SP Rides: The Birth of a Legend
BY MICHAEL KITCHENS
Name: Dean Pang
Occupation: CIO
Hobbies: Cars
Year/Make/Model: 1971 Nissan Skyline Hakosuka GT-R
Color: Custom Blue Pearl Metallica (Exterior), White with Chameleon Pearl (engine bay)
Engine: L28 In-Line 6 Nissan Engine, Factory A/C, JDM – Triple Mikuni Carburetors, Fujitsubo’s Custom Headers and Exhaust System, Custom Neo Chrome-Titanium (Valve Cover, Heat Shield, Titanium Velocity Stacks), Custom Aluminum Radiator, Odyssey PC680 Battery – Battery Bills, Odyssey Hold Down Bracket – Battery Bills
Exterior: Custom Steel Flares by G1 Auto Body, Custom Carbon Fiber Hood, New OEM Chrome Bumpers, New JDM Hakosuka Skyline Badging, New JDM Hakosuka Skyline Rear Spoiler, New JDM Hakosuka Skyline Front Spoiler
Interior: JDM Right Hand Driver (RHD), Custom Carbon Fiber Dash, Factory original interior, Key’s Custom JDM Steering Wheel, JDM Pioneer Speakers
Chassis/Suspension: Techno Toy Tuning (T3 Camber Plates, CoilOvers), Eibach ES Race Springs, Cusco Strut Bar
Wheels/Brakes/Tires: Rays Volk Racing – TE37VSL 2015 Limited Edition 4×114.3 17×9.5J -15, T3 Wilwoods Big Disc Brakes System with Drilled Rotors, Nexen Tires in 235/40/17
As an import enthusiast and automotive photographer, I cannot describe the overwhelming joy and excitement I experienced photographing this week’s ride — a pristine example of a 1971 Nissan Skyline GT-R. Known as the “Hakosuka,” this is the big daddy and the beginning of the legendary GT-R name. It’s not only the real deal, but it’s also the only one of its kind in Hawaii. Take one look at this beauty and you’ll realize that owner Dean Pang has something incredibly special on his hands.
Pang has always owned performance cars of several makes and models and once ran the 808 Camaro club for Hawaii. So why the Skyline? Because it’s different, it’s unique. The first-generation Nissan Skyline GT-R was known as a motorsports legend, accruing 1,000 victories during the initial production run from 1969 until 1972. Equipped with a 2.0 DOHC S20I6 featuring 160HP and 131TQ combined with a 5-speed transmission and one of the best handling chassis of its era, the car was a dynamo for its time.
The fact that it’s a super rare car (only 1,945 have ever been made) certainly makes an impact. Most car lovers, however, will simply be blown away by its appearance, which is immaculate. Pang absolutely scored when he came upon this chance purchase. What he has done with it is beyond expectations, though. This car has been rebuilt from the ground up and has been fully restored.
Originally silver, the body has now been coated in a gorgeous Custom Blue Pearl Metallic by Chad Domingo of NAPA Paint. Custom steel flares that preserve the surf line of the car have been hand-molded by G1 Auto Body. All the emblems, side markers and bumpers have been lovingly replaced with original OEM pieces. Combined with the refreshed lights and grill, the exterior is stunning.
The original L28 In-line 6 has been restored and placed perfectly within the breathless white with chameleon pearl bay. Pang took great care to painstakingly refresh many of the original components such as the horn and various accessories. Triple Mikuni carburetors sit alongside the neo chrome titanium valve cover while a custom aluminum radiator provides cooling. A full Fujitsubo custom header and exhaust system provides the growl while a reverse custom carbon fiber hood hides the bling.
It’s a little weird seeing Pang behind the wheel while on the wrong side of the car. The right-hand drive interior is practically stock, but lovingly maintained. A carbon fiber dash and Key’s Custom steering wheel that has been re-stitched are the biggest changes. A nice touch is the Japanese Electronic Toll System while JDM Pioneer speakers have been installed for audio.
The chassis and suspension have also been given a make over and now this legend sits low on Techno Toy Tuning T3 coilovers with matching camber plates along with a Cusco strut bar. Eibach ES Race Springs have been added as well to help the limited edition Rays Volk Racing TE37VSLs hug the road. For stopping power, the front brakes have been replaced with a T3 Wilwood Big Disc Brakes System and drilled rotors.
This car is the ultimate expression of what being an enthusiast is about. Pang has taken a car that was already special and gone full-tilt into making it even better. Indeed, he’s not only preserving history, he’s making the legend greater.
