NISMO HERITAGE PROGRAM TO OFFER PARTS FOR HERITAGE CARS IN JAPAN
Owners of Nissan performance cars in Japan will be able to enjoy driving them longer under a program that will make new replacement parts available for some heritage models.
The parts went on sale in Japan on last December as part of the new NISMO Heritage program, a joint activity of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Nissan Motor Sports International Co., Ltd., Autech Japan, Inc., and their suppliers.
As a first step, NISMO Heritage will offer parts for the R32 Skyline GT-R, which was made between August 1989 and January 1995.
The R32 earned top honors in championships and prestigious races across the globe. In Europe, it took the overall victory in the Spa 24 in 1991. It won the Australian Touring Car Championship for the first time in 1991, followed by another championship in 1992, taking Bathurst 1000 victories both years. In Japan, the R32 scored wins in every Japanese Touring Car Championship race during the 1990, 1991, 1992 and 1993 seasons. The car's inclusion in the Gran Turismo video game series cemented its status as a fan favorite.
NISMO has for many years had a close relationship with Nissan Skyline GT-R owners. After studying the remanufacturing and resupplying of discontinued parts for the R32 – especially ones that are indispensable for the car to drive or to pass regular vehicle inspections in Japan – NISMO has decided to sell about 80 parts at the outset of the program. These include harnesses, hoses (tubes), emblems and other exterior components. Further consideration will be given to expanding the range of R32 parts on offer, as well as broadening the program's scope to include the R33 and R34 GT-R models.
When certain parts can't be reproduced due to operational difficulties at original suppliers, NISMO will consider methods of replacing these parts using substitute, rebuilt or overhauled products, as well as NISMO-tuned parts.
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FAQ
Q: What is the NISMO Heritage program and how does it help R32 GT-R owners?
The NISMO Heritage program is a brilliant initiative that manufactures new replacement parts for heritage Nissan performance cars, starting with the legendary R32 Skyline GT-R. The program offers about 80 essential parts including harnesses, hoses, emblems and exterior components to keep these iconic machines running properly and passing vehicle inspections.
Q: Which Nissan GT-R models will be covered by the NISMO Heritage parts program?
Currently, the program focuses exclusively on the R32 Skyline GT-R produced between August 1989 and January 1995, but NISMO is considering expanding to include R33 and R34 GT-R models depending on the program's success and demand from owners.
Q: Why is the R32 Skyline GT-R considered such an important performance car?
The R32 GT-R earned legendary status by absolutely dominating motorsport, winning every single Japanese Touring Car Championship race from 1990 to 1993, claiming the Australian Touring Car Championship in 1991 and 1992, and taking overall victory at Spa 24 in 1991. Its inclusion in Gran Turismo games made it a global icon.
Q: Is the NISMO Heritage program available to South African GT-R owners?
Unfortunately, the NISMO Heritage program launched exclusively in Japan in December, so South African R32 owners will need to explore import options through specialist dealers or wait for potential international expansion of the program.
Q: What happens when original suppliers can't reproduce certain GT-R parts?
When original parts can't be manufactured due to supplier limitations, NISMO will explore alternative solutions including substitute parts, rebuilt components, overhauled products, or even specially developed NISMO-tuned replacement parts to keep these heritage machines operational.
Should You Buy It?
The best heritage JDM icon under R800,000 in SA is definitely the R32 Skyline GT-R, but good luck finding one that hasn't been thrashed or butchered. With NISMO's Heritage program now offering proper replacement parts, owning one of these legends just became slightly less terrifying for your wallet. Expect to pay anywhere from R450,000 to R750,000 for a decent example, but factor in another R100,000 for sorting out the inevitable issues. If you've got deep pockets and don't mind hunting for parts like you're on a treasure quest, then absolutely yes, buy it. This is your chance to own the Godzilla that dominated every track it touched in the 90s, and with official NISMO support, it's finally a realistic proposition for serious enthusiasts.
