Theater in Hibiya, Tokyo. Marketed as a luxury car by Fuji Precision Industries, the inaugural Skyline boasted a 1.5 L GA-30 engine, producing 44 kW (60 hp) at 4,400 rpm. With its sleek design, featuring rear tail fins, chrome molding, and two-tone paint, the Skyline exuded an aura of elegance reminiscent of 1950s American cars.
The first generation of the Skyline remained in production from 1957 until 1964 with 33,759 units sold. It could be had in a variety of body styles, including a coupe, sedan and delivery style vehicle. Near the end of the first gen’s lifespan, we begin to see sparks of the car’s future as a racing icon. It came in the form of the S21 Deluxe-based Skyline Sport, which featured hand-built Michelotti coupe or convertible bodies. Under the hood a 1.9 L GB-4 engine from the S21D put power to the wheels. While only a few hundred were built, the stage was set.
Evolution of the Nissan Skyline
As the years passed, the Skyline underwent significant transformations, evolving with advancements in technology and shifting automotive trends. The Third Generation (C10), introduced in 1968, marked a pivotal moment with the merger of Prince Motor Company and Nissan. Sharing its chassis, suspension, and engines with the Nissan Laurel, the C10 laid the groundwork for future innovations.
With each new generation, the Skyline continued to push the boundaries of performance and design. The Eleventh Generation (V35) represented a departure from tradition, with the introduction of a V6 engine and the separation of the GT-R variant into its own line. Despite these changes, the Skyline maintained its status as a symbol of luxury and sportiness.
Global Recognition & Becoming Godzilla
Let’s roll back the clock a moment. The R32 GT-R made its debut in the Australian Touring Car Championship in 1990, swiftly dethroning the previously dominant Ford Sierra Cosworth. Its commanding performance was undeniable, clinching victories at the prestigious Bathurst 1000 classic in both 1991 and 1992. It was this unparalleled success that earned the GT-R a fearsome moniker: Godzilla. The Australian motoring press bestowed this title upon the car, likening it to a towering “monster from Japan.” As the GT-R’s first export market, Australia became the epicenter of its legendary reputation, and the nickname quickly gained widespread recognition.
The sheer dominance of the GT-R proved to be a catalyst for change in motorsport. Its overwhelming presence on the track played a significant role in the demise of Group A Touring Car racing, prompting the formula’s abandonment shortly thereafter. Similarly, the Japanese Touring Car Championship (JTCC) was overwhelmed by the R32 GT-R’s prowess, ultimately leading to its fragmentation and the transition to the Supertouring category. This seismic shift in motorsport landscape indirectly paved the way for the emergence of the GT500 category seen in modern racing today. Thus, the legacy of Godzilla extends far beyond its victories on the track.
While initially not distributed in the United States, the Skyline gained international recognition through its racing edeavors, and also its prominent presence in video games, movies, and magazines. (Fast and the Furious, anyone?) The allure of the GT-R variant, in particular, captivated enthusiasts around the world, leading to the importation of Skyline models to Europe and North America. In 2002, the Skyline made its official debut in North America under Nissan’s luxury marque, Infiniti, as the G35, further solidifying its global appeal. Should they have just called it the Nissan Skyline? Yes.
The Modern Era of the Skyline
In the modern era, the Skyline continues to captivate drivers with its blend of performance, luxury, and innovation. The Thirteenth Generation (V37) reintroduced turbocharging, further enhancing its reputation for exhilarating performance. Meanwhile, the Skyline remains the sole sedan in Nissan’s Japanese lineup, embodying a legacy that spans over six decades.
From its humble beginnings in 1957 to its current status as a symbol of automotive excellence, the Nissan Skyline has etched itself into the annals of automotive history. With each new generation, it has evolved, adapted, and continued to inspire generations of enthusiasts around the globe. As we look at the history of Nissan and to its future, one thing remains certain: the legacy of the Nissan Skyline will continue to endure, leaving an everlasting impact on the world of automobiles.
