1990 Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R

A veteran of the 1993 James Hardie Bathurst 12 Hour race, where it competed in the hands of Keith Carling, Bill Gillespie and Graeme Neilsen for Falken Tyres/OHTSU Tyres; this 1990 Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R is in beautifully preserved race-prepared condition. Under the bonnet is a tuned 400hp 2.6-litre twin-turbocharged RB26DETT straight-six, with the original R32 motor also included on an engine stand. The transmission is a five-speed manual. This is one of five Bathurst racing R32 GT-Rs from the period. The R32 was employed as a Nissan-owned prototype for testing and media features between 1990 and 1992, where it accumulated an impressive portfolio of magazine appearances and cover stories. It was driven by Mark Skaife in practice for the 1992 Tooheys 100, and it also served as the pace car during that same race with Bathurst-winner Graeme Bailey. The car is believed to be the only road-registrable period raced R32 GT-R in the world. This car boasts remarkable provenance, having been first used by Nissan for press and PR purposes, and acquired by tyre brand Falken in 1992 to take on the Bathurst 12hr race in 1993. One of just six vehicles sent to Australia when new for testing and media work; this GT-R did the lion’s share of those duties, including notable press features. It preceded the official 100 ADM (Australia Domestic Market) delivered cars. This GT-R, chassis #11268, was originally painted black, and was the first ADM-specification GT-R registered in Australia. It was given the Victorian plate EPX118, which is still with the car. The day after it was registered, it was tested by Road & Track magazine, and given the prestigious title of Australian Car of the Year 1991. In the following weeks it did the rounds of every major media outlet, gracing the cover and inside of CAR Australia’s January 1992 issue as well as the cover of Modern Motor Magazine. During this time, EPX118 also became the first R32 GT-R to be given a speeding ticket in Australia. The car was then brought back in house at Nissan to help homologate the incoming 100 cars and it completed all the high-speed testing for the ADM calibration. At the time, it was driven by upcoming Group A drivers, who got to know the car ahead of some real track time. Still owned by Nissan, the car hit the world’s TV screens as the official pace car for the 1992 Tooheys 1000 at Bathurst. Mark Skaife drove it in practice prior to jumping in his GT-R and winning the race. Previous Bathurst winner Graeme Bailey drove the pace car during the race itself, and even got to drive under the chequered flag as the final lap was held with the pace car on track. In 1992, the GT-R was sold internally via Western Plains Dubbo Nissan, who were at the time Australia’s biggest Nissan dealer. It went to Falken/OHTSU Tyres Australia, who had an eye on Bathurst. The car was prepared by Falken in Brisbane with all testing and development done at Lakeside Raceway. In shining new Falken livery, the car took the grid in Class T at the 1993 James Hardie 12 Hour with Keith Carling, Bill Gillespie and Graeme Neilsen at the wheel. In various pit pictures from the race, a Japanese crew can be seen looking after the car, as Falken flew in race team personnel and a full set of N1 parts from the ‘91 and ‘92 Group N1 ‘Super Taikytu’ championship-winning Falken/OHTSU Tyres team. During scrutineering, the car was pulled up for an oversized radiator, which forced a last-minute change, but they missed all the other parts that had arrived from Japan overnight. The result was a very impressive third in class and fourth overall, after 1,535 kilometers flat out on The Mountain. Falken Tyres then displayed their ‘Bathurst Godzilla’ in every dealer around Australia until 2004, when it was sold into a private collection. It has remained in this collection until now, from which it is now offered for sale. The car has been significantly modified for motorsport, now with a R34 GT-R 2.6-litre twin-turbocharged RB26DETT installed, tuned to 400hp with $33,000 in new parts including HKS turbos and a manifold-back Tomei exhaust by V-Spec Performance Melbourne. However, the original motor will be provided with the car, mounted on an engine stand for display, as shown in the gallery. Spare original ADM Nissan race parts (gearbox and suspension) and original R32 GT-R interior (fronts and rear seats) will also be included. It is sold with a Bathurst-stamped CAMS logbook, original Graham Neilson Falken race suit and boots on a display mannequin, original Falken pit crew jacket and hats, full folder of 1993 race related memorabilia, original license plates from Nissan media car registration, and Falken pit lane marketing. The car also comes with a current Falken Tyres sponsorship that provides race tyres and merchandise for future events. Access to an Instagram page @falkenGTRracing with full picture history of the car will also be provided. The Skyline remains ‘as raced’ at Bathurst in 1993, with the bodywork appearing to be in good condition. The Falken livery paintwork that was applied in readiness for the 1993 race has been well preserved, and is presented with minor marks you would expect to see on a race car of this age – with some stone chips, scrapes to the front splitter, and wear to some of the decals. Much of the original interior was stripped for competition, replaced with a full cage and Sparco bucket seats with five-point harnesses. Everything is in good condition, including the carpets, door cards and dash. Fully race-prepared, the car recently competed at the 2021 Phillip Island Classic and is reported to be in good order, with no known electrical or mechanical faults. A routine oil change was carried out in May 2021 out at 57,850 kilometers, using Motul oil, a Nismo oil filter, and Nismo sports air filter. In March 2021, the car was fully serviced and race-prepared with new DBE breakers rotors and ACRE Light sports brake pads, plus a coolant flush, and installation of the new turbos and exhaust; carried out by V-Spec Performance. This famous and fastidiously documented Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R is offered in wonderfully preserved, ‘as raced’ condition. A thrilling driver’s car in its own right; this particular car is also a significant artefact from Nissan’s history in Australia and boasts outstanding provenance. Given its familiarity to enthusiasts around the world, not to mention the raft of original documentation accompanying the vehicle, this GT-R will no doubt be welcome at appropriate historic racing series around the world. It would be a stunning addition to any collection of Japanese performance icons. The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details. This vehicle’s VIN has been checked against the Australian Personal Property Securities Register, and there is no security interest or other registration kind logged against the serial number. This vehicle has been checked through the Austroads NEVDIS system, and there are no markers under the written-off or stolen databases.