Extremely rare early four-pot Skyline: 104,000ks and very original
No, the first Skyline wasn’t the R32 of the late 80s. The Skyline nameplate actually traces back to the Price Skyline S54 of the mid-60s. Prince later merged with Datsun in 1966, with the Datsun C10 Skyline 1500 arriving in 1968.
As per the naming nomenclature, the C10 Skyline 1500 was fitted with a 1.5lt four-cylinder motor; and its sharp edges and three-box proportions earned it the nickname “Hakosuka” – roughly translating to “Box Skyline”.
This car provided the basis for the beginnings of Nissan’s Motorsport dominance, with the larger six-cylinder powered 2000GT arriving in October 1968 – and the hallowed GT-R debuting at the 1968 Tokyo Motor Show with a 24v DOHC triple-carburetted four-cylinder S20 engine.
From 1969 to 1972, the Hakosuka – in GT-R guise – took out 50 victories in Japan’s Touring Car. The cars boasted an unrivalled 49 win streak throughout that period (it would have been 50 wins on the trot if not for mechanical failure at Fuji).
Of course this history is little-known outside of Japan, especially here Down Under where the Hako’s descendant, the R32, carved out its own place in the history books.
The Hako is also extremely rare in Australia – with this freshly imported 1972 Skyline 1500 Deluxe reportedly one of just three known in the country.
The car is described as “very original” and “one of the best in the Southern hemisphere”. It’s got just 104,000kms and was registered and driving in Japan right up until it was recently imported.
Japanese collectibles are a bolstering sector in the collector market, though it’s often the late-model techno toys that get the most attention. 70s Jap Classics, however, boast a niche but strong following all around Australia, with various active clubs and social events all dedicated to Japanese iron of old.
This old ‘Hako’ is based in Brisbane Queensland, and is listed for $45,000.
Check out the full listing here!
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