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Model dossier · Nissan

Nissan Skyline First generation; Prince Skyline

1957 to 1963 Combustion engine 4-door sedan; 5-door delivery van; 2-door coupe; 2-door convertible
Nissan Skyline, photograph
Tennen-Gas · CC BY-SA 3.0
01 Overview

Nissan Skyline (First generation; Prince Skyline) was built from 1957 to 1963, as a 4-door sedan; 5-door delivery van; 2-door coupe; 2-door convertible. Powertrain: 1.5 L GA-30 I4 (1957–1959); 1.5 L GA-4 I4 (1959–1961); 1.9 L GB-4 I4. Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive. Weight: 1265-1340 kg (ALSI/BLSI); 1340-1350 kg (BLRA); 1340-1365 kg….

Composed from the specifications below, so it states nothing the specs do not. Photograph: Tennen-Gas, CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons), from this generation's own encyclopedia entry.

02 Features and what it can do
Rear-wheel drive
03 Specifications
Built1957 - 1963; 33,759 units sold
Body4-door sedan; 5-door delivery van; 2-door coupe; 2-door convertible
Engine1.5 L GA-30 I4 (1957–1959); 1.5 L GA-4 I4 (1959–1961); 1.9 L GB-4 I4
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Transmission3-speed manual; 4-speed manual
Width1,675 mm
Wheelbase2,535 mm
Weight1265-1340 kg (ALSI/BLSI); 1340-1350 kg (BLRA); 1340-1365 kg (S21)
Built atJapan: Mitaka
ReplacedPrince Sedan
05 Market price

Not yet sourced for this model. Used prices swing with year, mileage, grade and country, so we publish a market range only when it comes with a named source and a date, and never an estimate. For a live figure, use the landed-cost tool with the price on the auction sheet.

04 How it compares

Against the other van / MPV models in this database (19 with this body type). Computed from the dimensions in the specifications, so it changes as the database grows.

Width1,675 mm
Wheelbase2,535 mm
  • about the same as the median of 1,700 mm, and narrower than 94% of the 16 other van / MPV models in this database.
  • 155 mm below the median of 2,690 mm, and shorter than 88% of the 17 other van / MPV models in this database.
06 Buyer's guide

Who it suits

  • Families, groups and shuttle work: the people-carrier body is built around seating and access.
  • Drivers buying for enjoyment rather than space: coupes and roadsters trade rear space for style and handling.
  • Executive and chauffeur use: the saloon body prioritises rear-seat comfort and a quiet cabin.

Check before you buy

  • Inspect for corrosion at sills, floor, subframes and suspension mounts, and replace perishable rubber (hoses, bushes, boots) at import.
  • Read the auction sheet grade and notes, and verify the odometer against service and inspection records. How to read an auction sheet
  • Run a history check (accidents, flood, mileage) before you bid. History check guide
  • Import age rules: this generation already qualifies in United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia. Confirm the rule for your exact vehicle with customs before buying. Landed-cost calculator

General guidance for this type of vehicle, worked out from its body, powertrain and age. It is not a finding about this particular model; use an inspection and the auction sheet for the car you are actually buying.

07 Import age windows

Worked out from this generation's production years and each country's age rule. Rules also depend on vehicle type and the month of manufacture, so confirm with customs before you buy.

United StatesEligible now (built from 1957, 25-year rule).
CanadaEligible now (built from 1957, 15-year rule).
United KingdomEligible now (built from 1957, 10-year rule).
AustraliaEligible now (built from 1957, 25-year rule).
KenyaAll examples are older than the 8-year cap (newest built 1963).
08 Other generations and models

Other generations of the Skyline

More from Nissan · all Nissan models

09 Questions buyers ask

Can I import a Nissan Skyline (First generation; Prince Skyline) from Japan?

By production year alone, Nissan Skyline (First generation; Prince Skyline) is inside the age window for United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia. Rules depend on vehicle type and the month of manufacture, so confirm with customs before you buy.

What powers the Nissan Skyline (First generation; Prince Skyline)?

Per its encyclopedia infobox, engine: 1.5 L GA-30 I4 (1957–1959); 1.5 L GA-4 I4 (1959–1961); 1.9 L GB-4 I4.

Answered from this page's own data, not from outside claims. See the sources below.

10 Sources

Confidence: single-source (Wikipedia infobox). Specifications differ by market, trim and model year; the auction sheet or the vehicle's registration document is the final word on a particular car.

Work out the landed cost Back to Luxury Database
FLUX · Chief Engineermi · USD