Skyline, a history in 12 generations: Gen 4, “Ken & Mary”
1972 Nissan Skyline HT 2000GT-R KPGC110, Tokyo Motor Show
The C110 “Ken & Mary” was launched in September 1972 and three series were available: the 1600, 1800 and 2000. The 2000 Series also included a GT and the well-appointed GTX version. After the introduction of stronger exhaust emission regulations in 1975, the engine was equipped with an electronic gasoline injection (EGI) system and the model names were changed to GT-E and GTX-E. In February 1976, it became the C111 (some versions appeared in March, May and June), which complied with the 1976 gas engine emission regulations.
Ken & Mary: 1972 Nissan Skyline two-door hardtop 2000GT-X KGC110
1972 Nissan Skyline 2000GT sedan GC110
1972 Nissan Skyline Van 1600 Deluxe VC110
1976 Nissan Skyline HT 2000GT-E/GTX-E KGC111
It got the Ken & Mary (or sometimes Kenmeri) nickname from a popular series of ads in which Ken and Mary (Jimmy Zinnai and, initially, Diane Krey), high on life, or at least high on something, enjoyed the countryside in their (initially) 1972 Skyline 2000GTX. “Hey, look! A piece of wood! Let’s drag it home across the burning sands!” You’ll see what I mean.
The GT-R version was launched in January of 1973. With its straight-six DOHC 24-valve S20 engine, it was the first JDM car to have disc brakes front and rear. This advanced engineering made it very popular, but production was halted at 197 units after the stricter exhaust emission regulations were introduced.
1973 Nissan Skyline 2000GT-R KPGC110
And now here’s something you’ll really enjoy: Ken and Mary, Like a love, like a wind, a compilation of eight Kenmeri ads!
If someone made a reproduction #55 “Ken” jersey, I’d totally wear it. And is it just me, or does Jimmy Zinnai look like a young Shah Rukh Khan?
1972 Skyline 2000GT-R KPGC110
SPECS
Overall length / width / height | 175.59/66.73/54.33 inches |
| Wheelbase | 102.76 inches |
| Tread (front/rear) | 54.92/54.13 inches |
| Curb weight | 2,544.29 pounds |
| Engine | DOHC S20 straight-six, 1,989CC |
| Max. power, Hp@RPM | 158.24@7,000 |
| Max. torque, lbs.ft.@RPM | 130.54@5,600 |
| Suspension(front) | Strut |
| (rear) | Semi trailing-arm |
| Tires | 175HR14 |
1976 Skyline 2000GT-E/GTX-E two-door hardtop KGC111
SPECS
| Overall length / width / height | 175.59/63.98/54.53 inches |
| Wheelbase | 102.76 inches |
| Tread (front/rear) | 53.94/53.15 inches |
| Curb weight | 2,667.59 pounds |
| Engine | DOHC L20E straight-six, 1,989CC |
| Max. power, Hp@RPM | 128.74@6,000 |
| Max. torque, lbs.ft.@RPM | 123.17@4,000 |
| Suspension (front, rear) | Strut, semi trailing-arm |
| Brakes (front/rear) | Disc/drum |
| Tires | 175SR14 (185/70HR14) |
The beginning: Skyline, a history in 12 generations: Gen 1
For more Skylinery, visit the JBCar pages and Skyliner Owners Forum (home of over 1.2 million posts. Yikes.)