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!