Forty-five years ago Dodge released the 1969 Coronet. The front design incorporated a unique box design that surrounded the dual headlight housings on both sides. Chrome trim framed the headlights and two long chrome trim strips stretch top and bottom of the narrower grill in between. For the final touch, a red R/T badge was position on the driver’s side of the grill.
Later that year Nissan introduced the 1969 Skyline GT-R with shockingly similar design queues up front. In all fairness to Nissan, the original Skyline GT-R was originally developed by Prince Motor Company.
Quick history lesson. Price Motor Company was acquired by Nissan in 1966 and soon phased out the Prince name plate but not before exclusively selling the 1969 Skyline GT-R in the Prince Nissan Stores. Only 1,945 Skyline GT-Rs were built and by today’s estimates only 500 are remaining on the streets of Japan.
Obviously the Nissan is a much smaller car than the American counterpart but it would be easy for the untrained eye to mistake the two from afar. The grill shape, use of chrome trim and placement of the GT-R badge is mighty reminiscent of Dodge’s product.
Here we see a 1969 Dodge Coronet four-door sedan. What do you think? Are the similarities are a bit too similar? This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Nissan went on to take the GT-R name plate to places typically reserved for super cars. Dodge, on the other hand, well, there isn’t much demand for Coronets.
What do you think? Are the similarities are a bit too similar?
