1972 Nissan Skyline GT-X Hakosuka

1972 Nissan Skyline

I have decided that it is time for me to move on to something new. So up for sale is my 1972 Nissan Skyline GT-X Hakosuka. Owning this car is been unlike anything I have ever owned. It’s a neck breaker. It’s a pull-out-your-phone-and record-a-video-as-it-passes kinda thing. Its a stop, stare and point car. You can be in a cruise in with all exotics and people will be swooning over this 50 year old car.
As much fun as I have had with it, I want to use these proceeds for other cars on my list before their values go even higher. I will miss the sound of those Mikunis above 4k, the thumbs up from randos and all the conversations with strangers at the gas station about what it is. It is now your time to enjoy these things.
First, the history. I purchased this car from Bringatrailer in 2016. (Go check out the pics to see what I started with). Prior to my purchasing, it was originally red and painted poorly in Japan sometime before being imported. A Japanese owner also removed the power windows and went with old school windies.
Upon delivery, It was quite the mess. Interior was falling apart, the brakes didn’t work. The car wouldn’t hold the idle if the weather was really hot with high humidity. The fuel pressure to the carbs was too high causing you to get stoned off the fumes. It rode terribly. Did I scare you off yet? No? Good. Because owning a 50 year old car is not for the weak. But also, all those things are not issues you have to deal with because I fixed them all.
What follows are the most significant things I have done to restore and further improve this specimen (there is more, I just can’t recall everything):
On the exterior:
Sourced all the correct GT-X badging from Japan auctions. Sides, front and rear.
Replaced black fender mirrors with rare original polished bullet mirrors.
Repainted the front behind the bumper (it was flaking off).
Cut up and Refitted the fiberglass front lip and added quick release mechanisms.
Ditched the Watanabes and purchased new period correct Hayashi Racing Street CRs. I also custom matched the centers to the gold in the GT-X emblems for a modern touch on old-school wheels. Added correctly sized Toyo Proxies RE-888s. Still have the Watanabe Type Rs.
Interior:
Sourced original real wood GT-X steering wheel and wood shift knob. Still have the smaller racing wheel with GT-R horn badge.
Sourced a new uncut center console along with the correct gold GT badge.
Just for shits and giggles, added an 8-track player in the correct spot in the console.
New GT-R front and rear door cards. Still have the ones that came with car.
Installed vintage racing seats with headrests including correct seat brackets. Still have original seats.
Installed Bluetooth into factory radio.
Installed vintage pioneer surface mount speakers.
Installed a passenger seatbelt (no joke-didn’t come with one)
Engine:
I have not opened up the motor to verify any internal mods. However, many people complain that GT-Xs with L20s do not have the power to cruise at US highway speeds. That is not an issue with this one. It keeps up no problems and has oomph to spare. I also have a L28 block and M42 head ready to be built and swapped in for a major upgrade.
Triple mikuni 44phh Carburetors restored/rebuilt by Taka at Kyusha House (he rules!). Also polished the carbs for that under hood reveal wow-factor.
Installed new fuel rail, fittings and fuel lines at same time.
Retuned carbs once rebuilt to get that sweet, sweet open velocity stack sound at high revs.
Fuel tank pulled and inspected prior to carb rebuild to verify condition.
Replaced oil pump.
Heat wrapped header and installed heat shield.
New intake manifold and new throttle linkages.
Put in high amp optima battery with quick disconnect.
Suspension/brakes
This is where I put most of my effort over the years.
Started by installing MK63 repop brakes (Still have them and original brakes). But due to the coilovers, I decided to go with the 280zx brakes upfront.
Upgraded master cylinder and upgraded brake booster.
Rebuilt steering linkages.
Technotoy tuning (T3) camber plates.
T3 adjustable coilovers with 280zx hubs and swift springs.
T3 reinforced lower control arms with the traction bars built in.
GAZ rear shocks with new rear springs.
Rebuilt the rear drum brakes.Rebuilt tie rods
The bad:
The paint is cracking in some places due to the crappy respray in Japan. Will need to be painted if you are super detailed.
Minor, minor rust bubble on the driver door corner just starting to show. Also minor superficial rust on the pinch welds along the underside of the car. Every Hakosuka will have at least some superficial rust. The only ones that don’t have been rotisserie restored. And you ain’t gonna find one of those at this price.
The gauges work. The temperature gauge is moody and sometimes does not work. It should probably be rewired.
It’s a 50 year old car. It ain’t perfect. Does it look fast? Yes. Does it make the good loud noises? Yes. Is it fast? No. If you want to go fast in a hakosuka, put an RB26 in it. Carbs are cranky when cold but straighten out once warmed up. No power steering, that’s why it’s a giant wooden wheel. No airbags. You will smell of fuel after driving it. If you expect it to be like a modern car, it’s probably not for you. It is an old car, but that is part of its charm. There is nothing else like it on the road.
With all that said, you will get ALL the looks and thumbs up from other drivers. It will be a showstopper to any show you go to. Trust me.
For those seriously interested, I can put you in touch with my mechanic for a full unbiased opinion of its condition. He is a ‘70s Nissan expert and the only one who worked on it since I owned it. He also helped to restore several BRE Datsun race cars. Better than a PPI, IMO.
Also note:
Watanabe wheels, L26 engine block, head and mk63 brakes are not included in price but can be negotiated in at an extra cost. All Older stock parts will be included with the car.
I have the receipt for everything I ever purchased for the car and for every service it went through while I have owned it. Nothing prior to. Have EPA and importing paperwork as well.
Title in hand ready to go. Thanks for looking!
Shipping to be arranged by buyer. Happy to assist with logistics regarding local drop-off. Will not release vehicle until funds have been confirmed by my financial institution.

• Condition: Used
• Make: Nissan
• Model: Skyline
• SubModel: GT-X
• Type: Coupe
• Year: 1972
• Mileage: 55000
• VIN: KGC10048804
• Color: White
• Engine size: L20
• Number of cylinders: 6
• Fuel: Gasoline
• Transmission: Manual
• Drive type: RWD
• Interior color: Black
• Drive side: Right-hand drive
• Vehicle Title: Clean
Want to buy? Contact seller!