Nissan · KPGC10
Nissan Skyline GT-R KPGC10 (Hakosuka)
The Hakosuka ('boxy Skyline' in Japanese enthusiast slang) is the original GT-R, the car that started a 50-year dynasty. Its Prince-derived S20 engine, born from a racing partnership, made it the giant-killer of Japanese touring car racing in the early 1970s.
Spec Sheet
- Generation / Chassis Code
- KPGC10
- Years Produced
- 1970–1971
- Manufacturer
- Nissan
- Country
- Japan
- Body Style
- 2-door coupe
- Engine
- 2.0L inline-6 (S20, DOHC 24-valve)
- Horsepower
- 160 hp
- Torque
- 132 lb-ft
- Transmission
- 5-speed manual
- Drivetrain
- RWD
- Weight
- ~2,350 lbs
- 0–60 mph
- ~8 seconds
History
Developed by the former Prince Motor Company team after its merger with Nissan, the Hakosuka's S20 engine descended directly from the R380 race car. It won 33 consecutive races in Japanese touring car competition, a streak that built the GT-R legend from scratch.
Why It Became Famous
It's the genesis point for every GT-R that followed — the DNA of 'a race-bred engine in a practical body' that defines the nameplate traces straight back to this car's unmatched early-70s racing streak.
Strengths
- Historic significance as the first-ever GT-R
- S20 engine is a genuine race-derived unit with a glorious high-rev character
- Light weight makes it exceptionally responsive for its era
- Iconic, boxy styling with flared rear fenders is instantly recognizable
Weaknesses
- Extremely rare and expensive — among the most valuable classic JDM cars in existence
- Parts sourcing is a specialist-only endeavor
- No power steering, ABS, or modern safety equipment
- Vintage electrics and fuel systems need constant attention
Common Problems
- Rust is endemic to surviving examples after five decades
- S20 engines are difficult and costly to rebuild correctly
- Finding date-correct, unmolested original parts is very difficult
- Many surviving cars have been heavily restored, so originality varies widely
Modification Potential
Most surviving cars are preserved or restored to original spec rather than modified, since collector value depends heavily on originality — modification is far more common on tribute or race-replica builds.
Buying Guide
This is a six-figure collector car in good condition; buyers should engage marque specialists to verify chassis numbers, engine matching, and restoration quality before purchase.
Enthusiast Popularity Today
Revered by purists and historians as the foundational GT-R, with a smaller but deeply passionate following compared to the more accessible R32–R34.
Fun Facts
- The 'Hakosuka' nickname literally means 'box Skyline', describing its boxy 1970s styling
- Its racing streak of 33 consecutive wins remains one of the most dominant runs in Japanese motorsport history
- The S20 engine shares its architecture with the racing engine from the Prince R380 prototype
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