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Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-R (C110) – The Rare “Kenmeri” Legend
When it comes to rare JDM legends, few hold the mythical status of the Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-R C110, lovingly nicknamed the Kenmeri GT-R. Produced for just one year from 1973 to 1974, this coupe wasn’t just a successor—it was a symbol of a bygone era and a pinnacle of Nissan’s motorsport engineering before emissions and fuel crises changed the game.
A Brief History of the Kenmeri GT-R
The C110 Skyline followed the celebrated “Hakosuka” (C10) generation and was named after a clever marketing campaign in Japan that featured a young couple named Ken and Mary—thus earning the “Kenmeri” moniker.
Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-R (C110): The Rare “Kenmeri” Godzilla
When you think of the GT-R nameplate, modern beasts like the R32 or R35 often come to mind. But before those, there was the C110 Skyline GT-R—a short-lived legend that represents a unique and crucial chapter in Nissan’s performance heritage. Nicknamed the “Kenmeri GT-R”, this car is as iconic for its rarity as it is for its performance pedigree.
A Successor Born in a Tough Era
Unveiled in September 1972, the C110-generation GT-R was the direct successor to the legendary Hakosuka GT-R (PGC10/KPGC10). Built on the new C110 Skyline chassis, it aimed to carry forward the racing legacy of its predecessor. However, the timing couldn’t have been worse. With stricter emissions regulations and rising oil prices, the Skyline GT-R dream was put on hold—and only 197 units of the C110 GT-R were ever built.
Debuting at the 1972 Tokyo Motor Show, the GT-R version of the C110 was aimed at continuing the racing dominance of its predecessor. However, stricter emission regulations and rising fuel prices cut its production short. Only 197 units of the C110 GT-R were ever made, making it one of the rarest GT-Rs in existence.
Sadly, the Kenmeri GT-R never got the chance to hit the track like the Hakosuka, as Nissan canceled its racing program shortly after its launch.
The “Kenmeri” Nickname
The name “Kenmeri” comes from a famous Japanese marketing campaign featuring a young couple—Ken and Mary—cruising through Japan’s countryside. The ads highlighted the car’s style and freedom, and the nickname stuck with the entire C110 generation. However, the GT-R variant of the C110 was a different animal altogether—built for performance, not leisure.
Engine and Performance
Under the hood, the C110 GT-R carried the same engine as the Hakosuka: the legendary S20 inline-six, derived from Nissan’s Prince Motor Company racing program.
1973 Nissan Skyline 2000 GT-R (C110) Specs:
- Engine: 2.0L S20 DOHC inline-6
- Horsepower: 160 hp @ 7,000 rpm
- Torque: 130 lb-ft @ 5,600 rpm
- Transmission: 5-speed manual
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
- 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph): ~8.4 seconds
- Top speed: ~200 km/h (124 mph)
- Curb weight: ~1,145 kg (2,523 lbs)
The S20 engine was a technological marvel for its time, featuring dual overhead cams, triple Mikuni-Solex carbs, and a free-revving nature. It was race-proven, refined, and highly advanced for a Japanese street car of the early 1970s.
Rarity and Legacy
With just 197 units produced, the C110 GT-R is one of the rarest GT-R models ever made. It never raced officially due to the cancellation of Nissan’s motorsports program in 1973, a victim of the global oil crisis and stricter emissions regulations.
Despite its short life, the Kenmeri GT-R holds massive importance in the GT-R lineage:
- It was the last GT-R until the R32 revival in 1989
- The final production GT-R to feature the S20 engine
- It bridged the gap between old-school and modern JDM performance culture
Value and Collector Interest
Because of its extreme rarity, the C110 GT-R has become one of the most valuable Japanese classics on the market. Genuine examples rarely change hands, and when they do, they command six-figure prices—even in Japan.
Specs and Features
| Specification | Detail |
| Engine | 2.0L DOHC Inline-6 (S20) |
| Power | 160 hp @ 7,000 rpm |
| Torque | 130 lb-ft @ 5,600 rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive (RWD) |
| Curb Weight | ~1,145 kg (2,524 lbs) |
| Top Speed | ~200 km/h (124 mph) |
| 0-100 km/h (62 mph) | ~8 seconds |
| Production Years | 1973–1974 |
| Units Produced | 197 |
The Kenmeri GT-R retained the same S20 engine as the C10 GT-R, a highly advanced unit at the time with triple Mikuni-Solex carburetors, dual overhead cams, and a solid lifter valvetrain—technology derived directly from Nissan’s racing efforts.
Design Highlights
The C110 featured smoother, more aerodynamic lines compared to the boxier Hakosuka. Key features included:
• Flared wheel arches
• Round tail lamps (a Skyline signature)
• Fender-mounted mirrors
• Aggressive stance with wide wheels (often upgraded in resto-mods like the one in your photo)
• Subtle “GT-R” badging and a blacked-out grille
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Cultural Impact and Collectibility
Though it never saw competition, the Kenmeri GT-R remains one of the most coveted classic JDM cars today. Its rarity and clean styling have made it a crown jewel among collectors and restorers. Authentic examples regularly fetch six-figure sums, and even replicas or resto-mods are in high demand globally.
The model in your photo appears to be a beautifully restored or modified version—possibly by Rocky Auto, a well-known Japanese shop that specializes in classic Skyline restorations with modern upgrades.
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Final Thoughts
The Kenmeri GT-R is not just a car—it’s a rare glimpse into what could have been the future of Japanese motorsports before politics and practicality stepped in. With only 197 ever made, it’s a ghost from a golden era—sleek, powerful, and full of untapped potential.
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