Nissan Skyline

See also Nissan Skyline GT-R

The Nissan Skyline is an intermediate-size automobile range sold in Japan and other countries. It is available in either coupe or sedan body styles, and is sold in North America, South Korea, Taiwan, and the Middle East as the Infiniti G35.

ALSI-1

The first Skyline was introduced in 1952, under the Prince marque, and was marketed as a luxury car. It featured a 1.5L (1482cc) GA-4 engine producing 60hp (44kW). It used a de Dion tube rear suspension and was capable of 87mph (140 km/h). The car weighed around 1,300kg. Prince Skylines were produced as four door sedans and five door station wagons.

The Skyline also spawned pickup truck and van lines called the “Prince Skyway.”

ALSI-2

The Skyline was updated with quad headlights for 1957. This model was powered by the same 1.5L engine and was produced through 1961.

S50 or BLSID

In 1961 Fuji Precision Industries changed its name to Prince after the 1954 merger, and the S50 series was launched. This was the second generation car, and became one of the more desirable cars in Japan. It was powered by the G-1 engine, a 70hp (52kW) version of the old GA-4. A 1,862 cm³ engine was also available, delivering 91hp.

In 1962, this model was restyled as the S21S series.

The S50 was further developed with new styling for 1963, and was sold in some markets with an A150 designation.

In 1966, Nissan and Prince merged and the S50 also appeared with Nissan Skyline badging. This model lasted in production through 1967.

BLRA-3

The Skyline Sport featured hand-built Michelotti bodies in stylish coupe and convertible versions. These cars used the 1.9L (1862cc) GB-30 engine, producing 83hp (61kW). Only a few were built.

S54

Prince created a racing GT Skyline In May 1964. It was based on the S54 and used the the larger 6-cylinder G-7 engine from the Gloria S40, though the engine compartment needed modification to fit that long engine. When it entered the 2nd Japanese Grand prix they hoped to win the GT-II class. Competitive against the Porsche 904, the Skyline managed 2nd through to 6th places.