Yesterday Pete and I met up for an early morning shoot. We weren’t sure if the weather would cooperate, but the ominous clouds seemed to wait it out for us. Pete recently purchased this 1975 Nissan Skyline”Kenmeri” (ケンメリ)  from JDM Legends.  JDM Legends has brought over several Kenmeri’s within the last few years, but this might be my particular favorite. If you are not aware; the Kenmeri C110 Skyline is very rare stateside. If I could guess, I would say there are probably less then 20 in North America. In fact, this is actually the first and only Kenmeri in Illinois.

When you hear “Kenmeri,” it just screams “Japanese.”  However, it’s not actually a Japanese word per se. The c110 Skyline will forever be associated with the “Ken & Mary” advertising campaign in Japan. This highly successful advertising strategy led to large Nissan Skyline sales throughout Japan in the 1970’s.  The campaign featured two characters named Ken and Mary, hence the Skyline’s moniker of “Kenmeri (Ken & Mary).”

Pete’s Skyline is a 1975 GT model. It’s been modified to give it the popular “GT-R look.” This is very common in Japan. In fact, most conversions also include a GT-R badges which leads to confusion by the novice car enthusiast. In Japan however, switching out emblems is more or less a “tribute,” rather then what we commonly call “faking the funk.” In other words, an acceptable social practice. Speaking of the GT-R; if you ever have the opportunity to purchase a legit Kenmeri GT-R (KPGC110), jump on it- only 197 were ever made!

GT-R exterior components such as the grill, over-fenders, tail light garnish, rear spoiler and black colored fender mirrors completing the “clone” look that is very popular with these cars.

Datsun competition style seats provide a very snug interior fit.

14″ Watanabe wheels are the perfect complement for any Japanese vintage car.  Specs are as follows: 14×8.5 -13 front / 14×9.5 -25 rear. The car is lowered with an adjustable front coilover system and the rear sits on KYB Adjustable Shocks.

The heavens really opened up for this shot.

Small details such as the “skyline” etched on the dash is also present in Pete’s Hakosuka Skyline. Oh… did we mention he owns a Hako as well?!

Very cool handmade shift knob by Nostalgic Grains.

Pete was lucky the previous owner in Japan replaced the 2.0L motor with the peppier L28. The L28 is outfitted with triple Mikuni (Nismo) 44mm carburetors.

Thanks for reading this small feature and be sure to check out Pete’s Kenmeri at the next jdmc event.

-jdmchicago