Nissan Skyline : S50/S54/S57

S50

In 1961 Fuji Precision Industries changed its name to Prince after the 1954 merger. Two years later, in September 1963, the S50 Skyline Deluxe series was launched. Like its predecessor, it came in sedan and wagon bodystyles. This was the second generation car, and became one of the more desirable cars in Japan. It was powered by the G-1 engine, a 70 PS (51 kW) version of the old GA-4. The S50 series were available with a three-speed column shift transmission, or a four-speed floor shift transmission from February 1965 (Deluxe only), either as a four-door sedan (S50) or a five-door wagon (W50). A two-speed automatic option was added to the Deluxe in June 1966. The lower priced and equipped Standard model was added in April 1964; aiming at taxi operators and others it also lacked bumper overriders, making it 11 cm shorter. Two main models of the S50 were built: the S50 (1963–1966) and the lightly facelifted S50-2 (1966–1967). These all used the same engine, with the later S57 receiving a more modern unit. In Japan its market position was refocused as a competitor to the Datsun Bluebird and the Toyota Corona.

Externally, this generation was installed with rounded brake lights and integrated tail lights, with a centrally installed turn signal, similar in appearance to the Ford Galaxie of 1960. The significant appearance change from the previous generation seems to reflect a similar approach done by German company BMW in 1962, in deciding to build a small, affordable, performance coupe and sedan.
The S50 was sold in some markets with an A150 designation. In European markets (and other export markets), it was also marketed as the PMC-Mikado A150.

 The S50 was also sold as the A190D, which was equipped with a 55 PS (40 kW) 1.9 liter diesel engine. This model had sparse equipment, including a simplified, pressed-steel grille. In Europe, period testers commented on the car's compact size (more like a 1.0 than a 1.5) and its sprightly performance, in large part due to the extremely low gearing. The car's ample lighting was also noted, offering twin headlights, a bevy of warning lamps, numerous engine room light fittings, etcetera.Also lauded were the cars road manners, as evident by the six-cylinder Skyline's competition successes.

The commercial model 

 

Nissan Prince Skyline 1500 Van DeLuxe V51B (formerly known as “Prince Skyway 1500” until October 1966)

In 1966, Nissan and Prince merged and the S50 also appeared with Nissan Prince Skyline badging. This model lasted in production through 1967. In October 1966, the S50-2 was introduced. This light facelift included a new grille and taillights, as well as changes to the interior, and with the addition of an extraction vent on the C-pillar.^[11] It was sold as Prince Skyline, Prince A150, PMC A150, or Nissan A150, depending on the market. All "Prince" dealership locations were added to the existing Nissan/Datsun Japanese dealerships, while retaining the Prince name to become Nissan Prince Store.

S54

S54 Skyline 2000GT

 

Prince created a racing GT Skyline in May 1964. It was based on the S54 and used the G-7 engine from the Gloria S41, though the car needed a 200 mm (8 in) extension to the wheelbase (all forward of the cowl) to provide space in the engine bay for the inline six. When it entered the second Japanese Grand Prix they hoped to win the GT-II class. Competitive against the Porsche 904, the Skyline managed second through to sixth places.


Largely due to the success of the race vehicle, the Prince Skyline 2000GT (also called GT-A, GT-B, S54A and S54B) was released to the Japanese market. There were two versions produced:

• S54A – 1,988 cc G-7 single-carburetor straight six, 105 PS (77 kW)
• S54B – 1,988 cc G-7 triple-carburetor straight six, 125 PS (92 kW) at 5,600 rpm

The B model featured three Weber 40DCOE-18 carburetors, a limited slip differential, five-speed close ratio manual transmission, and power brakes. Both the B and A used front disc brakes with dual pistons and alloy finned drums in the rear.

S57

Nissan Prince Skyline 1500 

 

DeLuxe S57 (1967)

The S50 Skyline was updated to become the S57 in August 1967. It used a new engine of Prince's (designed before the merger with Nissan), the OHC 1.5 L (1483 cc) G15. At 88 PS (65 kW), it was the most-powerful engine in the Japanese 1500 cc class.