Carlo de Grundt’s fifth-generation Skyline might not have a GT-R badge, but that doesn’t stop it from looking every bit as awesome as its ‘Hakosuka’ forefather...
The chances are that an image of the KPGC10 GT-R will be the first thing that pops into your head if we ask you to bring to mind a vintage Nissan Skyline. That’s an understandable reaction, for the ‘Hakosuka’ hero is the stuff of legend. It’s also a car that features high on the automotive bucket lists of petrolheads worldwide, but the model’s scarcity – not to mention a reluctance on the part of lucky owners when urged to part with their prized possession – means that this fabled-four-wheeler will more-than-likely remain the stuff of fantasy for the vast majority of those whose blood has its own octane rating.
Fret not, dear reader! Contrary to popular belief, there are other classic Skylines that ooze just as much old-school cool as the ‘box sky’ belter. Moreover, many of them are advertised as available for purchase with comparatively reasonable price tags, particularly if you’re happy to own a car without a GT-R badge.
Dutch sign writer, Carlo de Grundt, is one of many Japanese car fans that has familiarised himself with Nissan’s back catalogue of super Skylines, although we were surprised to hear that his interest in oriental machinery followed a spell behind the wheel of some of Henry’s finest. “I was a Ford fan through and through!” he laughs. “My first car was an Escort Cosworth. It was a brilliant motor, but I was reluctant to modify what is rightly regarded as one of the jewels in the European Blue Oval crown. Ultimately, I decided to sell it in favour of a ’92-plate RS2000. This was a ‘Scort that I didn’t need to treat with kid gloves, and I enjoyed updating its wheels, exterior trim and engine before being alerted to the merits of the second generation Suzuki Swift,” he says.
Esta historia es de la edición May 2017 de Retro Cars.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición May 2017 de Retro Cars.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
The Incredible ULK
It had turned green, had an appropriate number plate and did something quite remarkable - what else were we going to call the new Retro Cars project car?
They Rebadged It, You Fool!
40 years ago, the UK waited with baited breath for the ‘British Car to Beat the World’. 20 years ago, Rover dealers were still trying to boot the last ones out of their showrooms. Ahead of its 40th birthday, we put the first and last Metros head-to-head
One Saved - On To The Next…
After last month’s mechanical woes, we’ve finally finished our MG ZS project car. Here’s our final instalment, followed by an all-new project
Reverting To Type
The S-TYPE was a huge car for Jaguar; the first model developed from the ground-up under Ford’s stewardship and its first mid-size executive car since the Mk2. Two decades on, how does it fare as a classic?
Knightsbridge Or Kensington?
Tempted by the Metro’s swansong? Here are two virtually unused examples for sale at the same dealership
360' Kickflip
This BMW E30 may appear relatively unassuming, but to the trained eye there are clues that all is not as it seems. No-one, however, will be expecting the self-styled 360i’s fi repower!
Copper Wink
When Kicker Audio decide to build a showcase for their latest speakers, they don’t mess about. This 1950 Studebaker is testament to the passion of a bunch of enthusiasts who didn’t want to just screw some speakers into yet another minivan…
Ade's Volvo 850
This month sees Ade sorting out up his Volvo with an awesome Kenwood headunit.
Take Five
Carlo de Grundt’s fifth-generation Skyline might not have a GT-R badge, but that doesn’t stop it from looking every bit as awesome as its ‘Hakosuka’ forefather...
Coupé De Grâce
Escobar’s '90s Civic coupé hides many surprises, each one developed to Edenilson deliver a killer blow…