A prominent example of Japanese motorsport history, the 1987 Nissan Skyline GTS-R Nismo “Type HR31”, recently crosses the auction block for $201,000 USD. Reaffirming the enduring appeal of this rare machine as it was built to compete in the fiercely competitive Group A specification of the Japanese Touring Car Championship (JTCC), this car is a milestone in Nissan’s racing lineage. Notably, it is the first Skyline to don the now-iconic Calsonic Blue livery—a hallmark of Nissan’s motorsport dominance. After spending 30 years in a private collection, the car underwent a meticulous restoration in 2024, bringing it back to its racing glory.

Under the hood, the GTS-R is powered by the RB20DET-R, a 2.0-liter DOHC inline-six engine equipped with an intercooled turbocharger. In its Group A racing configuration, the engine delivered an astounding 400 horsepower at 7,200 rpm, paired with a five-speed manual gearbox. Designed with precision, its magnesium intake manifold, enhanced radiator, and turbocharger upgrades highlight the advanced engineering of the era. The platform’s independent front struts, rear semi-trailing arms, and AP ventilated disc brakes ensured optimal handling and stopping power, enabling the car to dominate on tracks like Nishi-Sendai Hi-Land Raceway, where it claimed a memorable victory.

This specific GTS-R, raced by legends like Moto Kitano, Takao Wada, and Kazuyoshi Hoshino, embodies the spirit of Nissan’s racing prowess. Its livery in brilliant Calsonic Blue not only symbolizes a defining era for Nissan Motorsports but also adds to the car’s allure as a collector’s gem. Restored to its as-raced specifications, this vehicle is more than just a race car; immortalized by its success on the track and its cultural impact in motorsport lore.

SOLD! Selling for a fittingly prime $200k figure at auction in Scottsdale. While the sale price is impressive, it’s even more remarkable that a GTS, rather than its legendary GT-R counterpart, has achieved such an elevated status. This speaks volumes about the significance of this particular car—powered by the iconic RB20DET-R engine and adorned in the unmistakable Calsonic Blue race livery, it stands as a testament to Nissan’s engineering excellence and motorsport legacy, highlighting Nissan’s stranglehold on it’s fans and motorsport community. A truly exceptional piece of work and now in the hands of a new owner.