WHERE GT-R HERITAGE BEGAN
The Prince & Skyline Museum in Okaya represents a crucial chapter of Japanese automotive history. Before Nissan became synonymous with the Skyline GT-R, there was Prince Motor Company—an independent automaker that created the original Skyline nameplate. Understanding Prince is understanding where the legend began.
Prince Motor Company was founded in 1947 from the remnants of Tachikawa Aircraft. Japanese engineers who had built Zero fighters turned their aerospace expertise to automobiles. This aviation heritage influenced every aspect of their engineering philosophy—performance, precision, and innovation. The GT-R's racing DNA traces back to these origins.
The museum houses an exceptional collection of Prince-era vehicles. Early Skyline sedans, the legendary S54 GT-R, Prince Gloria models, and rare prototypes fill the exhibition halls. Seeing these vehicles in person reveals how revolutionary Prince's engineering was for its era. Each car tells a story of Japanese automotive ambition.
The 1966 merger with Nissan brought the Skyline into a new era. But the Prince engineering philosophy persisted, evolving through every subsequent GT-R generation. This museum connects the dots from postwar dreams to today's legendary performance cars. For Skyline enthusiasts, this is a pilgrimage site.
COLLECTION HIGHLIGHTS
The S54 Skyline GT stands as the museum's crown jewel. This was the car that defined "GT-R" as a concept—a racing homologation special that dominated Japanese motorsport. Seeing one in person, you understand why the legend persists. Prince created something timeless.
Beyond the Skylines, Prince Gloria models showcase executive luxury. These elegant sedans competed with Toyota Crown and Nissan Cedric, representing Japan's aspirations for world-class automobile manufacturing. The museum preserves this broader context. Prince was more than just sports cars.