2012 Nissan GT-R Stage 4.25

Highlights

• Phenomenal GT-R Premium example of Nissan’s super-coupé

• Engine and gearbox replaced with Litchfield track spec conversion

• Over £12,500 spent on Stage 4.25 engine build with 666bhp

• Looks and sounds incredible

• Original UK car with manuals  

Overview

Last year, one of the longest-serving performance cars in Japanese history was laid to rest – a car of the type we may never see again, and one of the most thrilling drivers’ cars ever made.

Nicknamed ‘Godzilla’ after its all-conquering performances in Australian Touring Car Racing, the Nissan R-35 GT-R ran from 2007 until 2025, so although it may seem quite new in comparison with earlier Skyline GT-Rs, it was on sale for far longer than any of them – its popularity, not to mention its insane tunability, making it an instant classic. 

This is a car that’s all about the driver, thanks in no small part to its active suspension system and ATTESA E-TS Pro all-wheel-drive system, while even in standard tune, performance is phenomenal, assisted by standard launch control and torque vectoring. 0-60mph in under three seconds is possible without the extra potency of this example, which we’ll come to in a moment.

The 3.8-litre twin-turbocharged V6 produces around 480bhp in standard tune, with each engine hand-assembled by a master craftsman known as a “Takumi”. It works in tandem with a lightning-quick six-speed dual-clutch transmission

Then there’s the multi-function display in the centre of the dash. If you think it looks like something from a video game, then that’s because it is – it was developed in collaboration with Polyphony Digital (the creators of Gran Turismo) and delivers real-time data on everything from G-forces to turbo boost pressure. 

This focus on driver engagement and feedback defines the GT-R experience, and the visceral thrill of driving one. But for some, that’s not enough – and that’s how this car’s story came to be. 

An original UK car from 2012, it previously belonged to the current owner’s boss, who decided to replace it in 2021 with a 2019 Track Edition GT-R. He had, however, already spent a fortune on the engine in this car, which was putting out almost 1,000bhp. Under the bonnet of the track edition was a bespoke engine built by renowned performance specialists Litchfield Engineering at a cost of £12,688, so the engines were swapped over between the two, meaning this one is now running a Stage 4.25 map and a devilish 666bhp.

It’s not a car for shrinking violets, but it’s a seriously cool piece of kit. 

History and documentation

• UK registration document in the name of the vendor

• First registered 5 January 2012and supplied new by Yeomans Nissan

• MOT to be renewed before end of auction and will run until April 2027

• Original handbook and book pack

• Two keys

• Service history includes original PDI stamp and first service, but subsequent history is limited

• Full invoice for engine build in 2020, showing a total cost of £12,689.34

• Subsequent invoice from 2021 for £3,521 showing the engine being transplanted into this car from the Track Edition

• Engine build plaque on manifold

• The car has covered around 67,000 miles, but the engine and transmission fitted have done below 20,000 miles in total.

Interior 

• Black leather and Alcantara upholstery in excellent condition. 

• Very slight pull to driver’s seat stitching, but barely noticeable

• Genuine GT-R floor mats

• Electric two-stage heated seats

• Reversing camera

• Electric folding mirrors 

• Air con in full working order

• Tidy luggage area

• Digital screen in perfect working order

Exterior

• Deep Blue Pearl paintwork in superb overall order

• Some minor stone chips on bonnet

• Some scuffs to underside of front bumper/splitter, but not visible from eye-level

• Black carbon wrap on roof has deteriorated and would benefit from replacement

• No record of the car ever being accident damaged or structurally repaired

• Underside appears to be in good overall condition

• Paint finish is excellent with no signs of prior accident damage

• There are two small bubbles in the paint around each door mirror, about the size of a penny, which is common on all GT-Rs but hasn’t got any worse during current ownership

• Some minor deterioration to carbo-effect laminate on front bumper

• 20-inch TSW Nürburgring alloy wheels in great condition with no curbing

• Michelin Pilot Sport 4 sport tyres all round with 4mm tread.

Mechanical

• 3.8-litre twin-turbo V6

• Stage 4.25 map

• Estimated to put out 666bhp

• Bespoke-built engine made in 2020

• Less than 20,000 miles since installation

• Six-speed dual clutch sequential transmission

• Brembo brakes

• Adjustable fuel maps and turbo boost

• Car will be freshly serviced ahead of sale at the same time as it goes for its MOT

Summary

An R35 GT-R isn’t a car that comes with discretion at the best of times – indeed, among enthusiasts of JDM metal, video games and pure, outrageous performance, it’s one of the all-time kings. 

And this one has all the right ingredients – a high-spec bespoke engine build, impressive equipment levels and astonishing performance and grip. It’s a remarkable car, guaranteed to get your pulse racing.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This car is located in Bedford, Beds.