1993 Nissan R32 Skyline GT-R V-Spec 1 Coupe

Description

One of Japan’s all-time greats, Nissan's legendary R32 Skyline GT-R was a technological Tour de Force conceived with one goal in mind - to dominate Group A racing.  Unveiled in 1989, Nissan's engineers came up with the most sophisticated car to come out of Japan yet, combining all-wheel drive and the Super HICAS all-wheel steering system with a sublime DOHC 2.6-litre in-line six.  Conservatively rated at 276 bhp in road-going form (the real output was nearer 300 bhp), the R32's high-tech RB26DETT engine was capable of achieving more like 500 bhp in full race specification, thanks to four valves per cylinder and twin turbos.  Nissan's homologation special was clothed in typically understated bodywork that belied its performance potential; indeed, an R32 GT-R unofficially held the lap record at the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit in Germany.  A number of special editions were offered during the R32’s production life, including the V-Spec that incorporated Brembo brakes, 17-inch BBS wheels shod with bigger tread and a revised 4WD system.  Built to celebrate Nissan’s racing success in Group N and Group A, just 1396 units were built between February 1993 and October 1994.  Of course, the R32's track record here in Australia is well known - thanks to its dominance on local circuits in the early 1990s, the Skyline earned the nickname 'Godzilla'. Despite attempts by officialdom to add weight penalties, drivers Mark Skaife and Jim Richards were able to virtually win at will.  The partisan 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.  The GT-R badge 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 and the cars have taken on legendary status amongst collectors and enthusiasts around the country.