Just got an R32 in the very best condition

In 2024, the third year of the “RAYS Fan Meeting,” the venue was filled with cars with new and old RAYS wheels and their owners from all over Japan, who spent their time together under the fine weather, sharing their love for the same brand. Among the approximately 700 cars that participated in the event, we would like to introduce the Nissan R32 “Skyline GT-R,” which retains the atmosphere of that time.

The original “TE37” model, a masterpiece in the world of forged wheels

The first thing that caught my eye when I arrived at the venue was a two-digit number Nissan R32 “Skyline GT-R” wearing “GTP Touring Evolution” wheels. This wheel was a forged model that was the predecessor of the Volk Racing TE37 (TE in TE37 stands for Touring Evolution), which made the RAYS name unmistakable in the aftermarket. For those in their 50s or older who know the motorsports scene of that time, this is a nostalgic gem that draws you in.

We were expecting to see an elderly owner in the car, but instead, we were greeted by a 20-something Mr. “Kachu” coming out of the door. He told us that he had inherited the car in 2023 from his father, who had been driving it as its sole owner.

“I had prepared 2 million yen to buy a Silvia as my first car, but my father unexpectedly suggested that I use the money to buy a GT-R, so I decided without hesitation.”

Currently, the market price for a used R32 GT-R is at least 5 million yen. Moreover, the price jumps even higher if it is a one-owner car, garage-kept, with a superb interior and exterior, and mileage of less than 100,000 km. Moreover, the history of the car is clear because it has been seen by the owner’s side, and the previous owner is always next to the car to give advice. It is enviable that such a superb car, including the environment, can be obtained for 2 million yen.

The first R32 GT-R late-model production car

“I don’t have a lot of money at my disposal, so I have to maintain it now. So I haven’t put any work into it since I bought it. As far as my father is concerned, he changed the pistons in the engine and reset the ECU right after he bought it. The exhaust system was replaced with Fujitsubo and the ride height was lowered moderately. The brakes were transplanted from a BCNR33 Brembo, and the exterior was modified with parts from a GT-R NISMO. The car was finished to the specifications of the time, and he has been driving it for 30 years while maintaining it.”

He also said that his car was the first car of the late model (from January 1993) to be produced. It is little things like this that increase our attachment and love for our cars.

The exterior of the car can be seen in the photos.

As you can see from the photos, the exterior of the car is in excellent condition, showing that it has been lovingly cared for over the years. That said, he is concerned about the wheels with the stickers peeling off, and while it is not a bad idea to leave proof of the car’s history, there are repair stickers available, so he would like to refresh the car.

“When my father’s car arrives, I want to go touring with him!”

“When I first showed it to my car friends, they said, of course, “Is this real?” and I popped the hood to show them the engine. I have been riding in the passenger seat since I was a child, but driving by myself is a different dimension. If you step on it, it goes fast, and the stability of the car at high speeds is outstanding. It is always a pleasure to drive, and I have no complaints about the current state of the car.”

He says that he would like to drive it on the circuit to the fullest, but he is hesitant to do so because he is worried that he will break it or crash it, since a car in such good condition will not appear again.

“I would like to lower the ride height a little more in the future. However, I don’t like coilover kits, so HKS Hypermax Type G or other normal-shaped suspension kits are candidates. I will also continue to drive the car for the rest of my life, updating the current condition to a better state, such as repairing the calipers whose surface has been peeled off.”

Mr. “Kachu” says he would like to go touring with his father’s Mazda Roadster when it arrives. He will continue to build up a new history with the R32 GT-R while inheriting his father’s passion.