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?

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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.

[j_s14a]

B6NHM said:

Nothing around that time could keep up with the 32 on or of the track. For a long time the 32 dominated the race classes it entered. Seem to remember the HKS r32 was considered a legend

One of the legendary HKS R32 Touring cars is currently in the UK on tour

[j_s14a]

mr2j said:

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

However, there is such a disparity between US and UK pricing because demand far outstrips supply in the US.

Plus, the Supra has really grown in to its looks. The R32 is a beast, but it is hardly beautiful like the Supra.

Here's mine.

[j_s14a]

Neith said:

Would love one of these but finding it very difficult to sell my current car to fund it. Even prices on the R33s are starting to increase as well, it's just much more noticable on the R32. To be honest I'm surprised values have stayed as low as they have until now on the 32; with such a cult status it seemed amazing you could pick one up for 9-10k.

Might be something I have to pass on unfortunately and just dump the money into the S15

On the contrary, R33 prices are suffering. There's a thread going on GTROC on the subject, some put it down to the R32 prices.

[j_s14a]

5ohmustang said:

Stunning, what is maintainance like on the r32?

Pretty horrific.

The RB engines have fairly weak bottom ends(as with most Nissan performance engines of the 80's and 90's), which is the reason why so many that are advertised have had rebuilds. The synchros go in the gearbox, they are renowned for electrical issues, rust is a big problem (though the R33 and R34 are worse than the R32 for this), and parts have Skyline tax applied. The oilpump is weak, and a Tomie upgraded one is £1k. The interior is basic, similar to a 200sx, but is much nicer than the MK1 Ford Mondeo esque interior of the R33.

On the plus side, they are great to drive. The RB engine is a true great, and really howls. Tuning is expensive, but when it all comes together, they are amazing.