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Nissan Skyline

Skyline's R32 GT-R swept all 29 JTCC races from 1990 to 1993.1

Researched October 29, 2026 from 38 sources

Also called

  • HakosukaC10 Skyline: Japanese hako (box) paired with suka, an abbreviated pronunciation of Skyline.23
  • KenmeriC110 GT-R: drawn from Ken and Mary, the young couple in its advertising campaign.4
  • Iron MaskA nickname for the sixth-generation Skyline's grilleless front end.5
  • GodzillaR32 GT-R: coined by Australia's Wheels in July 1989 for its technology and performance.3

At a glance

Engine
Early I4s; GT-R S20/RB inline-sixes; later V6s, turbos and hybrids3712
Layout
Front-engine; rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive7
Gearbox
3–6-speed manuals; GT-R gained a sixth gear in 1999; NISMO 7M-ATx automatic3713
Built at
Mitaka (first gen); Musashimurayama/Kaminokawa (GT-R); Omori (Z-tune), Japan37
Units built
Nearly 3 million, 1957–200215

The story

Born in 1957 to replace the Prince Sedan, the Skyline joined Nissan through the 1966 merger. The family includes Infiniti G/Q50 relatives; the R35 GT-R dropped the Skyline name.467

1969: GT-R starts with four doors and 160 hp19691985: RB20 and HICAS arrive in the R3119852001: V35 starts the V6/FM era20012002: Nür editions end the Skyline GT-R era20022019: 400R power and hands-off hybrid cruising20192023: NISMO announced: 414 hp and 550 Nm20232025: 400R Limited: carbon and 400 cars2025 Prince Sedan (AISH/AMSH): 1952–1957Prince Skyline (ALSI): 1957–1963ALSIPrince / Nissan Skyline (S50 / S54): 1963–1968Nissan Skyline (C10) (C10): Introduced 1968C10Nissan Skyline (R32) (R32): Introduced 1989R32Nissan Skyline (R33) (R33): Introduced 1993R33Nissan Skyline (R34) (R34): Introduced 1998R34Nissan Skyline (V35) (V35): Introduced 2001V35Nissan Skyline (V36) (V36): Introduced 2006V36Nissan Skyline (V37) (V37): Introduced 2014V37 1960197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones2379151924
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1952–1957Prince Sedan (AISH/AMSH)
1957–1963Prince Skyline (ALSI)
1963–1968Prince / Nissan Skyline (S50 / S54)
Introduced 1968Nissan Skyline (C10) (C10)
Introduced 1989Nissan Skyline (R32) (R32)
Introduced 1993Nissan Skyline (R33) (R33)
Introduced 1998Nissan Skyline (R34) (R34)
Introduced 2001Nissan Skyline (V35) (V35)
Introduced 2006Nissan Skyline (V36) (V36)
Introduced 2014Nissan Skyline (V37) (V37)
1969GT-R starts with four doors and 160 hp
1985RB20 and HICAS arrive in the R31
2001V35 starts the V6/FM era
2002Nür editions end the Skyline GT-R era
2019400R power and hands-off hybrid cruising
2023NISMO announced: 414 hp and 550 Nm
2025400R Limited: carbon and 400 cars
  1. 1969

    GT-R starts with four doors and 160 hp

    The first Skyline GT-R arrives as a four-door sedan, with a 160 hp 2.0 L S20 twin-cam six and a five-speed manual.3

  2. 1985

    RB20 and HICAS arrive in the R31

    After the R30's FJ20-powered 2000 RS, the R31 replaces L20 with RB20 engines and introduces HICAS, the world's first four-wheel steering system.89

  3. 2001

    V35 starts the V6/FM era

    The V35 adopts a V6/FM layout with VQ25DD and VQ30DD engines; its Infiniti G35 counterpart reaches North America in 2002.7910

  4. 2002

    Nür editions end the Skyline GT-R era

    R34 V-Spec II Nür and M-Spec Nür gain upgraded N1 engines; 718 and 285 are built before Skyline GT-R production ends in August.311

  5. 2019

    400R power and hands-off hybrid cruising

    The 400R introduces a 400 hp twin-turbo V6; hybrids get ProPILOT 2.0 for hands-off cruising in a single highway lane.12

  6. 2023

    NISMO announced: 414 hp and 550 Nm

    Skyline NISMO is capped at 1,000 cars with 414 hp and 550 Nm; the 100-car Limited gets individually assembled Yokohama engines.13

