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Model dossier · Nissan

Nissan Skyline Sixth generation

1981 to 1987 DieselPetrol 4-door sedan; 2-door coupé; 5-door liftback; 5-door station wagon
Nissan Skyline, photograph
OSX · Public domain
01 Overview

Nissan Skyline (Sixth generation) was built from 1981 to 1985, as a 4-door sedan; 2-door coupé; 5-door liftback; 5-door station wagon. Powertrain: Gasoline: 1770 cc Z18S I4; 1809 cc CA18E I4; 1952 cc Z20E I4; 1990 cc FJ20E DOHC I4; 1990 cc FJ20ET DOHC turbo I4; 1998 cc L20E I6; 1998 cc…. Layout: Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive. Size: 4,620 x 1,675 x 1,385 mm (L x W x H).

Composed from the specifications below, so it states nothing the specs do not. Photograph: OSX, Public domain (Wikimedia Commons), from this generation's own encyclopedia entry.

02 Features and what it can do
Rear-wheel driveForced induction (turbo or supercharger)Diesel option

Overview

The names were brought into line with the home Japanese and worldwide markets with the launch of the R30 series in August 1981, which was built on a C31 Laurel platform. Unlike preceding generations, four- and six-cylinder versions now shared a front end of the same length. The R30 was available as a two-door hardtop coupé, a four-door sedan, a five-door Liftback (available only in the R30 generation), or a four-door station wagon. In all, there were 26 variations of the R30 Skyline available. All versions with the exception of the wagon were usually fitted with the four round tail lights that had become a regular feature to the Skyline's design.

Source: the English Wikipedia article on this model, CC BY-SA 4.0. Text may be shortened; read the full article for the complete text.

03 Specifications
Built1981-1985; 1982-1987 (South Africa); 406,432 units sold
Body4-door sedan; 2-door coupé; 5-door liftback; 5-door station wagon
EngineGasoline: 1770 cc Z18S I4; 1809 cc CA18E I4; 1952 cc Z20E I4; 1990 cc FJ20E DOHC I4; 1990 cc FJ20ET DOHC turbo I4; 1998 cc L20E I6; 1998 cc L20ET turbo I6; 2393 cc L24 I6; 2753 cc L28/L28E I6; Diesel: 1998 cc LD20 I4; 2792 cc LD28 I6
LayoutFront-engine, rear-wheel-drive
Transmission3/4-speed automatic; 4/5-speed manual
Length4,620 mm
Width1,675 mm
Height1,385 mm
Wheelbase2,615 mm
Built atJapan: Musashimurayama; South Africa: Rosslyn, Gauteng (NSA)
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 wagon models in this database (42 with this body type). Computed from the dimensions in the specifications, so it changes as the database grows.

Length4,620 mm
Width1,675 mm
Height1,385 mm
Wheelbase2,615 mm
  • 163 mm below the median of 4,783 mm, and shorter than 77% of the 30 other wagon models in this database.
  • 121 mm below the median of 1,796 mm, and narrower than 91% of the 32 other wagon models in this database.
  • 55 mm below the median of 1,440 mm, and lower than 89% of the 27 other wagon models in this database.
  • 165 mm below the median of 2,780 mm, and shorter than 85% of the 33 other wagon models in this database.
06 Buyer's guide

Who it suits

  • 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

  • Check the emissions equipment (particulate filter, NOx treatment) and the destination country's emissions rules; some markets restrict used diesels.
  • Ask for service records: turbocharged engines are sensitive to oil changes and cool-down habits.
  • 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 1981, 25-year rule).
CanadaEligible now (built from 1981, 15-year rule).
United KingdomEligible now (built from 1981, 10-year rule).
AustraliaEligible now (built from 1981, 25-year rule).
KenyaAll examples are older than the 8-year cap (newest built 1987).
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 (Sixth generation) from Japan?

By production year alone, Nissan Skyline (Sixth generation) 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 (Sixth generation)?

Per its encyclopedia infobox, engine: Gasoline: 1770 cc Z18S I4; 1809 cc CA18E I4; 1952 cc Z20E I4; 1990 cc FJ20E DOHC I4; 1990 cc FJ20ET DOHC turbo I4; 1998 cc L20E I6; 1998 cc L20ET turbo I6; 2393 cc L24 I6; 2753 cc L28/L28E I6; Diesel: 1998 cc LD20 I4; 2792 cc LD28 I6.

How big is the Nissan Skyline (Sixth generation)?

4,620 mm long and 1,675 mm wide and 1,385 mm tall, on a 2,615 mm wheelbase (4-door sedan; 2-door coupé; 5-door liftback; 5-door station wagon). For container loading, use the container packer.

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
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