The R35 Nissan GT-R is a JDM legend. Like the aging 370Z that was recently replaced by the all-new Nissan Z, the R35 is undeniably dated and has gradually been phased out in major markets around the globe over the last few months. Yes, the GT-R's powerful twin-turbo V6, great handling, and enduring styling have kept it in contention but its time in the sun is up. The GT-R's lineage - including the famous R32 that was nicknamed Godzilla - can be traced way back to the Skyline GT-R that first appeared in 1969 and which was sold exclusively in Japan.

Affectionately known as 'Hakosuka' which loosely translates to 'Boxy Skyline', an exemplary example of this first-generation model is now going up for auction at Pebble Beach. This 1971 Nissan Skyline 2000GT-R comes in the sporty two-door coupe body style and is one of the finest examples of the first-gen GT-R.

Revealed after the four-door sedan in 1970, the two-door Hardtop - also known as the H/T - is both shorter and lighter than the sedan. The styling is bolder than the sedan with additions like rear fender flares, and it has a simple interior with aluminum pedals, racing bucket seats, and a sporty three-spoke steering wheel. The deep-set analog gauges are refreshingly simple, and the excellent condition of the upholstery is surprising considering that it's entirely original.

This particular example was originally sold in April 1971 in Tokyo and its owner held onto it until 2017. At that point, it was sold to Symbolic International of San Diego, California. The car's well-preserved condition is down to the fact that it was kept in static museum storage since 1984.

Before it was exported to the US, the GT-R was recommissioned. It remains mostly original, and the SSR alloys are one of the few telltale differences between this one and the original car that rolled off the production line.

The car is powered by a 2.0-liter six-cylinder engine with three Mikuni Kogyo Solex carburetors. It was originally said to produce 160 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and, having covered under 37,000 miles, the engine should still be in good nick. The inline-six is paired with a five-speed manual gearbox operated by a tall, slim shifter. Brakes are discs in the front and drums at the back, and there is a rear trailing-arm suspension with coil springs.

Listed by Gooding & Company, this remarkable car is one of just 1,115 H/T variants to be produced and is expected to sell for between $225,000 and $275,000 without reserve. Over 50 years from now, we wouldn't be even slightly surprised to see well-preserved examples of the R35 selling for big bucks just like this 2000GT-R - provided there are still gas pumps around to keep them going.