Skyline, a history in 12 generations: Gen 5, “Japan”

1977 Nissan Skyline 2000GT-ES KHGC210

The C210,  fifth-generation Skyline, “Japan,”was launched in August 1977, with new, straighter bodylines, and less Valiant.  All the cars in the series met the 1978 exhaust emission regulations, and the new TI-EX model featured halogen headlights. The GT family included GT, GT-L, GT-EL, GT-EX and GT-ES models. A minor update in 1979 changed the front mask, and another in 1980 introduced the turbo GT-E.

1979 Nissan Skyline 1800 wagon WC211

1979 Skyline 2000GT HGC211

1980 Skyline 2000GT-EL HGC211

The C211 followed in 1980 following a minor change. Three versions of 2000GT were available: Turbo GT-E (143Hp), GT-E (123Hp), and the GT (113Hp). GT-R was conspicuous by its absence, sales not being sufficient to ameliorate development costs for an emissions-friendly high-performance variant. The gas crisis hit Japan hard, too, and the L20ET turbo addressed both problems.

1980 Nissan Skyline 2000GT-ES Turbo KHGC211

1980 Nissan Skyline 2000GT Turbo HGC211. Check out the mirror image “GT-TURBO” bumper badge, a la BMW 2002 Turbo.

1980 Skyline 2000GT  HGC211
SPECS

Overall length / width / height	181.1/63.98/54.42 inches
Wheelbase	102.95 inches
Tread (front/rear)	53.94/53.15 inches
Curb weight	2,612.5 pounds
Engine	L20 straight-six SOHC, 1,998cc
Max. power, Hp@RPM	114@5,600
Max. torque, lbs.ft.@RPM	119.5@3,600
Suspension(front)	Strut
Suspension (rear)	Semi trailing-arm
Tires	175SR14 (BS)

1980 Skyline 2000GT-EL HGC211
SPECS

Overall length / width / height	181.1/63.98/54.42 inches
Wheelbase	102.95 inches
Tread (front/rear)	53.94/53.15 inches
Curb weight	2,667.6 pounds
Engine	L20E SOHC straight-six, 1,998cc
Max. power, Hp@RPM	123@6,000
Max. torque, lbs.ft.@RPM	123@4,000
Suspension (front, rear)	Strut, semi trailing-arm
Brakes (front/rear)	Disc/drum
Tires	185/70HR14

For more Skylinery, visit the JBCar pages and Skyliner Owners Forum (home of over 1.2 million posts. Yikes.)