The Deceptively Low-Key Japanese Skyline That Bested a Porsche 904

Fast things come in small packages

October 18, 2016 9:00 am

The Nissan Skyline drew gaps at this year’s New York Auto Show, but the car’s story began decades ago. It was in 1957 that Prince Motor Company first introduced the make to a postwar Japan: an American-influenced luxury sedan with just 60 hp.

But in ’64, outfitted with a larger Gloria’s 6-cylinder, the make blew the doors off the a Porsche 904 taking 2nd through 6th in the Japanese Grand Prix. And Nissan noticed.

A couple of years later, Prince merged with Nissan, and the next generation of Skylines was born, beginning in ’68. It was available with a variety of optional powerplants, the most intoxicating of which was the GT-R with an S20 engine. Throughout the ’80s, the car kept improving, enjoying remarkable success on the track, the stage and the road.

This particular ’72 Skyline GT-R Hakosuka— now up for grabs—was unearthed in 2015 in Yokohama and fully revamped over the past year. Essentially no metal work was required, since so little corrosion was found. The exterior was finished in the original paint, and the brakes, steering and suspension got a little work, while the engine and gearbox were well-preserved and left intact. The original interior was pristine, withonly the dashboard and console needing to be authentically restored.

If the Skyline was in adequate shape before, it’s brilliant now. Minimal, crisp, clean and show-ready. And certainly we’ll always have a penchant for the classic Porsche, Rolls and Ferrari, but if we were looking to diversify our portfolio — and drop $245k — we’d look no further.

via Uncrate

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