  7. 2025

    400R Limited: carbon and 400 cars

    The 400-car 400R Limited gets carbon spoiler and mirror covers, 4% stiffer front springs and a 44% stiffer rear stabilizer.14

Every generation

  • Prince Sedan
    AISH/AMSH1952–1957
  • Prince Skyline
    ALSI1957–1963
  • Prince / Nissan Skyline
    S50 / S541963–1968
  • Nissan Skyline (C10)
    C10Introduced 1968
  • Nissan Skyline (R32)
    R32Introduced 1989
  • Nissan Skyline (R33)
    R33Introduced 1993
  • Nissan Skyline (R34)
    R34Introduced 1998
  • Nissan Skyline (V35)
    V35Introduced 2001
  • Nissan Skyline (V36)
    V36Introduced 2006
  • Nissan Skyline (V37)
    V37Introduced 2014

Power over the years

From 59 hp to 493 hp in 47 years.

0200400600 1960197019801990200020102020 hp 1957 · 59 hp · Prince Skyline Deluxe1959 · 70 hp · ALSI-21961 · 91 hp · BLSI-31965 · 123 hp · 2000GT-B1969 · 160 hp · First Skyline GT-R (S20)1989 · 276 hp · R32 GT-R (rated)1996 · 394 hp · NISMO 400R2004 · 493 hp · NISMO R34 GT-R Z-tune2019 · 300 hp · GT/Type P/Type SP (VR30DDTT)2019 · 359 hp · Hybrid (VQ35HR-HM34, combined)2019 · 400 hp · 400R (VR30DDTT)2023 · 414 hp · Skyline NISMO 493 hp NISMO R34 GT-R Z-tune 59 hp Prince Skyline Deluxe
367121316
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
195759Prince Skyline Deluxe
195970ALSI-2
196191BLSI-3
19651232000GT-B
1969160First Skyline GT-R (S20)
1989276R32 GT-R (rated)
1996394NISMO 400R
2004493NISMO R34 GT-R Z-tune
2019300GT/Type P/Type SP (VR30DDTT)
2019359Hybrid (VQ35HR-HM34, combined)
2019400400R (VR30DDTT)
2023414Skyline NISMO

Versions

10 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • R32–R34 non-GT-R grades

    Standard

    R32–R34 non-GT-R grades

  • GT / GT Type P / GT Type SP / 400R

    Standard

    GT / GT Type P / GT Type SP / 400R

    2019

  • DR30 2000 RS / RS Turbo / RS-X

    Performance

    DR30 2000 RS / RS Turbo / RS-X

  • R32 GT-R / Nismo / N1 / V-Spec / V-Spec II

    Performance

    R32 GT-R / Nismo / N1 / V-Spec / V-Spec II

    1989–1994

    43,937 built

  • R33 GT-R / V-Spec / N1 / LM Limited / Autech

    Performance

    R33 GT-R / V-Spec / N1 / LM Limited / Autech

    1995–1998

    16,674 built

  • R34 GT-R / V-Spec / V-Spec II / M-Spec / N1

    Performance

    R34 GT-R / V-Spec / V-Spec II / M-Spec / N1

    1999–2002

  • Skyline NISMO / NISMO Limited

    Limited

    Skyline NISMO / NISMO Limited

    414 hp
  • 400R Limited

    Limited

    400R Limited

    2025

  • Prince Skyline Sport coupe / convertible

    Special

    Prince Skyline Sport coupe / convertible

    93 hp
  • R33 GT-R Nismo 400R

    Limited

    R33 GT-R Nismo 400R

    1996

    395 hp

    44 built

How to spot one

Look for

  • R32–R34: four round taillights with an afterburner look.15
  • R32: rakish glass, wide headlights and a smooth nose.15
  • R33: a larger, smoother, more rounded body than the R32.15
  • R34: a bluff nose, boxier stance and more aggressive headlights.15
  • R32–R34 GT-Rs add larger cooling intakes and silver-and-red GT-R badges.15

Year by year

  1. 1960

    First-generation Deluxe models get four headlights in February; standard models follow in September.7

  2. 1979

    Skyline Japan swaps four round headlights for two angular lamps.5

  3. 1983

    R30 facelift moves the mirrors from the hood to the doors and darkens the taillights.8

  4. 1996–1998

    R33 bodywork and lights change for 1996; 1997–1998 GT-R Series 3 cars have the later headlights.1519

