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1968 - Skyline 1500, 1800 - C10, VC10
The C10 (third generation) Skyline was launched in July 1968. representing the
first full model change since the Nissan-Prince merger.
Starting with the 1500,
1800 and 2000..(The series offered a hardtop version two years later in October 1970).
The 1500 came in 4-door sedan and wagon form with the 1.5 L OHC G15 I4 engine from the S57.
The same car was also available as the 1800 with the a 1.8L G18 engine
1968 - Skyline 2000GT - GC10
Just like all other cars of the C10 series, the GC10 (G standing for GT) was developed
by Prince, but was named Nissan Skyline 2000GT. The Skyline 2000GT (GC-10 series) was
almost the same as the preceding S54 GT-A model.It was introduced in 1968 (2 months
after the 1500) and first produced in 4 door sedan (GC10) and 5 door van versions and
from 1970 on also with 2-doors (KGC10).
The GC10 2000GT received a 2.0 L (1998 cc) L20 I6 engine. The chassis was already designed
to accomodate a straight six, to avoid the S54 extension problem. 105 hp (78 kW) was
available from this new engine.
1971 - Skyline 2000GT-X - KGC10
The 2000 GT-X, which appeared in September 1971, was an upgrade to the 2000GT. It was
powered by a L20, SU twin-carb (high-octane, 130PS) engine, and power windows came
as standard.
1968 had seen the introduction of a basic Skyline (the 1500, 1800 series) and a model
comparable to the previous GT-A (the GC10 series). But people were still eagerly awaiting
a replacement for the GT-B. Almost a year passed after the introduction of the new model
range, until finally in 1969 the new GT-R sedan came along.
1969 - 1972 - Skyline 2000GT-R - PGC10, KPGC10
After debuting at the Tokyo Motor Show in the autumn, the GT-R was launched in
February 1969. The heart of the vehicle, the 2.0 L (1998 cc) S20 I6 was a descendant
of the R380's GR8, a high-performance DOHC 24-valve engine, produced 160 hp (118 kW, 180 Nm),
equal to the best sports cars of the time. It was famed for its top speed of 200km/h and
its ability to cover 400m from a standing start in 16.1 seconds. It achieved its debut
win at the 1969 JAF Grand Prix.
This engine was basically the same like the GR8 from Nissan's R 380 racecar, which won
the 3rd GP of Japan in 1966 against a Porsche Carrera 6. Since it was intended for
racing, the PGC10 (P stood for Prince) was very lightweight inside, without a heater or
radio, but from the outside almost looked like any other 4-door sedan. Even though, after
over two years, the coupe-version of the GT-R (KPGC-10) was introduced in March 1971.
With the introduction of the hardtop Skyline in October 1970, the 2000 GT-R became a
hardtop as well. With its short wheelbase, cornering performance was improved. Less
weight - for a better maneuverability in comparison to the 4-door version - made this
car even more unbeatable on the circuit. Beginning with its 1969 debut race (4-door),
it racked up consecutive wins to a record of 49. Then, on March 20 at the 1972 Fuji GC,
round 1, K. Takahashi achieved the glorious 50th victory.
The production of KPGC-10 was stopped in 1972.
The C10 raced against many cars including Toyota 1600 GT5, Isuzu Bellett GTR, Mazda
Familia (R100) & Capella (RX-2) - even Porsche. In late 1971 the new Mazda RX-3 became
the GT-R's main rival. The GT-R managed a few more victories before the RX-3 ended
the GT-R's winning streak. The GT-R was also a favorite of reckless street racers who
roamed the streets at night at that time.
It is claimed that the art of drifting began among Japanese racers when they purposely
engaged their emergency brakes as a way to counter understeer on their GT-Rs.One such
driver who is famous for this was Kunimitsu Takahashi.
There were five versions produced:
• 1500 - 1.5 L G15 I4, 95 hp (71 kW, 128 Nm)
• 1800 - 1.8 L G18 I4, 105 hp (78 kW, 150 Nm)
• 2000GT - 2.0 L L20 I6, 120 hp (90 kW, 167 Nm)
• 2000GT-X - 2.0 L L20 I6, 130 hp (97 kW, 170 Nm)
• 2000GT-R - 2.0 L S20 I6, 160 hp (118 kW, 180 Nm)
Source: Prince - Nissan
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Third
Generation Skyline GT