Yahoo Autos First Nissan Skyline GT-R Was a Four-Door Sleeper
The Nissan Skyline GT-R is thought of as a two-door, but this legend actually started as a humble four-door sedan back in 1969. It wasn't until 1971 that the more familiar coupe arrived, and Nissan stopped building four-door GT-Rs altogether. With a little over 800 built, that makes this four-door GT-R one of the rarest, and coolest, ever built.
You could even think of this as Japan's take on a muscle car-a practical family car with a (relatively) big engine. No, the GT-R didn't have a V8, but it did have a masterpiece of a straight-six-a 2.0-liter that made around 160 horsepower when new. And unlike most muscle cars, the original GT-R handled, proving its worth on the race tracks of Japan with countless victories.
Perhaps we should instead think of the original GT-R as a precursor to the BMW M5-a subtle sports sedan, with sports-car beating performance. The original GT-R was a car nearly 20 years ahead of its time.
However you want to classify it, though, the original GT-R is great. Jay Leno finds that out for himself behind the wheel of a gorgeous 1969 example for sale at Original Rare in Orange County. The engine is especially impressive, with great top-end performance and a raspy sound to die for.
These early cars are among the most desirable of all GT-Rs, and it's easy to see why. Unfortunately, only 831 were built and far fewer survive. So if one like this comes up for sale, you know what to do.
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