Iconic Nissan Skyline GTS-R NISMO Group A Sells at Auction
Notably, the very first Skyline to wear the Calsonic livery.
An exceptional piece of Japanese motorsport history has found a new home. The 1987 Nissan Skyline “Type HR31” GTS-R NISMO Group A, known as the very first Skyline to wear the iconic Calsonic livery, was recently sold at Bonhams Cars‘ The Scottsdale Auction. Chassis no. HR31-128388 is said to be the sole surviving NISMO Calsonic GTS-R, making it a remarkable acquisition for any collector.
Prepared by Kazuyoshi Hoshino’s Impul/NISMO team, the GTS-R competed in the 1988 and 1989 Japanese Touring Car Championship (JTCC). With drivers like Moto Kitano, Takao Wada and Hoshino, it achieved notable results, including a victory at Nishi-Sendai Hi-Land Raceway and multiple pole positions during the 1989 season. This chassis also introduced the now-legendary blue-and-white Calsonic livery, later immortalized by the R32 GT-R “Godzilla.”
Stored in a private collection for 30 years, the car underwent an extensive restoration completed in 2024. Highlights included a complete rebuild of the RB20DET-R engine by a NISMO engineer, restoration of its magnesium intake manifold and a meticulous recreation of its period-correct Calsonic livery. The gearbox, brake hydraulics and air jacks were also inspected and refreshed to return the car to track-ready condition.
This beautifully restored GTS-R, which represents a significant milestone in Nissan’s motorsport history, sold for $201,600 USD.
