1989 Nissan Skyline GT-R

Nicknamed “Godzilla” due to its dominance on both the street and the track, the R32 generation Nissan Skyline GT-R is one of the most fabled sports cars ever built in Japan. Nissan paired simple yet stunning looks with a potent twin-turbocharged inline-six and all-wheel drive to create a platform that was near unbeatable in its class on the racetrack. In streetcar form, the R32 GT-R is still sought after by enthusiasts today in both original and modified form. This example on display is in exceptional condition, with all original parts and about 14,000 miles.

The Skyline nomenclature was first introduced in 1957 by the Prince Motor Company, which became Nissan after the two companies merged in 1966. The car was by no means a high-performance car, resembling a smaller version of the Chevrolet Bel Air. The first GT-R was announced in 1969, though the GT-R name did not return until the R32 generation in 1989. The R32 GT-R was built to replace the R31 GTS-R, a successful racecar that shared several technologies with the R32. In racing specification, the R32 GT-R produced more than 500 horsepower, though the power output was a touchy subject for the road cars.

At the time, all the Japanese auto manufacturers held a “gentlemen’s agreement”, stating that any car’s horsepower could not exceed 280 in an attempt to limit road fatalities. When the GT-R was first driven by journalists in 1989, with a 2.6-liter, twin-turbocharged inline-six, and torque vectoring all-wheel drive, experienced “butt dynos” could quickly sense the GT-R produced far more than 280 horsepower. Some suggested the car could produce as much as 350 horsepower or more!

The GT-R earned its strong reputation in the Japanese Touring Car Championship. From 1989 to 1993, the GT-R won 29 of 29 races it entered – yes, you read that correctly, the GT-R was undefeated! The car was able to put significantly more power into the pavement, as the torque vectoring all-wheel drive allowed the car to avoid understeer when entering the turn while also accelerating out of turns quicker than the competition.   

Today, the R32 GT-R is a cult classic, a car adored by enthusiasts of all ages. The car has made appearances in popular movies and television series’ such as Fast and Furious and Initial D which, until the car was able to be legally imported into the U.S. in 2014 due to the 25-year rule, helped create a godly, unobtanium type of aura around the GT-R. Since 2014, prices have continued to rise, though enthusiasm has as well.

Specifications

Engine: 2.6 Liter Twin-Turbocharged Inline-Six

Horsepower: 276 @ 6800 RPM

Torque: 260 ft./lbs. @ 4400 RPM

Drivetrain: All-wheel drive, Five-Speed Manual

0-60 MPH: 5.6 Seconds

Top Speed: 156 MPH

Weight: 3152 lbs.

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1988 McLaren-Honda MP4/4 with Honda Engine

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1992 Autozam AZ-1