Nissan, a brand cherished by JDM enthusiasts, holds a special place in the hearts of those who revere the iconic GT-R, spanning both its vintage and contemporary iterations. While Nissan has traditionally been associated with commuter vehicles, the brand is now making waves by introducing enhanced designs and cutting-edge technologies for its diverse customer base.
In its homeland, Nissan has not only sold but also previously offered some remarkable vehicles. Although these gems might not have initially garnered widespread attention, they have appreciated significantly over time, commanding prices in the thousands of dollars.
Recognized more for its commitment to affordability rather than luxury, Nissan has surprised many with a few standout models that defy this expectation. The R35 GT-R Nismo, the striking GT-R50 by Italdesign, and other distinguished creations have not only breached the $100,000 threshold but have soared well beyond. In this compilation, we present a roster of Nissan’s most opulent automobiles, inviting enthusiasts to explore the pinnacle of the brand’s automotive craftsmanship without delay.
7. 2018 Nissan R35 GT-R Nismo
The 2018 Nissan GT-R NISMO, once a retail marvel at $175,490, continues to stand as a powerhouse straight off the Nissan assembly line, showcasing its enduring prowess. While sharing visual cues with its “regular” GT-R counterpart, the NISMO variant elevates the game with enhancements aimed at pushing boundaries.
Distinguished by a stiffer structure, the GT-R NISMO boasts a larger front fascia, side skirts, and a rear wing designed to enhance aerodynamics and cooling. The suspension undergoes a sportier calibration, contributing to an elevated driving experience. Internally, the NISMO embraces a lighter feel, featuring Recaro racing seats and accentuating the sporty ambiance with NISMO badging. Complementing its performance, the car glides on lightweight forged wheels, adding to its overall agility.
In a recent auction spectacle in 2022, a 2018 GT-R NISMO fetched an impressive $208,500, emphasizing its enduring allure among enthusiasts.
| 2018 Nissan R35 GT-R Nismo | Specs |
| Price | $177,085 |
| Powertrain | 3.8-liter V6 |
| Horsepower | 600 hp |
| Torque | 481 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed automated manual |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.2 seconds |
| Top Speed | 196 mph |
Beneath the hood, the 2018 GT-R NISMO houses the familiar 3.8-liter V6 engine found in its regular counterpart. However, this powerhouse has undergone meticulous tuning, cranking out an astonishing 600 horsepower and 481 lb-ft of torque. The result is a breathtaking 0 to 60 mph sprint in a mere 3.2 seconds. The power is efficiently transmitted through a standard 6-speed automated manual gearbox, featuring paddle shifters for an immersive and responsive driving experience.
6. 1995 Nissan Skyline GT-R R33
Following the initial listing, we encounter the elegant and adored R33 Skyline GT-R. Upon its debut in 1995, this vehicle introduced an impeccable driving experience, showcasing a thrilling performance. Even in the present day, the car maintains its sporty aesthetic, equipped with ample features.
An illustrative instance is a 1995 Nissan Skyline GT-R that surfaced at an auction in 2021, boasting a mere 28,650 miles on its odometer. Despite the steep price tag of $235,200, many would argue that every dollar spent is justified. Notably, this particular model retains its original configuration without any aftermarket upgrades.
| 1995 Nissan Skyline GT-R | Specs |
| Price | $235,200 |
| Powertrain | 2.6-liter twin-turbocharged RB26 Inline-6 |
| Horsepower | 276 hp |
| Torque | 271 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| 0-60 MPH | 5.3 seconds |
| Top Speed | 155 mph |
Beneath the hood of the 1995 Skyline GT-R resides a 2.6-liter twin-turbocharged inline-6 engine. From the factory, the engine has been finely tuned to unleash 276 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. Paired with a 5-speed manual transmission, the power seamlessly transfers to all four wheels, propelling the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 5.3 seconds. The maximum speed is capped at an impressive 155 mph.
5. 1972 Nissan Skyline Hakosuka GT-R
Introducing the pinnacle of vintage performance, the 1972 Nissan Skyline GT-R Hakosuka edition. Nestled further down the line and commanding a premium price tag, this iconic model embodies automotive excellence from a bygone era. While countless replicas attempt to emulate its allure, nothing compares to the authentic masterpiece that graced the streets in its prime.
Distinguished by its distinctive front-end design adorned with gleaming chrome accents, the GT-R Hakosuka exudes a timeless elegance. Inside, the cabin retains its original charm, boasting a minimalist layout that prioritizes performance over plush amenities. Despite the absence of creature comforts, enthusiasts eagerly sought after this automotive marvel.
| 1972 Nissan Skyline Hakosuka GT-R | Specs |
| Price | $242,000 |
| Powertrain | 2.0-liter twin-cam Inline-4 |
| Horsepower | 160 hp |
| Torque | 131 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| 0-60 MPH | 7.9 seconds |
| Top Speed | 125 mph |
Beneath the hood lies a spirited 2.0-liter twin-cam Inline-4 engine, unleashing a symphony of power and precision. With a modest output of 160 horsepower and 131 lb-ft of torque, this powerhouse captivates with its exhilarating 7,300 redline. Paired with a responsive 5-speed manual gearbox, the GT-R Hakosuka delivers thrilling performance on demand.
Accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in under 7.9 seconds and reaching a top speed of 125 mph, this legendary model showcases its prowess on the open road. Recently auctioned for a staggering $242,000, the 1972 Nissan Skyline GT-R Hakosuka edition stands as a testament to automotive heritage and enthusiast passion.
