R32 Skyline GT-R at the Osaka Auto Messe 2023
The Osaka Auto Messe 2023, held at Intex Osaka from February 10 to 12, 2023, was one of the largest customized car shows in western Japan. A total of 560 vehicles, ranging from sports cars, minivans, and EVs to Kei-cars, were displayed in various booths. Among them was the R32 Skyline GT-R, which had been on sale more than 30 years ago.
A former demonstration car used for drag races and circuit races
It was displayed at the booth of Endless, a professional shop in Kobe, western Japan. This shop specializes in GT-R tuning. They brought this R32 Skyline GT-R to the Osaka Auto Messe along with two R35s.
This R32 was a shop project car with high power for 400 meters* specifications, but over 10 years ago, passed into the hands of its current owner. *about a quarter mile for a drag race in Japan
You’d have to be an enthusiast to figure out the body color and fender work!
First, the engine was overhauled. While doing so, the engine was bored up with oversized forged pistons, and twin HKS GT III-RS turbines were installed. However, torque at low speeds was weak, so the HKS V Cam system, a variable valve timing system, was additionally installed. This made driving around town a stress-free ride. A single-throttle surge tank sits in the engine compartment, a remnant of the former 400-meter specification era.
This R32 is often thought to be a 400m spec since it does not have a rear spoiler, but in reality, it is mainly for street use. The elaborate work was done by painting it all silver from the famous tuning car NISMO R34 GT-R Z-tune, and the front and rear fenders were molded nicely. The aero system is modest, with only a lip spoiler and a small spoiler at the rear, but the engine compartment and exterior are stunningly beautiful.
Modifying the body to fit the size of the wheels
Nissan Skyline R32, which was the base car for the R32 GT-R, has a narrower body width than the R33 and R34. Therefore, wheels with rim widths of 10J or wider could not be used without modifying the body. However, to install RAYS VOLK RACING TE37 SAGA-SL with 10.5J inset 15, the fenders were modified millimeter by millimeter to fit the wheels.
Moreover, it is not just for show but has been beaten out so as not to disrupt the lines of the stock body. Despite the considerable amount of overhang, the beautifully finished body looks so comfortable that at first glance it appears to be a stock body.
On the interior, the dashboard was replaced with a new one; the genuine dashboard of the R32 is no longer manufactured and available, but this is a brand new one that was carefully preserved.
