Tuesday 4th August 2015

Skyline R32 prices on the rise

Wanted in £100K Garages and real life, the R32 GT-R is on the rise. So what's next?

---

It was bound to happen eventually. Finally the Nissan Skyline GT-R R32 is beginning to appreciate, and it's thanks to America. Its 25-year importation rule means the earliest R32s are now eligible to be brought to the States; add in that car's cult appeal as a Gran Turismo legend plus fairly low prices not that long ago and it's easy to see how Godzilla demand is now rising.

It can go to the US next year...

Indeed, importers are suggesting prices have doubled in Japan as America clamours for an iconic car they've so long been denied. On PH ad prices are now listed including US shipping, if they're still available. For £15K or thereabouts they do look superb value. Certainly whoever purchased the R32 NISMO for that money last year must be rubbing their hands with glee this year as it it's now possible to export it to America.

Interestingly this isn't the end of the cheap GT-R, not just yet. Until the cars qualify for US export status demand isn't quite as high. This stunning and very nearly standard (no, really) R32 can be sent to the US next year but is currently just £17K. Surely America would be all over it in 2016?

Some potential, if you can find one...

The rise in Skyline values also begs the question of what other could prove a wise investment as America is allowed to get hold of them. The Lancia Delta Integrale would seem the obvious one but whether that car holds as much cachet in America as the Nissan is unknown. Wasn't on Gran Turismo as much, was it?

Early Mitsubishi Evos would appear to have potential too, the first cars turning 25 in 2017 and America denied a lairy Lancer until the Evo VIII. Crucially too the early cars remain cheap; America will surely want the NSX-R as well (25 in 2017) but the world has already woken up to those and prices reflect it. Same with E30 M3s in fact, which appear to gain money every week. That and their availability in the US from new. Looking further ahead, the Audi RS2 does look good as something for the US - if you can find one. See here and here for how excited America is about the prospect of having one there.

It will be fascinating to see how the market responds to the US demand; presumably it will see values climb yet further for certain cars but there's no guarantee. All suggestions on anything missed gratefully received!

[Sources: Road&Track, Jalopnik, Germancarsforsale]

[j_s14a]

No mention of the MK4/JZA80 Supra?

These cars are already legendary in the US thanks to the unbustable engine and drivetrain combination. They are still winning competitions, and Supras can fetch over $100k in the US.

[parabolica]

I never liked the shape of the R32 when I was growing up (during the F'n'F years), much preferred the R33. However more recently I've come to really admire the R32 shape; along with the much earlier incarnations of the Skyline which now fetch stupid money.

[redroadster]

It's always the first version which comes back to be worth the most after time, compare escorts etc and this skyline was really good in its time not surprising its on the up.

[gareth_r]

j_s14a said:

No mention of the MK4/JZA80 Supra?
These cars are already legendary in the US thanks to the unbustable engine and drivetrain combination. They are still winning competitions, and Supras can fetch over $100k in the US.

It will be interesting to see what happens. Could be a double-edged sword, driving prices up in Japan and the UK, and down in North America.

We'll find out in 2018.

[Schermerhorn]

Articles like this make me smile. It's one of the reasons why I am keeping my 3.0 Twin Turbo 2JZGTE Supra now. Prices are going to go up and up and up.






































These old Japanese engines are so incredibly powerful. For less than £10,000 I could be running close to 650BHP on my Supra. On boost (over 4000rpm) it is frightening.

The R32 and R33 GTRs would make mincemeat of mine around a race track though.

[RobinBanks]

I'm guessing no one's talking about them in America because they don't know of them, but surely someone there must want a Lotus Carlton?

[FIREBIRDC9]

Fantastic cars

I just hope that they aren't all completely butchered with mods leaving even fewer standard cars around.

If I was sticking to the Japanese route , this would have been my next! (Currently on an MR2)

In gunmetal grey with the 5 spoke wheels!


Mmmmm!

[estoril]

RobinBanks said:

I'm guessing no one's talking about them in America because they don't know of them, but surely someone there must want a Lotus Carlton?

Why, do you have one to sell?

[Chris944_S2]

RobinBanks said:

I'm guessing no one's talking about them in America because they don't know of them, but surely someone there must want a Lotus Carlton?

I doubt it. More likely the Opel Lotus Omega, with the steering wheel on their side.

[B6NHM]

Prices of all model skylines are starting to sky rocket. I sold my R33 GTST I got £2500 which was a going price back then now you couldn't buy a heap for that sort of money.

[Skylinecrazy]

Looks like I bought mine just in time

[Fish]

TVR Tuscans can go to Canada now....

[FIREBIRDC9]

Skylinecrazy said:

Looks like I bought mine just in time

ohh yes!

[B6NHM]

Just bought another R33 wish I got a 32 now

[Yertis]

article said:

Certainly whoever purchased the R32 NISMO for that money last year must be rubbing their hands with glee this year as it it's now possible to export it to America.

Only if they bought it with the intention of possibly selling it on to make a profit. Otherwise it's academic.

I don't understand this obsession with rising car values, we're not all dealers. For people who actually like their cars (this being PH) a big spike in values is a PITA because the cars you already own cost more to insure and maintain, and the cars you aspire to own rocket off out of reach.

[Baryonyx]

Schermerhorn said:

Articles like this make me smile. It's one of the reasons why I am keeping my 3.0 Twin Turbo 2JZGTE Supra now. Prices are going to go up and up and up.

That would look great with the original TT wheels on it and a metallic finish. Have you ever considered a manual conversion too?

[Andy616]

Yertis said:

Only if they bought it with the intention of possibly selling it on to make a profit. Otherwise it's academic.

True. I'd never sell mine but it's nice to know it's worth a bit more than I paid for it. It makes the maintenance costs seem a bit more reasonable.

Mine was 25 years old on the 26th June this year. Some random pictures:

[Neil E 99]

FIREBIRDC9 said:

ohh yes!

First time I came across one of these things was late at night and I pulled up behind it in my Monza GSE.
I folowed for a couple of miles still trying to work out what it was. Then we hit country lanes with long straight bits. I though the Monza was fairly rapid for what it was and the fact it was a time when it wasnt to old. It left me for dead I was flat out on the straights. Then after he slowed we came across the twisty bends which I knew well. It dissapeared for view in a flash. I was doing everything to keep up but it was a lost cause. As soon as I got home out came all the books (yes it was long before internet) to find out what it was.
I dont think I have ever been so stunned to see how much quicker all round this car was to mine.
Amazing car then and now.

[mr2j]

j_s14a said:

No mention of the MK4/JZA80 Supra?

These cars are already legendary in the US thanks to the unbustable engine and drivetrain combination. They are still winning competitions, and Supras can fetch over $100k in the US.

Not so much I would imagine because they were available for the US market sold as the Supra Turbo.

[rossub]

The US market never had a classic Impreza with a turbo either.

The best they got was the 3 door N/A 2.5 RS

Early Imprezas in decent condition are nearly as difficult to find in Japan as they are here. Still really cheap though.