The Nissan Skyline GT-R is a legendary name among car enthusiasts. But not all Skylines are GT-Rs. In the wake of the 1973 oil crisis, Nissan put road racing on hiatus, so it had no reason to build a GT-R. But in 1981, the nameplate was revived with the R30 generation, like the one recently listed on eBay in Miami, Fla.
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The A-Team Mixed with Knight Rider
The Skyline R30 opened a new chapter in the Skyline design. Instead of 1970s-style chrome bumpers and color schemes, the R30 embraced 1980s aesthetics. It features smooth lines, body-colored front and rear fascias, and black trim instead of chrome. The top-spec models have a striking two-tone, red-over-black color scheme and sharp alloy wheels.
A new engine—coded FJ20—became the heart of top-spec R30 Skylines. Initially, the four-cylinder seemed like a step-down. Skylines had always run powerful straight-sixes. However, the FJ20 was a new breed of engine, with modern technology such as dual overhead cams and multi-valve design. Eventually Nissan offered a turbocharged variant that was the most powerful in Skyline history.
To promote the new Skyline, Nissan contributed several examples to Japan’s most popular action TV series, Seibu Keisatsu. The episodic crime drama told the story of a special criminal investigation department in Tokyo’s western police district. The show was famous for its action sequences with loads of gunfights and car chases. Think of it as The A-Team mixed with Knight Rider meets Hawaii Five-0.
Paul Newman Behind the Wheel
Nissan, a sponsor since the show’s beginning in 1979, contributed many vehicles for product placement. With the arrival of the Skyline R30, the police fleet was upgraded to flashy red-and-black pursuit and reconnaissance vehicles. Watching them race off to chase bad guys every week was must-see TV for young gearheads.
Around the same time, Nissan returned to road racing, and the turbocharged R30 Skyline led the charge in Japan’s Group 5 series. International superstar Paul Newman - opens in new window or tab.—known as a long-time Nissan race driver in the US for piloting Datsun 510s - opens in new window or tab. to Nissan 300ZXes - opens in new window or tab.—starred in R30 Skyline commercials. The Skyline was back.
Aftermarket Alterations
The Skyline R30 for sale is a 1984 model finished in the same memorable two-tone red and black as the Seibu Keisatsu police cars. However, the turbo FJ20 engine was swapped out for a Nissan L28 inline-six. You might lament the absence of the original engine that gives the R30 its turbocharged character. On the other hand, the L-series has been a fixture on older Skylines and Z-cars. It’s easily tuned, so purists might forgive the swap.
The car also appears to have been lowered and wears aftermarket mesh SSR wheels - opens in new window or tab.. In addition, the rear seats, parcel shelf, and trunk lining were removed, and a rear strut tower brace - opens in new window or tab. was installed. The original items might be challenging to source. But most enthusiasts won’t care. This car is a rare chance to obtain one of the most memorable cars in Japanese automotive history.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.