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4. 1970 Nissan Fairlady Z432
While the GT-Rs were designed for both domestic and international markets, the 1970 Nissan Fairlady had an initial focus on the domestic market exclusively. The 1970 Nissan Fairlady Z432, a remarkably rare car, saw only 420 units ever manufactured.
Unfortunately, several of these units met their demise on the tracks, while many others underwent extensive modifications. A scant few Fairlady Zs remain in a completely stock version, such as the one auctioned in 2015, fetching an impressive $253,000.
| 1970 Nissan Fairlady Z432 | Specs |
| Price | $253,000 |
| Powertrain | 2.0-liter twin-cam Inline-4 |
| Horsepower | 160 hp |
| Torque | 131 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual |
| 0-60 MPH | 7.9 seconds |
| Top Speed | 125 mph |
Sporting the coveted Z432 badge signified that the Fairlady housed a GT-R motor beneath its hood. The 2.0-liter I-6 engine boasted four valves per cylinder, three carburetors, and twin cams. Power and torque were rated at 160 hp and 131 lb-ft, respectively. The Fairlady exhibited a 0-60 mph acceleration time of approximately 8 seconds and a top speed of 125 mph.
3. 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec
Regarded as one of the standout models in the GT-R lineup, the 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec is not only exceptional but also quite rare. In 2021, a slightly customized version of this car fetched an astonishing $315,187, showcasing the immense enthusiasm of fans.
The modifications include a distinctive rear-wheel steering system from HICAS, an upgraded ATESSA system, and a sleek carbon-fiber rear wing. Its exterior flaunts an elegant Midnight Purple II paint job, creating a captivating two-tone visual effect when observed from various angles.
| 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec | Specs |
| Price | $315,187 |
| Powertrain | 2.6-liter RB26DETT twin-turbocharged I-6 |
| Horsepower | 276 hp |
| Torque | 293 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual |
| 0-60 MPH | 4.9 seconds |
| Top Speed | 156 mph |
Beneath the hood, the car maintains its originality, housing the renowned 2.6-liter RB26DETT twin-turbocharged I-6 engine, faithfully producing 276 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.
Power is efficiently distributed to all four wheels through a Getrag 6-speed manual gearbox, accompanied by a standard electronically controlled limited-slip rear differential. Accelerating from a standstill to 60 mph in under 4.9 seconds, this vehicle boasts a top speed of approximately 159 mph when cruising in a straight line.
2. 1997 Nissan R390 GT1
Following a humbling defeat on the racetrack with its GT-R racecar, Nissan regrouped and engineered a formidable successor. This time around, the visionaries at Nissan decided to bid farewell to the V6, deeming it antiquated, and embraced the prowess of a V8 engine.
The fruit of this endeavor was the birth of the Nissan R390 race car. Notably, Nissan didn’t stop there—they introduced a solitary road-legal variant, the R390 GT1, equipped with the same powerhouse but in a slightly subdued configuration.
The compact yet potent V8 of the R390 GT1 not only marked a departure from convention but also laid the groundwork for the remarkable and compact V8 engines that now propel McLaren vehicles. This unique road-legal marvel, the R390 GT1, embarked on a new journey through the auction block, commanding an astonishing price tag of $1 million.
| 1997 Nissan R390 GT1 | Specs |
| Price | $1+ million |
| Powertrain | 3.5-liter twin-turbo V8 |
| Horsepower | 641 hp |
| Torque | 470 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed sequential |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.9 seconds |
| Top Speed | 220 mph |
Beneath the GT1’s sleek exterior resided a 3.5-liter twin-turbocharged V8, unleashing an impressive 641 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. As a direct descendant of its racing counterpart, the GT1’s lightweight design translated into a swift 0-60 mph acceleration in just 3.9 seconds, coupled with a remarkable top speed of 220 mph. This fusion of power, innovation, and exclusivity solidified the R390 GT1’s status as a legend in both racing history and the world of high-performance road cars.
1. 2020 Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign
Meet the pinnacle of Nissan luxury, the 2020 Nissan GTR50, crowned as the most opulent Nissan ever crafted. With only 50 units earmarked for production, this limited edition marvel commands a staggering price tag of $1.1 million. Breaking away from the conventional Nissan mold, the GTR50 boasts a distinctive design, courtesy of the renowned Italdesign, the masterminds behind the iconic Scighera.
| 2020 Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign | Specs |
| Price | $1.1 million |
| Powertrain | 3.5-liter turbocharged V6 |
| Horsepower | 710 hp |
| Torque | 575 lb-ft |
| Transmission | N/A |
| 0-60 MPH | <3 seconds |
| Top Speed | 210 mph |
This automotive masterpiece not only flaunts a futuristic exterior with a lowered roof but also conceals a powerhouse beneath its hood. The heart of the GTR50 beats with a heavily upgraded 3.8-liter twin-turbo V6, equipped with turbochargers borrowed from the GT-R GT3 race car. Beyond the surface, enhancements extend to the differential, driveshafts, and intercoolers, ensuring a performance that transcends its peers.
In pursuit of precision and speed, the transmission has undergone a transformation to a 6-speed dual-clutch unit, facilitating rapid and accurate gear shifts. Unleashing a formidable 710 hp and 575 lb-ft torque, the GTR50 propels itself from 0 to 60 mph in under 3 seconds, solidifying its status as a breathtaking fusion of luxury and power.
FAQ’s
Which Nissan model holds the title of the fastest in the lineup?
The Nissan GT-R Nismo is presently recognized as the swiftest car within Nissan’s collection.
What is the most budget-friendly Nissan vehicle available?
The Nissan Versa currently stands as the most economical car manufactured by Nissan in the United States.
How reliable is Nissan in the US?
Nissan has achieved a reliability rating of 4 out of 5 in the United States.
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