He has been a Nissan fan ever since he got his driver’s license, and bought his first GT-R 20 years ago
“Garage Active” is the only specialty store in Kyushu that offers unique style GT-R customization such as chassis and twin chassis. The shop is a one-stop shop that meets users’ needs with hard tuning, full restoration, and other services based on years of drag racing experience. We introduce a GT-R owner who shares the company’s originality in machine design. This time, we will introduce Mr. Motokawa’s R34 “Skyline GT-R”, who has been a Nissan fan ever since he got his driver’s license.
His second GT-R, a BNR32, is a high-tuned car with over 1000ps
The owner, Akio Motokawa, has been a Nissan fan ever since he got his driver’s license. He started with a “180SX,” followed by a “Silvia,” and then an R33 “Skyline. After that, he drove an R33 “Skyline GTS-t Type M”, and finally he arrived at his dream car, the R32 “Skyline GT-R.”
This was about 20 years ago. That was about 20 years ago. His next choice was also a BNR32, and after about 10 years of driving it, he was struck by the charm of the “hitting and hitting” GT-R, and he acquired the same car without hesitation.
For his second car, he met Garage Active, and gradually became immersed in drag racing. Eventually, the RB26DETT engine reached over 1000 hp, and the transmission was replaced with an air shifter made overseas. The car was almost ready for competition, with a best time of 9.5 seconds. In exchange, the car’s ease of handling in town driving was overshadowed, but it was still fulfilling. However, as he got older, his work became busier, and due to his frequent business trips, he was unable to participate in race days.
He ended his 10-year competitive career, but he could not escape his life with the GT-R
“If I can’t participate in races, there is no point in having it,” he said, and sold the BNR32 he had spent so much time on. He closed the curtain on his 10-year racing career, but he could not put an end to the life with the GT-R that had become so ingrained in him. I don’t feel comfortable without it next to me. Without realizing it, the GT-R had become his stabilizer.
However, the perception of the BNR32 as a car that pursues speed had been input into his body, and he knew that if he chose the same car, it would not be enough. When I discussed this with Garage Active President Sakamoto, he said, “You can choose whichever you like,” and prepared a white BCNR33 and a gray BNR34 from his collection. He has known the store for about 30 years, and his proposal was based on a relationship of trust.
In the end, Mr. Honkawa chose the R34. The reason for this was that he was entrusted to transport this R34 at an event held at Fuji Speedway in 2022, and knew of its qualities. He was allowed to test drive the R34 for approximately 1,000 km.
What is the reason why the mileage is less than 200 kilometers in a year and a half of purchase?
“Aside from the stylish design clad in the NISMO Z-tune look, the chassis is solid, so there is no sense of fear or danger even with 670 hp of power. I felt a sense of security that I could step on it wherever I wanted to go. That vivid memory was the deciding factor in my choice of the R34.
However, when we first purchased the car, we were convinced that it was a car for everyday use, but the performance was not enough for those of us who know the acceleration of 1000ps. They are now considering installing a turbine that is one size larger than the TO4Z currently installed to achieve 800ps. From the point of view of the general public, he may be numb to the sensation.
A year and a half has passed since he purchased the car, but he has left it with Active for an extended period of time under the condition that he is free to use it as he pleases, as he still makes many business trips and is concerned about theft. The distance driven is less than 200 km.
The GT-R is a car that is worth owning even if you don’t drive it
To some, this may be seen as “feeling sorry for the car.”
While he is aware of such opinions, Mr. Motokawa is satisfied with his current lifestyle and says, “I am very happy with the way I live now.
“Now that the used car market is soaring, I think the value of owning a car even if you don’t drive it, and the peace of mind of knowing you can drive it whenever you want, runs deep like a vitamin. It’s still a long way off, but I believe that when I give up this car I will give up my driver’s license, so I would like to stay with the GT-R as long as time permits and enjoy it to the fullest.”
Having driven the R32 and R34, he has already owned the car for over 20 years. No matter how far away I am from the car, having it close at hand fills my heart with contentment. That is the power of the GT-R.
translated by DeepL
