Tetsu Ikuzawa’s overtake on the 904 GTS became the stuff of legend and, perhaps, the Skyline myth was guaranteed. In 1966 Prince merged with Nissan and the former was quickly phased out.

For a car never sold new in the U.S., the Nissan Skyline GT-R has an enviable reputation here. Enthusiasts know it as a movie and video-game star, and even as a surprisingly common matchbox car.

Made famous by Gran Turismo, and instantly recognisable by the Fast and Furious films, the R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R is arguably the Playstation generation’s Lamborghini Countach. But although the ...