The 1990 Nissan Skyline GT-R earned the nickname “Godzilla” by dominating Group A racing, but this specific R32 takes that legendary foundation to a stratosphere of modern performance. Following its arrival in the US, the car underwent a comprehensive transformation by Cicio Performance, with invoices totaling over $126,000. Every system, from the reinforced RB26 heart to the sophisticated ATTESA all-wheel-drive system, has been scrutinized and upgraded. Now offered by the Avant-Garde Collection at no reserve, this Gun Gray Metallic icon represents one of the most thoroughly engineered R32s in existence, blending raw 1990s nostalgia with 21st-century reliability and ballistic speed.
Gun Gray Metallic and Functional Aerodynamic Refinement
The visual character of this 1990 Nissan Skyline GT-R is anchored by its factory-correct Gun Gray Metallic (KH2) finish, expertly applied during a full glass-out repaint. The R32’s iconic silhouette is enhanced by an aluminum hood and front fenders, reducing front-end weight to improve turn-in response. Projector-style headlights and a subtle front lip spoiler maintain the classic JDM aesthetic, while the rear wing provides essential downforce for high-speed stability. The car sits purposefully over 18-inch silver-finished BBS LM wheels with red center caps, wrapped in high-grip Yokohama Advan A052 tires. This combination of classic design and modern stance creates a timeless look that commands respect at any gathering.
Right-Hand Drive Precision with Nardi and NISMO Touches
Inside the cabin, the right-hand-drive layout remains faithful to its Japanese roots while benefiting from significant recent updates. Under current ownership, factory-specification seats upholstered in two-tone gray cloth were reinstalled to restore the original ergonomic feel. The driver interacts with a three-spoke Nardi steering wheel, which frames a rare NISMO-branded instrument cluster featuring a 320-km/h speedometer and a 10k-rpm tachometer. A custom center pod houses Stack auxiliary gauges for monitoring vital statistics like boost pressure and air/fuel ratios. While the rear seats have been removed for weight savings, the inclusion of a Clarion head unit and automatic climate control ensures the car remains a viable candidate for spirited road trips.
Tomei 2.8L Stroker Heart and Xona Rotor Ball-Bearing Boost
The mechanical soul of this Godzilla is a 2.8L RB26 stroker inline-six, meticulously assembled using a Tomei short block and a CNC-ported cylinder head. This high-strung powerplant is fed by a single Xona Rotor 8264S ball-bearing turbocharger mounted to a ceramic-coated Raw Brokerage manifold. The engine breathes through a carbon-fiber airbox and an HKS intercooler, delivering a power curve that is both explosive and refined. While specific dyno figures vary by tune, the RB28 architecture provides the torque and response required to outperform modern supercars. A five-speed manual transmission with an ATS Spec 2 clutch routes power through an OS Giken limited-slip rear differential, ensuring maximum traction via the ATTESA system.
| Technical Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Engine | – 2.8L RB26 Tomei Stroker Inline-Six – Xona Rotor 8264S Turbocharger |
| Drivetrain | – 5-Speed Manual / ATS Spec 2 Clutch – OS Giken Super Lock LSD / ATTESA AWD |
| Suspension | – Öhlins Road & Track Coilovers – SPL HICAS-Delete / Cusco Sway Bars |
| Braking | – StopTech Big Brake Kit (ST40 Front / ST22 Rear) – Slotted Rotors |
| Electronics | – AEM Infinity 508 Standalone EMS – Flex Fuel Tuned (93 Octane / E85) |
A Blueprint for the Ultimate R32 GT-R Build
The market for the R32 Skyline has matured significantly, but few cars offer the documented investment seen here. With over $126k spent on the Cicio Performance build alone, this car represents a significant value proposition compared to starting a project from scratch. It directly competes with Nismo-tuned heritage builds and top-tier restomods from shops like Garage Active. The unique selling point of this 1990 Nissan Skyline GT-R is its “no-expense-spared” approach to the suspension and fueling systems, including SPL solid bushings and a Radium surge tank. In a market where many R32s suffer from aging rubber and questionable modifications, this professionally tuned chassis stands out as a reliable, high-performance benchmark.
Tuned for the Street and Track with Öhlins and AEM Tech
Ownership of this Skyline involves managing a vehicle that has been optimized for dual-purpose use. The addition of Öhlins Road & Track coilovers and a full suite of GKTech and SPL arms allows for precise suspension tuning, while the HICAS-delete kit removes the unpredictable rear-steering interference common in older GT-Rs. The AEM Infinity engine management system provides modern safety features and flex-fuel capability, allowing the owner to switch between pump gas and E85 seamlessly. Recent maintenance, including a fresh clutch, new tires, and an A/C recharge, ensures that the next steward can immediately enjoy the visceral thrills of the 2.8L stroker without the immediate need for workshop intervention.
The Absolute Apex of Godzilla’s First Act
This 1990 Nissan Skyline GT-R is more than just a tuned classic; it is a meticulously curated evolution of a Japanese racing legend. From the Tomei-assembled heart to the BBS and StopTech hardware, every component was chosen to enhance the R32’s natural balance. It offers a mechanical purity that is increasingly rare in the digital age, providing a direct connection between the driver and the asphalt. As it heads to auction via the Avant-Garde Collection, it remains a definitive example of what the Skyline platform can achieve when backed by world-class engineering and a commitment to excellence. Godzilla has never been more formidable.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
