It may be hard to believe that the Nissan Skyline that we all know and love today wasn't even a Nissan at first. The very first Skyline models came from the company Prince, which manufactured and sold them before their eventual merge with Nissan and Datsun. After the merger, Nissan decided that they wanted to take their compact racing, resulting in the original Skyline 2000GT-R.

Also known as the Hakosuka, the KPGC10 generation Skyline GT-R won over 1,000 races by the time Nissan discontinued it. The GT-R nameplate continued well into the '60s and '70s, but then it went on hiatus. After that 16-year hiatus, the GT-R finally returned in 1989, this time with the BNR32 generation Skyline.

1989-1994 Nissan Skyline R32: Costs, Facts, And Figures

9.50 / 10
Key Features
  • Iconic badge
  • Unstoppable six-cylinder
  • Highly advanced drivetrain
Specifications
  • Model: Skyline GT-R (R32)
  • Engine/Motor: 2.6-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder
  • Horsepower: 276
  • Torque: 260 lb-ft
  • Drivetrain: AWD
  • Transmission: 5-speed manual
Pros
  • Great to drive
  • Simple, but gorgeous styling
  • Extremely tunable powertrain
Cons
  • Prices are rising
  • Difficult to find stock examples
  • The headaches of importing one

Overview Of The R32 Skyline

Nissan Skyline R32 Silver Front Quarter
Nissan

The R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R is the third generation of Nissan's iconic homologation special. Even though the generations between the C110 and the R32 had some sort of GT version, the actual GT-R didn't reappear until 1989 and the R32. R32 obviously refers to its chassis code, which is actually BNR32. The R32 GT-R rode on the same platform as the regular R32 Skyline, which also came in sedan form. The GT-R was, of course, the only one to offer two doors, and the iconic twin-turbo engine with AWD. It was also completely unstoppable on the racetrack, much like its grandfather, meaning it quickly earned the nickname Godzilla.

RELATED: 10 Things Every Gearhead Should Know About The R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R

It's pretty easy to tell apart the GT-R from the regular version. As well as the two-door body, there's a unique front splitter with air vents, and it always came in black, regardless of the exterior color. There were also a few "GT" shield badges around the place, some unique alloy wheel designs, widened fenders, and that iconic rear spoiler. R32 GT-R models also came with one of two alloy wheel designs, a silver multispoke design (pictured above), or the darker five-spoke wheels, which are more common. The Skyline GT-R went into battle with the likes of the super-advanced Mitsubishi 3000GT, the Mazda RX-7, the Audi S2 Coupe, and a few others.

Skyline R32 GT-R Powertrain And Drivetrain

In the world of cars, the powertrain under the hood of the R32 GT-R, and the following two generations, is one of the seven wonders of the world. The RB26DETT engine is a 2.6-liter twin-turbocharged inline 6, making "276 hp" and 260 lb-ft of torque. The horsepower figure is in quotes because the R32 GT-R was one of the many cars around at the time of the gentlemen's agreement in Japan, a deal between Japanese automakers to deliberately underrate engines from the factory. In reality, the R32 GT-R made more than 276 hp, with most claiming it to be in the neighborhood of 320 hp at the crank and 270 to 280 hp to the wheels. A 5-speed manual transmission and the immensely complicated ATESSA ET-S AWD system handled power distribution.

RELATED: A Detailed Look Back At The Nissan 'Godzilla' R32 GT-R

That ATESSA system is what made the GT-R stand out from all of its competitors. ATESSA stands for Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All-Terrain, and multiple Nissan models have used it over the years, but the GT-R adds the ET-S acronym, which stands for Electronic Torque Split. In the simplest terms possible, it functions much like a RWD system and gearbox, with a rear differential handling power on the rear axle, but when necessary, a transfer case assists with distributing power to the front wheels. The modern equivalent would be Nissan's new e-4ORCE system. The end result is a car that handles like basically no other. If you get the steering inputs right, the R32 GT-R is a total joy to drive.

R32 Skyline GT-R Comfort And Quality

Nissan Skyline R32 Interior Black & White
Nissan

On the inside, the R32 GT-R is a pretty simple automobile. That's no surprise, as it is, at the end of the day, and as tough as it might be to accept, just a '90s Nissan. The gauge cluster is unique to the R32 GT-R, and the NISMO accessories catalog allowed you to install a set of white face gauges that went all the way up to 11,000 RPM. The center console faces the driver, and it houses the basics, including climate control, the radio with a MiniDisc and tape player, the cigarette lighter and ashtray, as well as the shifter. It's important to note that no automatic of any kind ever appeared on the R32 GT-R. There's also the skinny three-spoke steering wheel. A series of controls for the lights and wipers also flank either side of the gauge cluster.

RELATED: 10 Reasons Why Gearheads Love The Nissan Skyline GT-R

In terms of reliability, the RB26DETT is one of the most durable and dependable powertrains ever. If you service it regularly, and if the previous owner has also serviced it regularly, the R32 GT-R shouldn't give you much to worry about. Of course, you can also tune the RB26 for some truly insane power outputs. The R32 seats four people, and its trunk boasts a decent amount of space. No surprise, as the car that spawned it is a pretty practical sedan.

R32 Skyline GT-R Prices

Nissan Skyline R32 White B&W
Nissan

Not too long ago, the R32 was one of the cheapest ways to get into Skyline GT-R ownership. However, that all changed when they became legal to import to the United States in 2014. Combined with the weight and prestige the badge carries nowadays, R32 GT-R prices have shot up significantly. It's still way, way cheaper than an R34, but it's not properly cheap either. Nicer examples are selling on auction sites for anywhere from $40,000 to $50,000. The nicest, rarest possible examples in existence can easily grace $100,000. A lot of money for a '90s Nissan, but this is far from any regular '90s Nissan. It's possibly the most special one, in fact. It's an easy candidate for the best JDM car of all time.