The 1986 Nissan Skyline Station Wagon GT Passage Turbo represents a truly distinct corner of Skyline lore. While the performance coupes command global attention, the R31 wagon quietly offered a potent mix of speed and utility. The seventh-generation Skyline, or R31, debuted in 1985 and was a significant car for Nissan. It moved the Skyline toward a more luxurious, upmarket position. Consequently, the addition of a station wagon body style was a natural fit for this new direction. It immediately stood out from the crowd for its blending of a six-cylinder turbo engine with family utility.
The R31 Generation and Design Shift
The R31 generation, often nicknamed “The Seven,” moved away from the sharp, square lines of its R30 predecessor. Its design language was decidedly more modern and angular, embracing the mid-1980s aesthetic. The sedan and wagon bodies shared a long, refined profile and prominent glasshouse. This gave the wagon excellent visibility and a generous cargo area. The “Passage” trim level denoted the higher-specification, more luxurious interiors of the R31 line. Thus, the wagon offered comfort features alongside its powerful mechanical package.
A Premium Turbocharged Estate
Nissan marketed the 1986 Nissan Skyline Station Wagon GT Passage Turbo primarily toward the Japanese Domestic Market. It was a sophisticated car for its time, designed for long journeys in comfort. This model brought turbocharging and the iconic GT designation to the wagon body. This confirmed its standing as a halo model within the estate segment. Furthermore, its unique combination of body style and drivetrain makes it a highly sought-after collectible today. Its rarity ensures it maintains a devoted enthusiast following.
Introducing the RB Engine Series
A major development for the R31 generation was the debut of the now-legendary RB-series engine family. This straight-six engine would go on to define the Skyline for decades. Specifically, the Wagon GT Passage Turbo often featured the single overhead cam, turbocharged RB20ET. This engine offered a smooth power delivery perfectly suited to a luxury performance wagon. For the first time in the Skyline, the RB engine introduced a new era of Nissan performance engineering. This technical advance underlined the car’s position as a genuine performance estate.
Advanced R31 Chassis Technology
The R31 chassis employed several features that underscored its advanced engineering. High-end R31 models, including many of the performance variants, featured Nissan’s innovative HICAS system. HICAS, or High Capacity Actively Controlled Steering, was an early form of four-wheel steering. It was designed to enhance high-speed handling stability and cornering response. The Skyline wagon also used an independent rear suspension setup. This advanced suspension further contributed to the car’s reputation for composed handling and a comfortable ride. The R31 was a true technological leap for the nameplate.
Power and Performance of the Station Wagon GT Passage Turbo
The 1986 Nissan Skyline Station Wagon GT Passage Turbo was powered by the 2.0-liter RB20ET single overhead cam, inline-six turbo engine. This smooth unit produced an estimated 129 kW, or 175 horsepower, a substantial figure for a wagon in the mid-1980s. Torque was also generous, rated at approximately 226 Nm. The power was delivered to the rear wheels, solidifying its rear-wheel-drive performance roots. This output allowed the Skyline wagon to offer surprisingly quick acceleration and effortless overtaking performance. It firmly established the car as a genuine “sleeper” on the road.
The Last of the Skyline Wagons
The R31 was the last generation of the Skyline to be offered with a station wagon body style. This fact alone adds a layer of significance to the model’s legacy. Subsequent generations focused exclusively on the sedan and coupe formats, especially the GT-R. Therefore, the 1986 Station Wagon GT Passage Turbo stands as a final testament. It showcases a brief, brilliant period where practicality and performance perfectly converged under the Skyline badge. It captures an era when performance did not necessitate sacrificing utility.
The 1986 Nissan Skyline Station Wagon GT Passage Turbo offers a unique narrative within the broader Skyline story. It successfully married the sophisticated, rear-wheel-drive R31 chassis with the potent new RB-series turbo engine. This combination created a distinctive, high-performance family car. The Skyline wagon remains a celebrated JDM icon, representing a rare and appealing blend of everyday usability and genuine turbo power.
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Source: Nissan
