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, uninspired “economy” platform of the late 1950s, each successive generation has pushed the boundaries of automotive technology, design, and performance. As the 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. By 1973 Nissan would shelve the model for seventeen years until May 1989, when they introduced the BNR32 Skyline GT-R. The R32 was, for the time, truly a monument to overengineering—HICAS all-wheel steering, front-and rear limited-slip differentials governed by the ATTESA-ETS all-wheel drive system, multilink independent suspension, all-wheel anti-lock brakes, and the versatile RB26DETT engine.

The 2.6-liter inline six-cylinder twin-turbocharged engine produces a conservatively rated 280 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque at full power. Much like its predecessor, the R32 GT-R dominated motorsport and clandestine racing events with unparalleled prejudice, earning the moniker “Godzilla.” The sleek-if-not-boxy look, advanced power management technology, and twin-turbo powerplant capable of near-endless performance modifications immediately cemented the GT-R as a popular, readymade street legend.

The R32 offered here was acquired by the seller in September 2018 from the Bryan Frank Collection, and was previously imported, titled, and federalized by Tomonaka Co., a Las Vegas-based JDM importer. The Cherry Red exterior presents beautifully, though several areas of previous reconditioning are noted. The charcoal interior has benefited from an impressive refresh—supple black leather trims the OEM rear seats and heavily-bolstered aftermarket Recaro bucket seats up front. Tasteful modifications include a stainless steel Veilside exhaust, HKS boost controller, Blitz turbo timer, Defi control unit, front and rear strut tower ties, and several accompanying gauges. The six-spoke Advan Racing RG-D2 18-inch wheels are shod in high-performance 255/35 Yokohama tires. A small pair of fog lights mounted to the lower front fascia round out the sinister curb appeal of this Japanese monster.

The sale of this GT-R is accompanied by partial Japanese service records, accessory manuals, GT-R owner’s manual, and two keys. Now showing just 126,133 kilometers (~78,375 miles), the provenance, condition, and mild aftermarket modifications of this R32 Skyline GT-R make it the ideal platform for any collector looking to fulfill their own JDM dream.