1981 Nissan Skyline DR30 2000RS Coupe

Description

Launched in 1981, Nissan’s sixth generation R30 Skyline was a perfectly capable family car with a conventional front-engine/rear drive layout, the vast majority sold in four-door sedan or five-door hatchback guises.  A complex array of powertrains were available, including SOHC four-cylinders, a 2-litre six (in either naturally aspirated or turbocharged form) and even a diesel… in all there were 26 different combinations for buyers to choose from.  For performance enthusiasts the motor that mattered was the FJ20E two-litre DOHC unit, the first Japanese engine to use four-valve per cylinder technology on a production four-cylinder and the first truly sporting Skyline since 1973.  To differentiate the FJ20E models from lesser Skylines a different model code was used, namely the DR30.  Sold in both two-door coupe and sedan versions, the model was badged the 2000RS - a stripped out lightweight version that did away with air conditioning, power steering, electric windows, mirrors and even a radio to save weight.  Rated at a healthy 150 horsepower at 6000rpm and with only 1,130kgs to pull around, the DR30 Coupe was a lively performer.  Nissan ultimately added a turbocharger to the DR30, along with revised frontal styling nicknamed the ‘Iron Mask’ but the earlier 2000RS retained the standard Skyline’s grille.  The DR30 enjoyed some success in Group A touring car racing in Australia in the mid-1980s, the Peter Jackson Nissan Team’s principal driver George Fury just missing the title in 1986.  Nissan shared the 1987 Manufacturers’ Championship with BMW, with Fury and new team-mate Glenn Seton battling for honours with Jim Richards’ M3 and Dick Johnson’s Ford Sierra RS500.  Enjoying a cult following amongst domestic Nissan fans, the DR30 was never officially sold outside Japan, making it a rare sight on Australia’s roads – locally built Skylines even missed out on the signature round tail lights - but has long been popular with JDM tuners and enthusiasts here.