1992 Nissan Skyline GT-R

  • Incredible performance from a twin-turbocharged inline six

  • Made Nissan competitive with high end supercars from German and Italian manufacturers

  • Cult following due to not being imported into the  United States before the 25-year Import Rule

    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, enthusiasts still seek the R32 GT-R 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 this point in time, all the Japanese auto manufacturers held a “gentlemen’s agreement,” stating that any car’s horsepower could not exceed 280 to help 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 formidable 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 a significant more power to 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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