Why I Love My Nissan Skyline R31
Photo credit: https://jngomedia.mypixieset.com
If you've followed DriveDays for a while, you'll know I have a bit of a soft spot for the R31 Skyline.
It probably started before I even realised it. I grew up around Nissans. Dad owned a couple of Bluebird TRXs, complete with oversized front and rear spoilers inspired by the Group C Touring Car era.
That eventually led to a Series 1 Skyline GX, which Dad gradually upgraded into a Series 3 Silhouette with a set of GTS1 alloy wheels. I wish we still had photos of that car. It was later traded on a genuine Silhouette GTS1, and from then on I was hooked.
My second car was a Series 1 Skyline GXE wagon. It wasn't fast or rare, but it was incredibly reliable and carried me on countless road trips. Eventually I sold it to my family, where it was handed down to my brother... who drove it into the ground.
Fast forward to the pandemic and nostalgia kicked in. I decided I wanted another R31. In true enthusiast fashion, I actually bought a set of genuine GTS1 wheels before I even owned the car.
Eventually I found a white Silhouette. It wasn't perfect—there was rust in all the usual places—but it drove well and had a strong engine. I spent time getting it mechanically sorted before tracking down a period-correct Silhouette interior to replace the blue leather seats and door trims that had been fitted somewhere along the way.
When quotes came back for repairing the rust and repainting the original shell, it made more sense to start with a better body. I found a rust free red shell, had it professionally prepared and repainted, and then spent another year transferring the engine, driveline and countless other parts across. Restoration always takes longer than you think.
Along the way I managed to source some genuine pieces I'd been searching for, including a GTS1 grille, a genuine GTS1 interior with Scheel seats, and a Momo steering wheel. It's these little details that slowly bring the car back to how I wanted it, more of a resto mod than a full restoration.
Owning an R31 today also means embracing modern solutions. Thanks to some talented Australian 3D printing businesses, I've been able to replace hard to find components and improve a few areas without compromising the character of the car.
It's definitely been a love-hate relationship at times. Every time I tick one job off the list, another one appears, classic project car ownership.
One of the best upgrades has been the Shockworks suspension. It completely transformed the way the car drives. It's comfortable on the road, confidence inspiring through corners, and feels right at home on a track day.
There's still plenty left to do. An OEM-style digital dash is high on the wish list, the factory clusters are famous for playing up, and, as every R31 owner knows, a firm smack on the dashboard is all it takes to make the gauges spring back to life.
Despite its quirks, this is a car I'll never sell. The RB engine is beautifully smooth, the sports exhaust has just enough character with a few pops on overrun. And while it won't win any drag races, the power delivery is wonderfully linear and enjoyable.
Some cars are fast. Some are valuable. This one is simply part of my story.
The gallery captures just a small part of the journey so far.
