Overview

The Nissan Skyline R31 is a classic Japanese performance car produced between 1985 and 1989. It is part of the famous Skyline lineup and is especially loved by JDM enthusiasts today. The R31 played a key role in shaping the performance Skylines that came after it.

Body Styles

The R31 was available in several body types:

  • 4-door sedan
  • 2-door coupe
  • Station wagon
  • Hardtop

This made it popular for both family use and motorsports.

Engine Options

The Nissan Skyline R31 came with multiple engines depending on the market:

  • RB20E – 2.0L inline-6, naturally aspirated
  • RB20DE – 2.0L inline-6, DOHC
  • RB20DET – 2.0L inline-6, turbocharged (most desirable)
  • CA18S / CA18DE – 1.8L engines in some models

⭐ The RB20DET is the most famous engine, producing around 180–190 horsepower, making the R31 a strong performer for its time.

Transmission

  • 5-speed manual
  • 4-speed automatic

Performance-focused models mostly came with manual gearboxes.

Drivetrain

  • Mostly Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
  • Some models featured Nissan’s early HICAS rear-wheel steering system, improving handling at high speeds

Suspension & Handling

  • Front: MacPherson strut
  • Rear: Independent suspension
  • Known for good balance and stability, especially in turbo models

Motorsport History

The Skyline R31 gained major fame in touring car racing, especially in Australian Group A racing.
The Skyline R31 GTS-R dominated races and earned the nickname:

“Godzilla” (a title later made legendary by the R32)

Nissan Skyline R31 GTS-R (Special Model)

  • Limited production (around 800 units)
  • RB20DET turbo engine
  • Lightweight body
  • Built specifically for racing homologation
  • Highly collectible today

Interior & Features

  • Analog gauges with sporty layout
  • Digital dashboard in some variants
  • Power windows and air conditioning (market-dependent)
  • Simple but driver-focused design

Why the R31 Is Special Today

  • First Skyline to use the RB engine family
  • Strong motorsport heritage
  • Affordable entry into classic JDM culture
  • Popular for engine swaps, drifting, and restorations

Common Uses Today

  • Classic JDM restoration projects
  • Drift builds
  • Street performance builds
  • Collector cars

Availability of the Nissan Skyline R31

Because the R31 was made from the mid‑1980s to late‑1980s, it’s no longer sold new anywhere. Today, R31s are only available in the used/classic car market, and that means they appear in places like:

  • Classic car listings and auctions
  • JDM import platforms
  • Private seller listings
  • Local classic car clubs
    The frequency of listings varies — sometimes there are a few for sale, sometimes none — because it’s a collector/enthusiast car and not a mass‑market vehicle anymore.

Typical Prices (Around the World)

Prices depend heavily on condition, mileage, engine type, model trim, and location:

🌍 Middle East / UAE Market (Example Listings)

  • Basic R31 model listings around ~AED 22,000 (roughly USD ~6,000) for older 4‑door examples.
  • A standard R31 turbo or GTS‑X can be listed around ~AED 90,000 (roughly USD ~24,500).
  • Custom or clean condition R31 builds are often in the AED 55,000 – 70,000 range.

🇺🇸 Example U.S. Listing

  • A listed 1988 R31 GTS was shown for $38,900 USD (about ~USD $40k) in recent dealer inventory — often with modifications or restoration work included.

🇮🇳 India Example

  • A rare R31 appeared for sale at ≈ ₹13.75 Lakh (~USD ~$16,500), though it was not running at time of sale and considered a project/restoration car.

Here are the biggest things that affect how much a Skyline R31 costs:

🔹 Condition

  • Mint / restored / low‑mile clean cars → highest prices
  • Project cars / needing work → lower prices

🔹 Model & Engine

  • Turbo GTS / GTS‑X / rare trims often cost more
  • Basic sedans or wagon versions are usually cheaper

🔹 Import Costs

  • In many countries (e.g., in South Asia or Europe), buying a Japanese import comes with shipping, registration, and duty fees that add to the total cost.

🔹 Collector Interest

  • R31s are older classics now, so demand from enthusiasts (especially in JDM groups) can push prices up.

Fun Fact

The R31 was designed with input from Nissan Australia, making it unique among Skylines.

The Nissan Skyline R31 may be a classic from the ’80s, but its legacy lives on in the hearts of car enthusiasts around the world. Whether you’re looking to own one, restore it, or simply admire its history, the R31 remains a true icon of Japanese automotive engineering.