The Prince Skyline transformed drastically with its second generation, marking a shift away from the luxury car segment and toward becoming a family car. At the same time, the first Japanese Grand Prix took place at Suzuka Circuit in 1963, but the Skyline suffered a disastrous defeat. After this loss, the car was pushed to undergo major changes for the following year’s race, setting the stage for the birth of the Skyline GT.

The second-generation Skyline was introduced in 1963, equipped with a G1-series 4-cylinder OHV engine and a monocoque body designed as a "maintenance-free family car," aimed at the growing 1500cc class market.

The previous Skyline Sports, produced as Japan's first car designed in Italy, also participated in the 1963 Japan Grand Prix, but the performance was poor due to the heavy body and underpowered engine. The defeat highlighted the need for a more powerful car for racing.

In preparation for the 1964 Japan Grand Prix, there was a pressing need for a competitive vehicle. The solution was to extend the Skyline’s front end by 200mm and fit the 6-cylinder engine from the Gloria Super 6. This move, envisioned by Shinichiro Sakurai, the father of the Skyline, led to the creation of the Skyline GT.

This was no small feat, as the new layout required significant modifications. But eventually, the Skyline GT, with its powerful 6-cylinder engine, was born. To meet homologation requirements, 100 cars were hand-built with the extended front end, and the Skyline GT was born. While it ultimately lost to Porsche in the race, the legendary feat of a Japanese car beating Porsche's racing cars in the race was cemented in history. The success of the Skyline GT paved the way for the iconic Hakosuka and Kenmeri Skylines, continuing all the way to today’s Nissan GT-R.

The current owner of this car is a passionate admirer of the original Skyline GT (S54), having owned several Hakosuka and Kenmeri models. After a long search across Japan, the owner finally found this vehicle, which was in excellent condition and perfect for restoration.

This particular S54B Skyline GT is equipped with Weber 3-carburetors, just like the homologation model. The S54B comes in three versions (Type 1 to Type 3), and this example is a Type 3, which was produced after Prince merged with Nissan. The car also features air outlet vents on the rear pillars, which were introduced in the Type 3.

Although the Type 3 originally came with a horizontal grille, this car is fitted with the early Type 1 grille, which features 11 vertical slats, in line with the Grand Prix specification.

Additionally, the car has been equipped with classic Watanabe wheels, a popular modification that gives the car a distinctive look.
Since becoming the current owner's possession, the car has been stored indoors in a climate-controlled environment, preventing any significant aging of the paint, chrome parts, or dashboard.

The engine was overhauled by Prince Craft in 2014, with the detailed service records available. The current owner, introduced through the Prince Owners Club president, continues to maintain the car at a specialized classic car shop. Despite being close to 60 years old, the car is in excellent condition, maintaining both its presence as the first Skyline GT and the joy of driving with its impressive specifications.

This is a rare and well-maintained example of the first-generation Skyline GT, a car that embodies the history and evolution of Nissan’s iconic model.