Nissan Skyline GT-R BNR32 (R32)
The R32 Skyline GT-R was built for one purpose: to dominate Group A touring car racing. And dominate it did. From its debut at the 1990 Japanese Touring Car Championship, the R32 GT-R won every single round it entered — 29 consecutive victories in the JTCC, plus wins in the Bathurst 1000 in Australia, where stunned locals nicknamed it 'Godzilla.'
The GT-R's weapon was a combination of cutting-edge technologies. The RB26DETT engine — a 2.6-liter twin-turbo inline-six — was rated at 276 hp (the gentleman's agreement figure), though actual output was closer to 320 hp. The engine was mated to Nissan's ATTESA E-TS (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All Electronic Torque Split), which could send up to 50% of torque to the front wheels via a multiplate clutch. The rear axle featured an Active LSD. And a Super-HICAS four-wheel steering system rounded out the technology package.
The result was a car that could be driven with astonishing speed and confidence by amateurs, while offering limitless potential for experts. The RB26DETT proved to be one of the most tunable engines ever, with the bottom end capable of supporting 600+ hp and the aftermarket developing parts to push well beyond 1,000 hp.
The R32 GT-R was never officially sold in the United States, making it the forbidden fruit of JDM culture. As the 25-year import rule expired (2014+), prices surged. The R32 started the GT-R legend that continues with the R33, R34, and R35 generations.
Special variants included the lightweight N1 (homologation special, ~230 units) and the NISMO (limited to 560 units), both commanding significant premiums today.
R32 GT-Rs are now legal in the US (25-year rule). Check import documentation carefully — provenance from a reputable Japanese exporter matters. Key issues: RB26DETT turbo ceramic wheel failure (many upgrade to steel turbos), ATTESA E-TS transfer case wear, rust in front strut towers and rear wheel arches. Many cars are modified — factory-stock examples command a premium. The NISMO and V-Spec are most collectible. Check for accident damage (front subframe repairs) and verify the odometer (JDM cars often have low km but verify).
Total R32 GT-R production: 43,934 units (1989-1994). Never officially sold in the US (all US examples are JDM imports). NISMO version: 560 units. N1 race homologation: ~230 units. V-Spec (1993): added Brembo brakes and BBS wheels. The R32 was the first Skyline GT-R since the KPGC110 (1973), after a 16-year hiatus.