Skyline Progress....finally

[nzmax]

Well...The progress isn't all that particularly exciting, but today I dropped the mighty Prince off at the panelbeaters to have the few little bits of rust dealt to and certified, namely a small bit of rust in both back doors within 100mm of the hinge, which is just in the outer skin, and the rust on the top seams of both rear guards. Both guard skins are fully detachable and still leaves the boot fully sealed. Looking behind them, there is two 3mm or so diameter sized holes under the back window of the inner skin about 25mm below the window in line with the C pillar, but only on the left side. Right side inner skin is all good.

When I get it back, I need to replace the rear outer universal joint for the diff.....Prince used the De Dion rear suspension on these 1st generation Skylines and the Gloria also, which basically means it has a diff like an IRS car, but with a tube mounted to the leaf springs with the wheels on the end. Also need to replace the timing chain, fix a minor oil leak, and a couple of other bits that I cant remember right now. Then it will be back to VTNZ or whatever they are called nowdays for an inspection which im sure will be a few months or more away yet, but at least its one step closer.

Took a couple of pic of it also, which like every other pic I have of it, is covered in dust. Its also minus the tail lights and rear chrome to make it easier for the panel beaters to remove as there is only 4 bolts holding the guards on.

[Bartman]

Magnificent car Steve!
So we should see this pitching up to Akaroa this year then?

[nzmax]

Not promising anything, but there is a high possibility that it will be there. Be nice to have some pics of it out and clean for a change lol.

[brocky41]

Just one word - "awesome"

[7 Coupes]

Wow, how cool

[nzmax]

Thanks guys. I am so looking forward to driving it legally on the road again. It is actually a nice car to drive, a bit like driving a really comfortable couch. Dad was in the drivers seat steering it while I was driving his X-Trail towing it, and even he commented how nice it sits on the road still.

[Bartman]

These grand old ladies are just so majestic and elegant. Old school splendour which is so seldom seen in this day and age.

[nzmax]

Thanks Bart.

I found some info I had written down that the very first owners told me when I took it to show them when I got it on the road back in 1992. At that point it had been off the road since 1980. They told me that when they went to look at it new in 1962, it was still sitting on the wharf at Lyttelton, along with 49 others Skyline Deluxe sedans, as they had not long been unloaded off the transport ship, (the Prince importers were based in Christchurch) and was still covered in protective grease for the voyage. As far as they know they were the 1st people to buy one, and these Prince's are said to be the 1st Japanese cars sold here, so there is the possibility that it could be the 1st or one of the 1st first Japanese cars sold here. The bonus for them was there was no waiting list, as was the norm back then, so they could pretty much take immediate delivery. At the time they had a Singer Vogue on order. They said it never let them down over the nearly 20yrs they owned it, though the original motor was getting a little tired round 78,000 untouched miles (approx. 125,000km) and they had it reconditioned, but sadly the original motor wasn't in the car when I got it. A British car of the same era, would have had 10 valve grinds and 3 motor overhauls by that mileage...lol.....apologies to those that like British cars

Found a few pics of the interior also, and the motor....the good old Prince G2 1900cc, which is the predecessor to some of the G series engines fitted to original Laurels and some Skylines of the late 60's and 70's, and later replaced by the L series where applicable.

Quite luxurious at the time...factory radio, clock and heater. The 1st Prince Gloria used the same body/mechanicals, but was even more luxurious than the Skyline.


Factory nylon cloth seats and door cards, and original "Crimson" coloured carpet


Prince's G2 1900cc 4 cylinder powerhouse, which according to the brochures is a Descendant of the famous "Zero" fighter plane engine. No room for an RB20 as has been suggested a couple of times.

[Bartman]

Condolences s to those that like British cars

Fixed!

[7 Coupes]

Thanks Bart.

I found some info I had written down that the very first owners told me when I took it to show them when I got it on the road back in 1992. At that point it had been off the road since 1980. They told me that when they went to look at it new in 1962, it was still sitting on the wharf at Lyttelton, along with 49 others Skyline Deluxe sedans, as they had not long been unloaded off the transport ship, (the Prince importers were based in Christchurch) and was still covered in protective grease for the voyage. As far as they know they were the 1st people to buy one, and these Prince's are said to be the 1st Japanese cars sold here, so there is the possibility that it could be the 1st or one of the 1st first Japanese cars sold here. The bonus for them was there was no waiting list, as was the norm back then, so they could pretty much take immediate delivery. At the time they had a Singer Vogue on order. They said it never let them down over the nearly 20yrs they owned it, though the original motor was getting a little tired round 78,000 untouched miles (approx. 125,000km) and they had it reconditioned, but sadly the original motor wasn't in the car when I got it. A British car of the same era, would have had 10 valve grinds and 3 motor overhauls by that mileage...lol.....apologies to those that like British cars

Found a few pics of the interior also, and the motor....the good old Prince G2 1900cc, which is the predecessor to some of the G series engines fitted to original Laurels and some Skylines of the late 60's and 70's, and later replaced by the L series where applicable.


Prince's G2 1900cc 4 cylinder powerhouse, which according to the brochures is a Descendant of the famous "Zero" fighter plane engine. No room for an RB20 as has been suggested a couple of times.

Neat project and would have over anything British any day.
And you got to love those marketing guys, According to Wikipedia a Zero engine is a Radial 12 and makes 709kw (950hp) ,
still, means you have lots of hop up potential