  5. 2019

    The sedan gains a V-Motion grille with a central Nissan badge, and four circular full-LED taillights return.12

  6. 2025

    Wangan Blue joins the Skyline exterior color palette.14

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Nissan Skyline
    Skyline
    Photo of a Nissan GT-R (R35)
    Nissan GT-R (R35)

    Nissan GT-R (R35)

    R35 shares the four round taillights; look for a wider body and the missing Skyline name.419

Prices

Price when newAuction sale
$0$100K$200K$300K 1995200020052010201520202025 1995 · $52,900 · Japan R33 Vspec; ~JPY100/$1996 · $43,864 · Japan R33 GT-R; ~JPY110/$1996 · $109,091 · Japan NISMO 400R; ~JPY110/$1997 · $40,708 · Japan R33 GT-R; ~JPY120/$2001 · $22,083 · Japan 250GTe ex tax; ~JPY120/$2019 · $38,860 · Japan base; ~JPY110/$2023 · $56,289 · Japan NISMO tax in; ~JPY140/$2025 · $36,285 · Japan GT Type P tax in; ~JPY150/$2025 · $43,303 · Japan 400R tax in; ~JPY150/$2025 · $46,237 · Japan 400R Limited tax in ~JPY150/$ 2014 · $242,000 · 1972 H/T 2000GT-R Hakosuka, under 42k km, Monterey2024 · $70,000 · 1972 KGC10, 8k km shown, TMU, BaT2025 · $60,000 · 1971 2000GT sedan, 3.0L L28, mileage unknown, BaT2025 · $151,000 · 2000 GT-R V-Spec, 46k km on NISMO cluster, BaT2025 · $11,250 · 1983 Turbo EL 5-speed, 37k km shown, BaT2025 · $35,000 · 1992 GT-R, 142k km shown, BaT2025 · $30,250 · 1999 GT coupe RB25DET, 1 km NISMO cluster, TMU, BaT2026 · $155,001 · 1999 GT-R V-Spec, 30k km indicated, BaT2026 · $43,250 · 1990 GT-R, 105k km shown on NISMO cluster, BaT2026 · $68,500 · 1995 GT-R, 72k km shown, BaT2026 · $62,000 · 1995 GT-R V-Spec, 187k km shown, BaT2026 · $13,500 · 1988 GT Passage Turbo, 54k km shown, BaT $242.0K Monterey, 2014
2101213141619212829303132333435363738
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1995Price when new$52,900Japan R33 Vspec; ~JPY100/$
1996Price when new$43,864Japan R33 GT-R; ~JPY110/$
1996Price when new$109,091Japan NISMO 400R; ~JPY110/$
1997Price when new$40,708Japan R33 GT-R; ~JPY120/$
2001Price when new$22,083Japan 250GTe ex tax; ~JPY120/$
2019Price when new$38,860Japan base; ~JPY110/$
2023Price when new$56,289Japan NISMO tax in; ~JPY140/$
2025Price when new$36,285Japan GT Type P tax in; ~JPY150/$
2025Price when new$43,303Japan 400R tax in; ~JPY150/$
2025Price when new$46,237Japan 400R Limited tax in ~JPY150/$
2014Auction sale$242,0001972 H/T 2000GT-R Hakosuka, under 42k km, Monterey
2024Auction sale$70,0001972 KGC10, 8k km shown, TMU, BaT
2025Auction sale$60,0001971 2000GT sedan, 3.0L L28, mileage unknown, BaT
2025Auction sale$151,0002000 GT-R V-Spec, 46k km on NISMO cluster, BaT
2025Auction sale$11,2501983 Turbo EL 5-speed, 37k km shown, BaT
2025Auction sale$35,0001992 GT-R, 142k km shown, BaT
2025Auction sale$30,2501999 GT coupe RB25DET, 1 km NISMO cluster, TMU, BaT
2026Auction sale$155,0011999 GT-R V-Spec, 30k km indicated, BaT
2026Auction sale$43,2501990 GT-R, 105k km shown on NISMO cluster, BaT
2026Auction sale$68,5001995 GT-R, 72k km shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$62,0001995 GT-R V-Spec, 187k km shown, BaT
2026Auction sale$13,5001988 GT Passage Turbo, 54k km shown, BaT

