1974 Nissan Skyline GT-R Tribute Kenmeri L20 Triple Mikuni Build

Dennis Winn

1974 Nissan Skyline GT-R tribute (Kenmeri)

Instagram: @dwinn_88

Photographer: Marvin Recinos 

Instagram: @Mr2mivin

Performance Stats: L20 engine with triple Mikuni 40PHH carburettors

"I told myself, fuck this, I don't care—I am getting this car, lol." – Dennis Winn

Initial D and the First JCCS

My name is Dennis Winn, and I drive a 1974 Nissan Skyline GT-R tribute (Kenmeri). I've had this car for about four years now.

I started getting into cars back when I was in high school, when a friend introduced me to the anime series Initial D. The more I watched the series, the more I took notice of different cars in reality. One day, my friends told me about a Japanese Classic Car Show and asked if I wanted to check it out. It was the first-ever JCCS in Long Beach.

Being born in America, it was mind-blowing to see cars with the steering wheel on the right side and fender mirrors—something you don't see every day in America. There were so many cool cars during the show, so many cars you want to obtain, but there can only be one for me.

The Car I'll Never Forget

"I will never forget when I first saw the Kenmeri Skyline. Such a sight I will never forget. Something very unique and rare about it. Reading about the history behind the car interested me. I knew that was the car for me one day."

At that time, Dennis was still a student. His priority was to finish school for his parents. After school was done, the next step was to get his life going with a career. During his years at work, he wasn't sure whether it was possible for him to get this car or not. "I didn't know what or how to process importing a car from Japan to the USA. I basically gave up and decided to work hard to find a home instead."

The Pandemic Search: Six Kenmeri Skylines Throughout America

Years later, before and during the pandemic, something changed. "I don't know what it was, but I wanted to pursue my dream again. I started researching and hunting for the Kenmeri through social media."

Since America was in lockdown, it was difficult to get out of the country. Luckily, Dennis found six Kenmeri Skylines available throughout the states. He contacted sellers and traveled throughout America to check out each car.

"The only issue I had during my search was that the price for the car had skyrocketed. The best thing to do was to find the right price that I could afford."

He found this 1974 Nissan Skyline in Seattle, Washington. "Just like the other five Kenmeri, they were all expensive, but something came over me. I told myself, fuck this, I don't care—I am getting this car, lol."

A Tribute to the Era

"My Kenmeri is a tribute to the era it's from. I built the car with other legendary Kenmeri in mind." While keeping the classic look, Dennis did add Sabelt racing harness and a Nardi steering wheel to switch up the interior from the purely stock aesthetic.

"Since then, I've had this car for almost four years now and going. Enjoying every moment of this car since I got it. One of the best things about having this car is meeting a lot of car enthusiasts."

Built to Perfection

"This car is so responsive and sounds so good. Built to perfection, tuned by one of the best."

The L20 engine with triple Mikuni 40PHH carburetors on a Harada manifold intake creates a sound and response that modern cars can't replicate. It's mechanical, analog, and visceral—everything a classic JDM car should be.

Complete Build Specifications

Engine

• L20 engine
• Triple Mikuni 40PHH carburetors
• Harada manifold intake
• KEW distributor

Brakes

• Front brake rotors
• Brake master booster

Interior

• Datsun Competition seats (reproduction)
• Datsun Competition rearview mirrors (reproduction)
• Sabelt racing seatbelt harness
• Nardi steering wheel
• Roll cage

Wheels and Exterior

• Watanabe wheels
• Marchal headlights

Who Did the Work?

JBZ Classics

Future Plans

• Black Mach steering wheel
• OEM Datsun Competition seats
• Autofriend racing seatbelt harness

The Community That Helps

"I also wanted to thank Taka from Kyusha House, Zach from ZSM Customs, Jhenessy from JBZ Classics, and my neighbor Rod for helping me take care of the car. Another thanks to Jaime from Sodel Designs for hooking me up with a lot of rare products."

Dream Car

"Gotta enjoy the journey for this car because it will never end."

Final Thoughts

From watching Initial D in high school to attending the first-ever JCCS in Long Beach, to giving up on the dream to focus on school and career, to hunting down six Kenmeri Skylines during the pandemic throughout America, to finally saying "fuck this, I don't care—I am getting this car"—Dennis Winn's journey to owning his 1974 Nissan Skyline GT-R tribute (Kenmeri) represents pure perseverance.

"I will never forget when I first saw the Kenmeri Skyline. Something very unique and rare about it." Four years later, with triple Mikuni 40PHH carbs, Watanabe wheels, Datsun Competition seats, and support from Kyusha House, JBZ Classics, ZSM Customs, and Sodel Designs, Dennis is living the dream he first had as a high school student.

"Gotta enjoy the journey for this car because it will never end." That's the perfect philosophy for owning one of Japan's most legendary classics.

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UKTM no: UK00003572459