A LEGEND RETURNS

The Nissan Skyline GT-R is, quite possibly, the most famous Japanese sports car ever assembled. Known the world over for its myriad appearances in popular media and atop motorsport podiums, the monstrous performance capabilities of the GT-R are often preceded by its iconic reputation. From humble beginnings as a modestly powered “economy” platform of the late 1950s, each successive generation has pushed the boundaries of automotive technology, design, and performance. As Nissan’s flagship sport model for more than 50 years, the top-of-the-line Skyline GT-R remains the pinnacle of Japanese performance and desirability.

Cleaved from the Skyline platform in 1969 and heavily modified for motorsport, the first generation 2000GT-R saloon was a machine hell-bent on domination, amassing 49 consecutive victories between May 1969 and October 1971. In 1973, Nissan would shelve the model for 17 years until May 1989, when they introduced the R32 Skyline GT-R. The R32 was, for the time, truly a monument to overengineering: HICAS all-wheel steering, front and rear limited-slip differentials, ATTESA-ETS all-wheel drive system, multilink independent suspension, all-wheel anti-lock brakes, and the versatile RB26DETT engine, which proved a near-limitless tuning platform.

The 2.6-liter inline-six twin-turbocharged engine produces a very conservatively rated 280 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque at full power in stock trim. Much like its predecessor, the R32 GT-R dominated sanctioned motorsport series and clandestine racing events with unparalleled prejudice, earning the moniker “Godzilla.” The sleek-if-boxy look, advanced power management technology, and twin-turbo powerplant capable of wide-ranging performance modifications immediately cemented the GT-R as a popular, readymade street legend.

FROM JAPAN TO HONG KONG

This very nicely preserved first-year R32 Skyline GT-R was acquired by the consignor in 2018 and thereafter imported to his residence in Hong Kong. The car’s black exterior presents a wonderful complement to its grey cloth upholstery. At time of cataloguing this Skyline’s odometer indicates fewer than 29,250 kilometers (~18,175 miles), at total supported by a 2018 Hong Kong registration. The consignor further notes that this car remains, rather amazingly, unmodified—excepting the period-correct set of BBS wheels and an aftermarket exhaust system. These minor modifications could easily be reversed if desired, bringing the car to fully stock configuration.

Nissan’s Skyline GT-R model is one of very few longstanding “cult” models whose proud lineage anchors the continued worldwide renown for Japanese sports cars. Relatively few classic examples from the R32 generation of the model have survived to the present without major modifications to their powertrain or chassis. This first-year R32 example offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the famous, well-balanced “Godzilla” driving experience for one’s self.