I don’t remember noticing Nissan Crossing – the Japanese carmaker’s brand showcase in Ginza – the previous time I was in Tokyo’s glitzy district, but it was impossible not to this time around. Walking from Tsukiji market towards the Imperial Palace, I passed the crossing where the famous Wako Building sits, and across the big Seiko clock sat a rare, red beast.
I had to rub my eyes because a Kenmeri GT-R is rare – it’s certainly harder to come by than a Hakosuka, the first Skyline GT-R, and many have only seen the fabled KPGC110 as a die-cast model.
The first time this writer saw a Kenmeri in the metal was when we visited Nissan’s Zama Heritage Collection in Kanagawa three years ago, but it was just that bit more awesome this time around – maybe because it was in red, or because it was in the city, or perhaps a combination or both.
The 1973 Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-R sitting in Nissan Crossing’s “Cylinder” storefront is one of just 197 units of the KPGC110 made and sold in Japan in four months from January 1973, giving it the nickname “the elusive GT-R”. Killed by strict exhaust emission regulations, the wrong time, wrong place Kenmeri GT-R was produced in silver, white and red – the latter is the most rare colour.
The C110 GT-R is powered by a 2.0 litre engine six-cylinder engine with 160 PS at 7,000 rpm and 177 Nm of torque at 5,600 rpm, and this S20 engine – with DOHC and three racing carbs – is what differentiates the elusive GT-R from lookalikes based on the regular Skyline C110 Coupe.
Besides this car, the S20 was ever only found in the Hakosuka (1,945 units in four- and two-door form) and 420 units of the Nissan Fairlady Z S30 432. Click on the links to see these S20-powered legends.
The 1,145 kg C110 GT-R sits on front struts and independent rear semi-trailing arms, while the brakes are all round discs. Visually, the way the coupe body with black overfenders sits on those skinny 14-inch wheels are rather odd (compared to modern cars), but they mark out a GT-R along with a mesh front grille and prominent ducktail rear spoiler. Of course, the GT-R badge in that iconic arrangement sits on both ends, which have four eyes each.
There would be no more GT-R after the Kenmeri, until the R32 resurrected the famous badge in 1989, starting another chapter of the GT-R story. For those wondering about the name, Kenmeri refers to Ken and Mary, a pair of lovers used by the carmaker in the marketing of the second-generation Nissan Skyline in Japan.
Working while on holiday? Can’t believe I’m saying this, but I enjoyed it. Also do check out a beautiful video of the Kenmeri (and Hakosuka) by Petrolicious and a cute compilation of Ken and Mary Skyline ads below.
GALLERY: 1973 Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-R KPGC110
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Yawn… My 2017 Proton Saga will run circles around it. Time waster
Dun they worry if someone robbed this car just like what on we see on every race film
rob for what ? the thief cant sell this car also. too easily spotted.
The skyline 180K was sold in Malaysia but poor man’s car.
this Kenmeri the old grandpa of modern Camry.
Old Nissan so laku now. Just like Porsche in the 80s. Now triple the price.
But Proton in the 80s, even first batch in 1985 also tak laku now. Nobody wants it. Even besi buruk guy also don’t want to take it
You can still find old Protons? Funny how you can never find an old Perodua intact. Probably end up as scrap metal because the car does not take care of its owners unlike old trusty Protons.
I’ve been to that nissan outlet back in 2014 but only saw the run of the mill R35 plus the Infiniti version of their Skyline which wasn’t much to begin with. Now this is a rare spawn. Too bad they can’t start it up for everyone to hear its glorious exhaust note.
wow even in 1973 Nissan had so much of high tech technology. Proton should have got their so called technology transfer from them since they did not understand Mitsubishi technology transfer teachings.
Good excuse to claim travelling expenses for work purpose, Danny? :-)
Don’t imply things about Danny that you do. Danny is honest and a good man and an excellent writer.
At least people travel, unlike you keyboard warrior. What do you know?
1973 Skyline got RV but 1985 Proton Saga got ZERO RV
Dei, this car also got ZERO RV. Nissan is not selling this!
1973 Skyline lost to 1973 Beetle not only RV but also performance LOL
not Ken but Kent…Kentomeri, that’s the spelling in Japanese..
197 units only!!! I know now why it’s of such value. Can’t believe that someone has THE Kenmeri in malaysia. Lucky guy for a great investment.