Filed under: Etc., Japan, Nissan
Who cares if it's a clone? 1971 Datsun Skyline GT-R
Click the image above for 14 more pics.
Vintage Skylines are just plain cool. But if you want to get a hold of an original GT-R, you'd be getting off light by just having to amputate a few extremities. The next best thing then is to build your own and that's exactly what one enterprising gearhead in Sammamish, WA did.
Based off a 1971 KGC10-series chassis, the owner began by swapping out the stock mill and replacing it with the venerable L28, 2.8-liter inline six, complete with a trio of Solex side draft carbs, a set of stainless steel headers and a Trust exhaust. 15x8 inch RS Watanabe wheels are fitted at all four corners and the front brakes have been swapped out with units pulled from an R32.
The owner admits that this particular clone isn't a concourse-ready ride, but aside from a few rust spots and some interior ailments, it's a suitable weekend car that easily proclaims your appreciation of the finer things from across the Pacific.
Unfortunately, the owner wasn't able to unload his creation when it went up for sale early last month. $15,000 doesn't seem like a bad deal for a 1971 Skyline GT-R – even if it is a clone – so we hope that it's found a loving home in the meantime.
Thanks for the tip, Chris!
[Source: MotorCities]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
HotRodzNKustoms 1:46PM (4/14/2007)
and you would have just paid 4 times what that Datsun is actually worth.
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ezbst 1:51PM (4/14/2007)
Yeah, 15K seems to be a bit of a stretch. Around 8K is probably what I'd be comfortable with. So let's start the bidding there. :)
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Brad 2:04PM (4/14/2007)
Definitely a cool little car to have fun with and unique, but, $15k? Like the other two posters, I think $6-$8k. I know it's rare and a lot of time and effort but for $15k you can buy a newer car that will be easier to find parts for.
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Japanese Nostalgic Car 2:05PM (4/14/2007)
That car is (in)famous in nostalgic circles, and there are already several C10 and C110 Skylines running around in the US. I guess it was just a matter of time before you "mainstream" guys picked up on it :).
If you're interested in more hidden treasures, check out http://www.japanesenostalgiccar.com.
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rico 2:12PM (4/14/2007)
#1: That is NOT a Datsun. Being that it was a Japanese market vehicle, it is a Nissan.
#2: Honeslty, considering the logistics of attaining a KGC10 into the US, as well as modifiying it, $15k is reasonable.
#3: If it was a KPGC10 (GT-R), and it had a S20 instead of the L28, it would be worth closer to $50k on the open market. S20s (DOHC I6, tripple Mikkunis) sell for $15k on their own.
Nice work, but a crime to a hard core, old school Nissan nut like myself.
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fbxcore 3:40PM (4/14/2007)
I think it would be really interesting to see an RB26DETT swap in one of the old school skylines.
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chuck goolsbee 4:13PM (4/14/2007)
Its appearance here does beg the wquestion.. what happened to the "Reader Ride of the Day"??
--chuck
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Damon Lavrinc 5:06PM (4/14/2007)
Chuck - Unfortunately, it's on permanent hiatus. Maybe it'll be back, but not anytime soon.
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Harrison 5:41PM (4/14/2007)
This has been on eBay several times already, and no one has bought it yet.
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David Thompson 7:02PM (4/14/2007)
If you're going to pass off a KGC10 as a GT-R, you need to put in the proper S20 rather than dumping a L28 in it. Save that for the R30 Skylines (though I'd rather pick up a FJ20-powered R30).
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geo.stewart 7:18PM (4/14/2007)
For 15K, you can get a Bimmer 2002tii in really good shape that is original and US Spec. much better deal.
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Spin 3:28AM (4/15/2007)
What? 15K and no spare tire? :-)
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roadside observer 9:41AM (4/16/2007)
I'll take a Volvo P1800 over the Skyline, thanks.
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Don 4:55PM (4/16/2007)
Okay, she's a beaut.
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