The very first Skyline to wear the iconic Calsonic livery - 1987 Nissan Skyline 'Type HR31' GTS-R NISMO Group A
Chassis no. HR31-128388
Estimate: US$200,000 - US$275,000
2,029cc RB20DET-R DOHC Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Electronic Fuel Injection, Intercooled Turbocharger
400bhp at 7,200rpm
5-Speed Manual Gearbox
Independent Front Struts, Rear Semi-Trailing Arms
4-Wheel AP Ventilated Disc Brakes
*Competed in the'88 & '89 Japanese Touring Car Championship
*The very first Skyline to race in the blue Calsonic colors
*Extensive restoration completed in July 2024
*Offered from 30 years in a private collection
*Raced in period by Moto Kitano, Takao Wada, and Kazuyoshi Hoshino
*Said to be the sole known surviving NISMO Calsonic GTS-R
THE NISSAN SKYLINE
To an entire generation of car enthusiasts, the Nissan Skyline legend starts with the high-tech R32 GT-R of the 1990s, but the iconic Skyline name stretches clear back to 1957, under the Prince Motor Company banner. The later S50 generation began the Skyline's competition success story in 1964, further elevating the model's lore. Through multiple developments of the Skyline, the GT, 2000GT, GT-B, GT-X, RS, and GT-R monikers graced the bootlids of these desirable high-performance machines.
The definitive model of the Skyline's 7th generation is the GTS-R (HR31). While quite rare, its significance in Skyline history should not be overlooked, as it marked the debut of the now-legendary RB20DET-R engine. Displacing just over 2 liters, the compact inline-six features twin overhead cams, electronic fuel injection, and an intercooled turbocharger. In road trim, the engine was modestly rated at 207bhp, with at least twice that available in Group A racing trim, and even more in the hands of tuners. Complementing that superb engine was a tuned chassis to handle the additional power, and a crisp, understated 2-door coupe body with just the right touch of aggression. To qualify for Group A rules, Nissan produced 823 examples of the GTS-R, which served an important development role for the all-conquering R32 that followed. The HR31 proved itself in the heat of battle by taking the Japanese Touring Car Championship in 1989, while Jimmy Richards steered his HR31 to the hotly contested Australian Touring Car title in 1990.
THE CAR OFFERED
NISMO (Nissan Motorsports) began using the HR31 in 1987, and the car had a steady presence at the sharp end of the field in Group A racing for several years. Our featured car, chassis HR31-128388, was prepared to Group A specs by Kazuyushi Hoshino's Impul/Nismo team and is notable for being the very first Skyline touring car to wear the now famous blue and white Calsonic livery – made so by the R32 Skyline GT-R "Godzilla" Group A car. In 1988, this car achieved a pair of top 5 finishes (driven by touring car specialists Moto Kitano and Takao Wada), along with three DNFs. The following season, with Kitano joined by Hoshino, the car started on the front row in 5 of 6 races (with 4 poles) taking one win at Nishi-Sendai Hi-Land Raceway, and a spectacular fight through the field from 36th on the grid to 6th overall at Suzuka.
For the past 30 years, the famous Calsonic HR31 has lived a quiet life as part of the consignor's private collection. It is the subject of a thorough refurbishment, completed in July 2024. Details of the project include restoring the bodyshell in that glorious bright blue and recreating the original Calsonic livery and markings. The RB20DET-R engine was reportedly rebuilt by a NISMO engineer in 2023, which included repairs to the special magnesium intake manifold, freshened radiator and intercooler, and more. Additionally, the gearbox was inspected, the clutch and brake hydraulics freshened, new brake discs fitted, air jacks checked, and many other details tended to return the car to running condition. As with any racing machine, a full technical inspection is recommended prior to embarking on any on-track activities.
In a special event held at Fuji Speedway in July 2024, the restored Calsonic NISMO HR31 was reunited with Kazuyoshi Hoshino, where he conducted some interviews beside his old racecar. The car was taken out for some demonstration laps by its demo driver, further sorting the car for circuit use. Soggy conditions prevented him from fully uncorking the Skyline, but video was taken of the demo driver and Wada, on board his restored H30, swapping places for the cameras and savoring a chance to be back behind the wheel of a legendary racing car.
Wonderfully restored to its as-raced specification, this incredibly special Skyline GTS-R Gr.A represents a significant milestone in Nissan's illustrious motorsport history, presenting an exceptionally rare opportunity to acquire the very first Skyline to wear the now iconic Calsonic blue livery.
Bonhams - The Scottsdale Auction - 25 January 2025, 11:30 MST
Text & Image: Bonhams
