There’s just something undeniably cool about the late-’70s Nissan Skyline KGC210 — that unmistakably boxy, “quasi-luxury” silhouette that made it stand out in Japan’s golden age of shakotan and bosozoku street style.
Known overseas as the Datsun 240K/280K, this C210-generation Skyline might be the least-popular, least-hyped Skyline chassis made, but it still has appeal to car customizers chasing that vintage Japanese kyusha car vibe.
Last night I caught up with Ray Ramolete from RaysFactory, who shared the sad news that his good friend, John Oshima, had recently passed away. Hearing this made me dig through my office to unearth one of my old 17-year-old hard drives to find a forgotten photoset — images I originally shot on July 14, 2008, in Downtown Las Vegas. Looking back now, those photos feel like a true time capsule of John’s Skyline, a car that perfectly captured his spirit and style.
It makes me sad knowing John never got to see these newly re-edited photos — shots I finally reopened and touched up today, just a week too late. Moments like this remind me how short our time really is, and how important it is to make the most of it. Cars, photos, late-night hangs… it’s all about the memories we create with our friends while we’re still here.
As I look back at these old shots of John’s Nissan Skyline KGC210, I’m reminded that these cars aren’t just metal and wheels — they’re markers of time, friendships, and stories that live on long after we’re gone.
Rest in peace, John. Your Skyline — and your spirit — will always roll with us.
For anyone who knew John, please feel free to write your favorite memories about him or his car in the comments section.
:: Antonio Alvendia
Instagram: @AntonioSureshot • @MOTORMAVENS
www.antoniosureshot.com
