Ah, the iconic R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R – a true legend that has graced the walls of many a car enthusiast’s bedroom over the years, especially with its incredible presence in the beloved Gran Turismo game series. Well, my friends, the legends at Built By Legends have just unveiled their latest creation at the 2024 SEMA show in Las Vegas, and let me tell you, it’s an absolute stunner.
These folks have really pulled out all the stops to bring the R34 GT-R into the modern era, fusing classic Japanese tuning prowess with cutting-edge techniques and materials. Starting with a donor car, they strip it back to the bare chassis and then get to work, adding a staggering 400 extra welds to improve the rigidity and strength.
Under the hood, the standard twin-turbo 2.6-litre inline-six has been swapped out for a beefed-up Mine’s MB7 version, now churning out a mighty 650 horsepower – that’s nearly double the original output! And it’s all hooked up to a Getrag 6-speed manual gearbox, sending that power to all four wheels through the R34’s legendary all-wheel-drive system.
The attention to detail is simply breathtaking. The iconic Bayside Blue paintwork shines like new, while the interior has been meticulously transformed, with Ultrasuede lining every surface, from the door panels to the dashboard and even the seats. And let’s not forget the gorgeous Mine’s steering wheel in leather and Alcantara.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – this kind of bespoke craftsmanship doesn’t come cheap. Built By Legends is offering this restomod package for a cool £450,000, and that’s before you factor in the cost of the donor car. But for the true R34 enthusiast, I reckon it’s worth every penny.
And the best part? Early examples of the R34 GT-R are now eligible for import into the UK under the 25-year rule, so if you’ve got deep pockets and a passion for Japanese automotive icons, this could be the perfect opportunity to get your hands on a truly one-of-a-kind piece of automotive history.