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2014 Shannons Melbourne Late Summer Classic Auction
Lot
22

1994 Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R 'Midori Enhanced' Coupe

PASSED IN

Passed In

Specifications

Engine In-line 6-cylinder, 2600cc
Gearbox 5-speed manual
Body Work Coupe
Colour White
Interior Blue/Grey
Trim Cloth
Wheels Cast alloy
Brakes Discs

Description

This lot is no longer available

One of the few truly great Japanese cars, Nissan's legendary R32 Skyline was a technological Tour de Force conceived with one goal in mind - to dominate the Group A racing category. Nissan's engineers set about building the most sophisticated car ever made in Japan, combining all-wheel drive, a DOHC 2.6-litre in-line six with four valves per cylinder and twin turbos and Super HICAS all-wheel steering system. Developing a published 276 bhp in road-going form (although true output was nearer 300bhp), the R32's RB26DETT engine was capable of achieving more like 500bhp in race trim. Nissan's homologation special was clothed in typically understated bodywork that belied the true performance potential - an R32 GT-R unofficially held the lap record at the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany. Of course the R32's track record here in Australia is well known, earning it the nickname 'Godzilla' such was its dominance, with Mark Skaife and Jim Richards seemingly able to win at will despite attempts by officaldom to add weight penalties. The crowds at Bathurst may not have appreciated the Nissan's dominance at the time, but the R32 certainly earned the respect of the Australian motoring public and a limited run of 100 were imported for sale locally, priced at almost $110,000 each. In stock form the R32 may have had supercar levels of performance but that didn't stop the car from becoming one of the most modified of all time, with countless tuners offering all manner of go-faster parts, ranging from simple bolt-on bits to some wildly powerful factory conversions. The GT-R badge has continued to be worn by succeeding generations of Nissan's ultimate supercars but for many enthusiasts, particularly those of the Playstation generation, the original R32 holds a special place.