In 1969, Nissan unleashed the PGC10 Skyline 2000 GT-R on an unsuspecting world.  The new Skyline was a technical tour de force; it’s engine, sourced from the Prince R380, was a 2 liter, 24 valve, twin-cam straight six fed by triple Mikuni carbeurators through a 5 speed gearbox to a limited slip differential.  It had MacPherson struts in the front, and subframe mounted semi trailing arms in the rear, similar to the Datsun Bluebird/510.  In a body weighing under 2200 lbs, the racing version of the S20 engine was good for 240 hp.  The Toyota Coronas, Isuzu Bellets and Mazda Familia’s that were pitted against the GT-R stood no chance.  Between it’s introduction in 1969 and 1972, the PGC10 and it’s successor, the KGPC10, rolled to 49 consecutive touring car victories.

Of all the pretenders to the Skyline’s throne, only Mazda had the power to match the Nissan’s pace.  By 1972, Mazda had conquered whatever reliability issues their early rotaries had and, with the introduction of the new 12A rotary engine, the gap with Nissan had finally closed.  At the Japanese Touring Car Grand Prix, a late suspension failure in Takahashi’s car cost the Skyline it’s 50th consecutive victory.  Yoshimi Katayama at the wheel of his Mazda RX-3 won the day and the Skyline’s streak had been broken.  Nissan took the next round of the Super Touring Championship for the Skyline’s 50th win.  So, when the series returned to Fuji Speedway in October, the battle between Katayama’s RX-3 and Takahashi’s Skyline GT-R was well and truly joined.  So, what happened next, you ask?
Fortunately for you hoons, I found this film, with English narration, of the Japanese Super Touring 250 km at Fuji Speedway.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5iWjPjNxOs&feature=related[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y38bGoZg0sg&feature=related[/youtube]