SP Rides: The Stunning Skyline
BY MICHAEL KITCHENS
Name: Eduardo Garcia Rosa
Age: 27
Occupation: U.S. Air Force
Hobbies: X-Box
Year, Make, Model: 1984 Skyline RS-Turbo
Color: Red and Black
Exterior: After market front and rear fender flares, after market front bumper
Interior: Momo steering wheel, Bride Brix seats, Stepmaster/Swiss auto gauges (oil pressure, oil temperature, water temperature, boost gauge), custom floor mats
Suspension: GAB coilovers, aftermarket shift knob
Wheels/Brakes/Tires: 16 by 8.5F, 16 by 9R Watanabe Wheels, R32 GTR front brakes, Yokohama DNA ECOS ES300 tires 205/50R16
Although he was born in Puerto Rico, Eduardo Garcia Rosa, affectionately known as GR, was first introduced to his love for all things JDM (Japanese domestic market) by serving in the U.S. Air Force while stationed in Japan. At twenty years young, he got his first taste of drifting culture thanks to his friends — who were both military and Okinawan. From that moment on his passions have revolved around Japanese rides like this classic 1984 Skyline RS-Turbo.
This sleek and sexy yet boxy throwback to the 80s is a real right-hand drive Skyline — and although we’ve featured cars from its incredible lineage such as the legendary Hakosuka, R32 and R35, the DR30 represents a true milestone in the Skyline timeline.
Known as “Tekkamen” or “Iron Mask” for its distinctive front fascia, this model became a true standout for the line. Thanks to its increased sporting ability and incredibly good looks, it soon became prominent in both racing on-track while bringing prestige back to the Skyline name.
Rosa would spend his weekends, from 11 at night to 6 in the morning, doing touge runs with his friends. While in Japan, he also owned incredible rides such as the S15 Silvia, the 180SX and, his pride and joy, a SR20DET powered S13 that he had put massive amounts of work into. Sadly, being right-hand drive, Rosa was unable to bring it back to the States comfortably.
After making it to Hawaii, he tooled around in a troublesome Cressida for a while when the urge hit him to move on to something better. Although the S13 was calling him again, he happened to see this pristine Skyline among the inventory, and the rest is history.
For a 33-year-old ride, this car looks incredible. It’s dropped on GAB coilovers that allow the 16 by 8.5 and 16 by 9 Watanabe Wheels to snug perfectly beneath the fender wells. R32 GTR front brakes can be seen peeking through. The exterior itself is lovingly maintained, and swathed in a traditional red and black panda paint scheme with aftermarket fender flares and front bumper to match. Of special note are the memorable headlights and the traditional Skyline rear tails.
Let’s not forget that this is a turbo-spec model, and although it might not be a horsepower monster, for its lightweight chassis this car is no slouch thanks to the OEM 245HP/181TQ. Throw in the additional goodies such as an HKS intake, 2.5-inch downpipe mate to a 3-inch stainless cat back exhaust and some tuning provided by the HKS F-Con, and this baby still puts out some formidable power.
The interior is immaculate. Reupholstered interior panels sit amidst an impeccable dash and console combo, retrofitted with some high quality Stepmaster/Swiss Auto Gauge gauges that allow for monitoring of all the engine vitals. Custom checkerboard floor mats match the sexy Bride Brix racing buckets while controllers of various type spit information back at the driver.
This car is so rare, and it makes for one heck of a conversation piece. This matches Rosa’s humble yet eager personality perfectly. “One of the reasons I’m into cars is because I like to meet new people and connect with other enthusiasts,” shared Rosa. “Having a car like this is like preserving history.”
