At the time of its 1989 launch the R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R, with its twin-turbo 2.6-litre RB26DETT motor and sophisticated ATTESA four-wheel drive system, packed a relatively radical sports car set-up. Official factory outputs were 280hp and 266lb ft, with a kerbweight of 1,480kg. A-to-B performance felt even faster than the official 4.7 seconds to 60mph figure suggested thanks to impressive levels of grip and that almost continual hi-tech torque transfer. A rugged five-speed manual was the only transmission option.
Then in 1990 Nissan began its Group A Touring Car campaign. Homologation rules required Nissan to produce a road-going equivalent of their race car, which was branded the Skyline GT-R NISMO.
With just 560 units manufactured the first NISMO GT-R was available only in Gunmetal Grey, and was followed in 1991 by another limited-edition version - the Skyline GT-R N1. Demand with Japanese buyers was huge and further R32 specials followed to celebrate the car's burgeoning motorsport success including the sought-after 1993 V (for victory)-Spec and 1994 GT-R V-Spec II models, before R32 production finally came to a close with a whopping 43,934 examples sold.
The R32 was never officially imported into the UK and note that the pre-facelift R32 is 50kg lighter than the 1991 facelifted car - which had its doors modified to improve safety. But whichever R32 takes your fancy, the view from those in the know is clear: "The original Godzilla is now becoming a legend as an affordable classic car," confirms GT-R expert Dave Warrener at The GT-R Shop. "R32s are destined to increase in value to over £50,000," he warns; "But if you're quick, there are still a few affordable examples out there for just under £20,000."
The RB26 legacy begins here
This is confirmed by market gurus Glass's and GT-R legend Andy Middlehurst at GT-R dealers Middlehurst Nissan. "The R32 was good value until about a year ago," Andy reflects, "But US buyers have pushed prices up a lot, so you're now looking at £25K to £30K for a really good example."
So with the best cars appreciating, does it make sense to buy an R32 to tune? "I'd leave this car standard now", Dave Warrender recommends. "Yes, a good example is best left in the garage for dry use," confirms Andy, "It's just too old now for a daily driver and adverse weather can ruin an R32 very quickly." But if you're after a GT-R for the track then don't go for the R32, "Track-wise it's a bit too narrow," Andy confirms. Those seeking a serious long-term R32 investment should seek out a NISMO version, or a standard car in a rare colour - like red, silver or blue.
Buy if: you're after an affordable appreciating asset
Don't buy if: you plan to take your GT-R on track
We found: 1992 Silver R32 GT-R, service history, 39K miles, £19,990
Price Guide
Poor: Under £17,000
Good: £17,000 to £28,000
A1: £28,000+
Special Editions: Low-mileage Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R NISMO can fetch more than £45,000