1973 Nissan Skyline 2000GT-R Kenmeri
Explore the Skyline 2000GT-R Kenmeri: history, verified identity, specification references, rarity evidence and real credited photos.
The 1973 KPGC110 Skyline 2000GT-R is remembered as the Kenmeri GT-R, a short-lived successor whose rarity came from an unusually brief production window. It retained the S20 engine but never repeated the earlier car's touring-car campaign. Nissan's Heritage Collection places manufacture between January and April 1973 and describes fewer than 200 cars; Nissan Australia's historical account gives 197. Those statements support a rare production model without turning the separate 1972 racing concept into another road edition.
A different Skyline shape
The C110 generation introduced a larger fastback-style hardtop body and became associated with the Ken and Mary advertising campaign. The GT-R version added its own grille, over-fenders, air intake duct and rear spoiler. These visible features help describe the model, but they are not a substitute for its KPGC110 identity. The same distinction matters today because a normal C110 can be dressed in GT-R-style parts without becoming one of the original cars.
Nissan Heritage: production KPGC110
A familiar engine in a new setting
The road GT-R used the 1,989 cc S20 with a quoted 160 PS at 7,000 rpm. Nissan lists a 2,610 mm wheelbase and 1,145 kg curb-weight reference, with discs at all four wheels. Those figures belong to the production road model. They should not be combined with the visual drama of the No.73 motor-show racing concept to imply that customers received a works competition machine.
Four months of manufacture
The Heritage Collection says the model was manufactured from January to April 1973 as emissions requirements became stricter. Its less-than-200 description is consistent with the 197 figure in Nissan Australia's retrospective. The important count boundary is the KPGC110 GT-R, not all C110 Skylines and not surviving examples. Production rarity does not establish how many remain in original condition, nor does it authenticate an individual vehicle offered with the right badges.
Nissan Heritage: production KPGC110
The racing career that did not happen
Nissan's account notes that this GT-R did not participate in touring-car racing. A separate 1972 racing concept anticipated a 1973 programme, but a planned programme and a completed campaign are different historical events. This makes the Kenmeri interesting in its own right: it represents a transition in the company's priorities and the end of an early GT-R era. Its importance does not require borrowing the Hakosuka's victories.
Nissan Australia: GT-R history
What an individual example needs
A reliable record begins with original model and chassis evidence, followed by engine identity and a dated ownership trail. Given the small run and the possibility of reconstructed cars, restoration documentation deserves close attention. Record body repairs, replacement panels and recreated trim transparently. The best file allows the original identity, the present physical condition and the history of work to be understood together, instead of treating a polished exterior as a complete answer.
Specifications and identity reference
| Model | KPGC110 Skyline 2000GT-R |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing window | January–April 1973 |
| Manufacturer count reference | 197 in Nissan Australia history; collection says fewer than 200 |
| Engine | S20; 1,989 cc; 160 PS |
| Wheelbase | 2,610 mm |
| Curb weight reference | 1,145 kg |
| Brakes | Four-wheel discs |
| Touring-car campaign | Did not compete as the production successor |
Rarity and production scope
Nissan Australia's historical account reports 197 KPGC110 GT-Rs; the Heritage Collection independently describes fewer than 200 over January–April 1973. This is a model production reference, not a survivor total. The 1972 racing concept remains a separate archive object.
What the photograph represents
KPGC110 Skyline 2000GT-R photographed at a later display; model reference, not a chassis authentication report.
Related Nissan heritage profiles
Frequently asked questions
How many Kenmeri GT-Rs were built?
Nissan Australia gives 197; the collection describes fewer than 200. Neither figure is a survivor count.
Did it inherit the earlier GT-R race wins?
No. Nissan says this model did not participate in touring-car racing.
What is the production-count boundary for this profile?
Nissan Australia's historical account reports 197 KPGC110 GT-Rs; the Heritage Collection independently describes fewer than 200 over January–April 1973. This is a model production reference, not a survivor total. The 1972 racing concept remains a separate archive object.
Sources and further reading
- Nissan Heritage: production KPGC110
- Nissan Australia: GT-R history
- Nissan Heritage: distinct 1972 racing concept
Research checked 16 October 2026. Manufacturer records support identity and the specifically attributed historical figures. Photographic descriptions identify the illustrated subject. Design analysis and suggested authentication steps are editorial interpretation.
Built in limited numbers
Nissan Australia's historical account reports 197 KPGC110 GT-Rs; the Heritage Collection independently describes fewer than 200 over January–April 1973. This is a model production reference, not a survivor total. The 1972 racing concept remains a separate archive object.
Gallery
Specifications
Factory specifications may vary by model year, market and configuration.
Identity & production
- Official model
- Nissan Skyline 2000GT-R Kenmeri
Sources and verification
Source citations are being prepared for this profile.
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