Spotlight: Street-Legal Falken Group A GT-R

This street-legal R32 GT-R is the perfect opportunity to get your hands on a Group A replica in the U.S., which could be drift-ready with a few simple changes.

In its prime, Nissan’s R32 GT-R, known as “Godzilla,” rewrote motorsports history. Its dominance was so overwhelming that it forced significant rule changes in various racing series worldwide. Between 1990 and 1993, an R32 GT-R won every Group A Touring Car race in Japan, achieving an unbroken streak of 29 back-to-back victories, a commanding win at the 1991 Spa 24 Hours (finishing a ridiculous 19 laps ahead of the competition), and multiple triumphs in the Australian Touring Car Championship and Bathurst 1000.

The sheer dominance came with unsurprisingly strong consumer demand, with nearly 44,000 units sold throughout its lifespan between 1989 and 1994. Despite its popularity, only a small fraction of around 100 cars were officially exported outside Japan, primarily to Australia. This scarcity, combined with its legendary status, made the R32 GT-R one of the most sought-after Japanese performance cars of its era and a car that is now considered a true JDM legend in the present day.

Falken’s Australian Bathurst GT-R

Acknowledging Godzilla’s dominance on the Japanese racing scene, Falken Tyres Australia decided they wanted their piece of the attention, opting to debut their custom-built R32 GT-R at the 1993 Bathurst 12-Hour production car race.

The 1990-built GT-R was initially one of just six that went to Australia for promotion before the remaining 94 topped off the total Aussie tally of 100 models. Falken Tyres opted to sell the one-off model in 2004 before it was later resold in 2022 for a whopping $261,200.

The U.S. Alternative At A Fraction Of The Price

We’ve got good news. If you’re lucky enough to live in the U.S., you can get your hands on a replica version of the six-figure Group A Falken R32 GT-R at a fraction of the price. We spotted this unique build, which captures the essence of the legendary race car while offering the freedom to cruise on public roads without legal concerns. This head-turner bridges the gap between a track-only monster and a (somewhat) sensibly daily driver.

It Retains Godzilla’s Legendary Heart

Under the hood, it boasts the legendary RB26DETT straight-six, but this specific engine is borrowed from its younger sibling, the R34 GT-R. It’s tuned to deliver a conservative yet potent 500 horsepower at the wheels, which barely touches the surface of its true potential. Still, it gracefully matches a similar output to its Group A counterparts. The engine’s brain is a Haltech Elite 2000 ECU, offering full programmability for optimal performance.

Premium Upgrades For Peak Performance

No expense was spared in crafting this tribute. A Greddy T78 turbocharger provides the boost, while a bespoke exhaust system ensures efficient flow. The engine’s internals have equally impressive top-tier components, including APR head studs and Ferrea valve springs. The versatile E85 fuel system allows for flex-fuel capabilities, automatically adjusting to E85 or standard gasoline.

A Koyo aluminum radiator paired with a Blitz intercooler keeps the temperatures in check. Power reaches the rear wheels through a 5-speed gearbox coupled with a high-performance OS Giken twin-disk clutch.

Authentic Aesthetics

Visually, it’s a testament to the eye-catching Falken Racing livery, guaranteed to be a head-turner wherever it goes. The interior has been reimagined as a race-inspired cockpit with a full roll cage, Bride bucket seats, and Takata harnesses. A suede steering wheel and Nismo gauge cluster add to the authentic feel, while modern touches like a Pioneer multimedia system offer modern everyday convenience.

A Tribute to Racing Royalty

This build pays homage to one of the most successful and impressive racing platforms in history. The “Godzilla” R32 GT-R changed motorsports in its prime, and this street-legal tribute allows enthusiasts to experience a taste of that racing pedigree in a daily-drivable package. It’s a great opportunity for those seeking a one-of-a-kind Skyline.

Why This Unique GT-R Has Drifting Potential

If you don’t simply want to use it as a street cruiser, this unique GT-R could easily be converted into an impressive drift car, thanks to its rear-wheel-drive layout and lightweight, 2,700-pound chassis, along with coilovers and front and rear strut bars already fitted.

The R34-sourced RB26DETT produces 500-wheel horsepower, making for an awesome power-to-weight ratio for drifting. However, more power could be available if you opted for an injector upgrade.

With the addition of a limited-slip differential (LSD), this already drift-friendly GT-R could transform into an exceptional, one-of-a-kind drift machine that combines iconic racing vibes with modern performance, offering a lucky enthusiast a rare and unique opportunity to stand out.

Other Memorable “Godzilla” R32 GT-R’s

These particular stand-out R32 GT-Rs come to mind when discussing the true classics.

Calsonic Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R

The Calsonic GT-R R32 is arguably the most recognizable Skyline in motorsport. Its striking blue livery reminds us of its Japanese racing dominance. The Calsonic-sponsored GT-R competed in the Japanese Touring Car Championship (JTCC) and played a significant role in establishing the R32’s reputation as “Godzilla” due to its overwhelming performance on the track.

HKS Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R

Although the Calsonic livery may be more widely recognized, the HKS GT-R also had its fair share of success. Although HKS was a small outfit in 1992, the now-renowned Japanese aftermarket parts manufacturer fielded its own race-spec R32 with a distinctive livery featuring its trademark retro “oil slick” design. This car landed several pole positions and helped HKS on its way to becoming legends of the game.

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