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 10 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “Godzilla swept all 29 JTCC races”
    • “200 mm longer to challenge a Porsche”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 10 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 38 sources
  1. [SHORT STORY] Skyline GT-Rs win every JTCC race | Nissan Heritage Collection nissan-global.com
  2. 1972 Nissan Skyline H/T 2000GT-R 'Hakosuka' | Monterey 2014 | RM Sotheby's rmsothebys.com
  3. Nissan Skyline GT-R - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  4. Why the Nissan Skyline GT-R Is a Cultural Icon | Hypebeast hypebeast.com
  5. Nissan Legend Shin'ichiro Sakurai: The Real Face of Mr. Skyline usa.nissannews.com
  6. Nissan | Heritage Collection | Prince Skyline Deluxe nissan-global.com
  7. Nissan Skyline - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  8. Nissan Skyline R30 - Wikipedia it.wikipedia.org
  9. 日産自動車、「スカイライン」誕生60周年 global.nissannews.com
  10. 新型「スカイライン」を発売 global.nissannews.com
  11. 2002 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec II Nür | London 2022 | RM Sotheby's rmsothebys.com
  12. Nissan unveils new Skyline with ProPILOT 2.0 driver assistance system global.nissannews.com
  13. Nissan to launch Skyline NISMO models for the Japan market global.nissannews.com
  14. 「スカイライン」を一部仕様向上、あわせて特別限定車「400R Limited」を発表 global.nissannews.com
  15. Nissan Skyline (R32/R33/R34) Review & Buying Guide | Carwow carwow.co.uk
  16. NISMO | NISMOの歴史 | NISMOコンプリートカーからNISMOロードカーへ | vol.03 nismo.co.jp
  17. 1992 Mazda Autozam AZ-1 vs. 1993 Nissan Skyline GTS-25 vs. 1993 Toyota Mark II Tourer V caranddriver.com
  18. NISMO | CORPORATE PROFILE MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS nismo.co.jp
  19. R33 Nissan Skyline GT-R Buyers Guide: 1995 to 1998 : BCNR33 - Skyline GTR USA – Nissan Skyline GT-R R32, R33, R34, R35 Guides, Specs, Buying Info & Resources gtrusablog.com
  20. Collectible Classic: 1989-1994 Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 motortrend.com
  21. No Reserve: 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $155,001 on May 18, 2026 (Lot #243,069) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  22. Nissan | Heritage Collection | Prince Skyline Sports nissan-global.com
  23. Nissan Skyline GT-R Nismo 400R (1997) review – the JDM icon with a hypercar price | evo evo.co.uk
  24. Prince Sedan - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  25. Tama Senior – Wikipedia de.wikipedia.org
  26. Nissan | Heritage Collection | Skyline Super Silhouette nissan-global.com
  27. Bathurst 1000 – Supercar '90s - carsales.com.au carsales.com.au
  28. New Cars and a Track for the "Spec II" Update - NEWS - gran-turismo.com gran-turismo.com
  29. 3.0L L28–Powered 1971 Nissan Skyline 2000GT Sedan 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $60,000 on May 22, 2025 (Lot #192,939) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. 1990 Nissan Skyline GT-R for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $43,250 on August 1, 2026 (Lot #255,356) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. 1995 Nissan Skyline GT-R for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $68,500 on October 1, 2026 (Lot #266,051) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. No Reserve: 1995 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $62,000 on August 19, 2026 (Lot #258,577) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. 1988 Nissan Skyline GT Passage Turbo for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $13,500 on February 26, 2026 (Lot #231,385) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. No Reserve: 2000 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $151,000 on November 9, 2025 (Lot #218,852) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. No Reserve: 1983 Nissan Skyline Turbo EL 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $11,250 on October 17, 2025 (Lot #215,435) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  36. 1992 Nissan Skyline GT-R for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $35,000 on August 26, 2025 (Lot #206,987) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  37. RB25DET-Powered 1999 Nissan Skyline GT Coupe 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $30,250 on June 4, 2025 (Lot #194,538) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  38. 1972 Nissan Skyline KGC10 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $70,000 on January 8, 2024 (Lot #132,774) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • nissan-global.com
  • rmsothebys.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • hypebeast.com
  • usa.nissannews.com
  • it.wikipedia.org
  • global.nissannews.com
  • carwow.co.uk
  • nismo.co.jp
  • caranddriver.com
  • gtrusablog.com
  • motortrend.com
  • bringatrailer.com
  • evo.co.uk

Photo credits

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