RETURN OF A LEGEND, BIRTH OF A MONSTER

The Skyline was born of humble origins in 1957. It was introduced by the Prince Motor Company, and, like many cars of the time in Japan, where space and resources were limited, it was a small and modestly powered car whose design was influenced by the West. All of that would change in 1964 with the introduction of the S54 Skyline 2000GT. It was aimed squarely at competing in the GT-II class at the Japanese Grand Prix, with a larger six-cylinder engine versus the modest inline four.

The third-generation Skyline, the iconic “Hakosuka,” was introduced in 1968. With the racing success of the 2000GT, Nissan further developed the car with the ultimate iteration, the 2000GT-R. Powered by the race-derived S20 inline six, the GT-R featured dual overhead camshafts, a cross-flow head with four valves per cylinder, and a hemispherical combustion chamber fed by triple dual-throat Mikuni-Solex side-draft carburetors. A redesigned coupe was launched in late 1972; however, rising oil prices and subsequent emissions restrictions hindered sales and put an end to the all-out performance model.

It was not until another 16 years and several generations later had passed, that Nissan would revive their top-of-the-line Skyline. In May 1989, the eighth-generation (R32) was introduced, and the “GT-R” badge would return in August that year. It, much like its legendary forefather, featured a DOHC inline six, though it was now packed with the latest of technology. The twin turbocharged 2.6-liter engine, modestly rated at 280 horsepower, was coupled with electronically controlled four-wheel drive, dubbed ATTESA E-TS, all-wheel steering, and multi-link independent suspension. Again, like the GT-R of the past, the Skyline would dominate on the track, holding the honor of not losing a single race in the All Japan Championships, as well as claiming an overall victory at the Spa 24 Hours and consecutive wins at the Bathurst 1000. A new legend was born: Godzilla.

With near unlimited performance potential, along with a budding tuner scene, most GT-Rs were heavily modified by their owners. There existed not only an incredible aftermarket but also huge factory support from Nissan’s motorsport division, Nismo. As such, it has become exceedingly rare to find a “bone-stock” and never modified example. The GT-R offered here is just that rare case.

Acquired new by the current owner, this Skyline has been driven less than 14,000 documented kilometers, during which time it was routinely serviced by the Nissan dealership in Tokyo, Japan. The only catalogue parts included with the car are a full set of “Skyline” floor mats; it is otherwise just as it left the factory. Further documentation includes its owner’s manual and service book in their original pouch, along with a dealership parts brochure (for said mats), a spare key, and a file of reports from its routine servicing.

The BNR32 is without a doubt an icon of its generation. And as the import exclusion for this generation Skyline has recently expired, the “Godzilla” GT-Rs are becoming legal within the US. While many are entering the market, few, if any, have never been modified. This exceptionally original, low-mileage GT-R is just the legend that Gran Turismo aficionados have been waiting for.