Nissan/Datsun developed a reputation during the 1960s and 1970s for producing affordable vehicles that were reliable and well-equipped by the standards of the day. It revealed its sporting credentials when it unveiled its first Z-Car, but it was the 1990 Skyline R32 GTR that demonstrated the depth of the company’s engineering ability. It wasn’t the first all-wheel-drive sports car to hit the street, but its performance changed the rules about what buyers could expect from a car with a six under the hood. This GTR is a genuine survivor that presents well for its age. It has a couple of minor interior shortcomings that could be easily addressed, but they won’t prevent the new owner from enjoying it immediately. The seller has listed the Nissan here on Craigslist in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Mitchell G. for spotting a classic that could be yours for $59,000, and the seller will consider offers or trades.

Nissan released the Skyline R32 GTR for the 1989 model year, pushing the boundaries of what was possible from a road car. Developed from the standard Skyline platform, the body received a range of aerodynamic upgrades to improve its efficiency and downforce with the stated aim of becoming a major racing force. The first owner ordered this 1990 GTR in Graphite with matching alloy wheels. The overall presentation is tidy for a genuine survivor, with no evidence of significant paint deterioration or panel imperfections. The seller recently had the vehicle detailed and ceramic-coated, helping to maximize its presentation and appeal. I can’t spot any rust problems, although the GTR didn’t enjoy a reputation for such problems. The wheels are in good condition, the glass is clear, and the plastic isn’t cracked or broken.

It is disappointing that the seller supplies no engine photos, because while the body hints that there is something special below the skin, it doesn’t tell the full story. Nissan engineers set to work to transform the GTR into a barnstormer, equipping it with a 2.6-liter DOHC straight-six. That may not sound very exciting, but fuel-injection, a sophisticated electronic engine management system, twin ceramic turbochargers, and an intercooler allowed the motor to produce 276hp and 260 ft/lbs of torque. By sending the power to the road via a five-speed manual transmission and a ground-breaking ATTESA ET-S all-wheel-drive system, the GTR provided phenomenal grip and acceleration that many similar cars couldn’t match. That was the tip of the iceberg, because under International Group A Touring Car regulations, that engine could be tuned to produce a reliable 650hp. That made the GTR a weapon that utterly dominated racing during that era. The seller indicates that this Nissan has a genuine 52,000 kilometers showing on its odometer, which equates to around 32,300 miles. It is mechanically unmolested and appears to be ready to provide its new owner with a rapid motoring experience.

The Skyline’s interior is quite tidy, trimmed in Gray cloth and vinyl. There is visible wear on the outer edge of the driver’s seat, which is a common fault. The passenger seat also exhibits some wear, and there are alternatives to consider to address the problem. Several Japanese companies stock replacement seatcovers and will ship them internationally, although a simple set of high-quality slipcovers would hide the problem for a fraction of the price. The rest of the trim is in good condition, and there are no plastic or dash issues. It features most of the “toys” that you typically expect from cars of this era, including air conditioning, power windows, power locks, power mirrors, a leather-wrapped wheel, a mountain of gauges, and an aftermarket CD player.

It is rare for one car to lead to the demise of a racing category, but the 1990 Nissan Skyline R32 GTR achieved that feat. International Group A Touring Cars, a category that had been embraced by Australia, many European nations, and Japan, was suffering under the onslaught of the all-conquering Ford Sierra RS500. However, the GTR arrived on the scene and utterly dominated. Nothing could live with the GTR, and the category lost public support as a result. Group A was effectively dead by 1993, with almost every nation adopting new racing rules that outlawed the GTR and the RS500. This 1990 GTR is snuggled against a 1993 example in this garage, and if Gray isn’t your color, the seller is open to selling the White one. Which would you choose?