This is the 1983 model Nissan Skyline 200 Turbo RS. We are sure many if you reading this have never seen this car or even heard of this Skyline model. Well, it was no the most popular version and when it was launched its rivals had better looking, sleeker models that were faster and lower priced. This is why it has been forgotten and we intend to remind as many people as possible of its existence today.
We were fortunate to meet this car close up at the Nissan Heritage Center in Tokyo where this showroom condition unit was ignited for us to hear its rather docile 190ps engine ticking over smoothly.
Code-named KDR 30, this Skyline was not popular due to its rather somber looks at the time of its launch and the rising popularity of its segment rivals like the Honda Perlude and the Toyota Celica GT.
This Skyline found its way to America and England is small numbers and today rising values have made it much sought after, but not as sough after as the Skyline models that came after it and also before it.
In America, this 6th generation Skyline R30 was released as the “Newman Skyline” because Paul Newman, an actor and racing driver, appeared as its poster boy. A new face “2000 RS” with “FJ20” engine of 4-cylinder. 4-valve DOHC became very popular along with 2000GT Turbo since the 5th generation.
“Turbo RS” with turbo-charged FJ20 engine made a debut in 1983. Its maximum output was a decent 190ps which was the highest of all the Skyline cars until that time. Although its sales brochure read “Most powerful Skyline ever,” it did not proclaim itself as a true “GT-R.”
This “2000 Turbo RS” with its horizontal grill in the earlier days was not the most attractive Skyline and not the most sought after initially. Then this model was used in a very popular police drama that televised in Japan in the early 1980s and then it become a little popular.
This car was also known as the ‘Iron Mask’ and it’s “Iron Mask” nickname was applied after the front end was redesigned in the early 1980s and was said to resemble Tekkamen, The Man in the Iron Mask.
Our quick search of the local Malaysian classifieds showed no unit for sale but we have been informed of a handful of units around the country with owners are passionate enough to hold on to them until further notice. Visit the Nissan Heritage Center in Tokyo to get up close and personal with this classic and more.
