Datsun 240K C110 Nissan Skyline GTR

The Nissan / Datsun Skyline or C110 series was a direct follow up to the earlier C10 series Skyline affectionately known as "Hakosuka" or Box Skyline. In export markets primarily the UK and Australia the vehicle was known as Datsun 240K and was available in both Sedan, Coupe and a very rare seldom seen Wagon version.

Both local market and export versions featured the trademark skyline "hotplate" style rear lights, that debuted on the C110 and still exist up until the current day GTR. The styling to this day is somewhat unique, especially in coupe form with the large C pillar design long bonnet.

The export version or non GTR version had different grille area, tail lights were also different although few can distinguish between the GL version and non GTR version(s). The rear bumper was also slightly different and GTR versions also featured overfender flares with the bolt on style, similar to that of the C10 and Nissan Fairlady 240zg models.

Other features of the home market GTR version were the GTR badges, S20 engine a very sophisticated design for the time and extensively used by Nissan in racing programs. The S20 is now an extremely expensive motor to purchase.

Many GTR's were also fitted with a small front apron and rear boot spoiler to complete the GTR look. In the home market the vehicle was known as the Ken and Merry skyline due to a popular ad campaign depicting a couple "Ken and Mary". The success of the advertising program still resonates with the model today as many owners still refer to the vehicle by the "Ken and Mary" moniker.

In Australia the Coupe and Sedan versions sold relatively well, and at the time of sale it was priced close to the Ford Falcon GT and BMW 5 series with a sticker price of around $5000 AU. Unfortunately not many have survived and many were sent to the scrap yard during the late 80's and early 90's. Many owners simply felt they were not worth much as the Datsun name at the time in Australia conjured up images of an econo box vehicle (often the B210 120Y came to mind).

Due to the large amount of vehicles that were scrapped, the 240K has become an icon of 70's Japanese car culture and many people are now searching for this rare bird. Prices have crept up but are hard to gauge simply because not many cars appears on the market.

Home market or GTR parts are now very expensive and hard to find, making the cost of building a clone or GTR replica out of the 240K quite expensive. Although most owners are happy with the L-gata style engine which when modified can produce a significant amount of power over the S20 motor. We suspect many 240K's are still hidden away in barns awaiting to be awoken and given a new breathe of life from an enthusiastic owner.

Only 197 GTR's were officially sold, the oil crisis of the 70's put an end to the models production run and Nissan shifted focus toward smaller economy vehicles. The GTR was unfortunately never officially raced, it would be 16 years before the GTR appeared again in 1989 known as the Godzilla or R32 Skyline.

It is also worth mentioning that a privateer did enter the Nissan 240K Skyline into Bathurst an Australian motor racing event that has been running for close to 50 years. It is believed the vehicle unfortunately did not finish due to mechanical issues.