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1963 - Skyline 1500 Deluxe - S50 or BLSID
The second-generation Skyline was launched in November 1963 and was built till 1968
in sedan (S50) and wagon (W50) form. Intended to be a true owner's car, its design was
based on a brand new concept, the complete opposite of the American styling of the large
first-generation cars. In comparison to its predecessor it had a more boxy shape. The
advanced, functional styling proved very popular, and TV commercials promoting the
maintenance-free "sealed engine" attracted much interest and not so long after its
introduction the series became one of the more desirable cars in Japan.
It was powered by the G-1, 1484ccm OHV 4-cylinder 70 hp (52 kW) engines, a version of
the old GA-4. A 1862 cc engine was also available, delivering 91 hp.
The S50 introduced the four round tail lights, a pair of large round brake lights and
smaller round turn-signals beside them. Rather distinguishing Skyline feature that was
kept for many generations until the R34 series.
The car came with two transmission options, a 3-speed column change gearbox and a more
sportive 4-speed floor change gearbox.
In 1962, this model was restyled as the S21S series.
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 budging.
This model lasted in production through 1967.
After the last update Skyline become the S57 in 1967. It used a Nissan engine, the
OHC 1.5 L (1487 cc) G15. At 88 hp (66 kW), it was the most-powerful engine in the
Japanese 1500 cc class.
1964 - Skyline 2000GT - S54
Because of Prince suffered an unexpected and bitter defeat at the 1st Japan Grand Prix
in 1963, prompted by its sales companies, the entire company then focused on developing
a new model for the 2nd Japan GP.
On May 1, two days before the race, the Skyline 2000GT (S54) was launched. This model
had a longer nose than the 1500 and was powered by Gloria's 6-cylinder, 1,988cc (Weber
triple-carb) engine, so it was necessary to work round the clock to produce the 100-unit
minimum required for GT approval in time for the race.
The car (launched on the 1st May 1964) was entered in the 2nd Japan GP in 1964. A Porsche
904 won the race, but Skylines monopolized the 2nd to 6th places.
This was an incredible achievement considering that the Skyline was a 4-door sedan. The
S54 series was continued until 1968 and with its several race victories laid the
foundation for the Skyline legend.
Largely due to the success of their race vehicle the Prince 2000GT (also called GT-A,
GT-B, S54A and S54B) was released to the Japanese market.
There were two versions produced:
• S54A - 1988 cc G-7 single-carb I6, 106 hp (78 kW)
• S54B - 1988 cc G-7 triple-carb I6, 127 hp (94 kW)
The GT-A used an unchanged version of the G7 engine with only a single carburator and 105hp.
The B model featured three Weber 40DCOE-18 carburettors, a limited slip differential, 5-speed
manual transmission, and power brakes.
Both the B and A used front disc brakes with twin piston callipers up front and alloy finned
drum-brakes at the rear. Later models even had flow through ventilation with small eye ball
vents added to the dashboard.
Source: Prince - Nissan
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Second
Generation Skyline GT