Japan's all-conquering supercar — twin-turbo VR38, all-wheel drive, 17 years of continuous evolution.
Launched in late 2007, the Nissan GT-R (R35) replaced the Skyline GT-R nameplate with a standalone model. Power came from the 3.8-litre VR38DETT twin-turbo V6 — hand-built at Yokohama — sending drive to all four wheels through a rear-mounted 6-speed dual-clutch transaxle. Output rose from 480 bhp at launch through successive Model Year updates to 565 bhp in standard cars and 600 bhp in the NISMO variant. Production at Tochigi continued until 2024.
Notable variants include the NISMO (2014–2024), Track Edition, Egoist, and the limited-edition T-Spec and Final Edition cars marking end of production.
Reset the supercar performance benchmark in 2007 at half the price of Porsche and Ferrari rivals; collectors are now actively isolating the early launch cars, NISMO models and Final Edition variants.
| Variant | Years | Production | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| MY08–MY10 | 2007–2010 | Not separately recorded | Early cars, 480 bhp. |
| MY11–MY16 | 2010–2016 | Not separately recorded | Mid-life cars, 530–550 bhp. |
| MY17–MY24 | 2016–2024 | Not separately recorded | Facelift, 565 bhp. |
| NISMO | 2014–2024 | Not separately recorded | 600 bhp; revised aero. |
| T-Spec / Final Edition | 2021–2024 | Not separately recorded | Limited runs; closing-out cars. |
Start with identity, paperwork and originality. For the Nissan GT-R (R35), the strongest cars have continuous ownership history, matching numbers where applicable, original books and tools, factory build documentation and evidence of work by manufacturer-approved specialists. Originality (no remapping), full Nissan HPC service history, NISMO or Final Edition specification.
VR38 is robust on standard tune; tuned cars can exhibit transmission, oil cooler and bell-housing issues — verify maintenance and avoid heavily-mapped examples for collector purchase. A proper pre-purchase inspection includes cold-start behaviour, ECU diagnostics and fault-code history (where applicable), leak-down or compression testing, underbody photography, suspension and chassis inspection, brake condition and a long enough road test to expose heat-related faults. Deferred maintenance on a car of this class is almost always more expensive than buying a better-sorted example.
Use a paint-depth gauge, lift access and a specialist familiar with the model's factory panel gaps and finish standards. Collector value is dramatically affected by structural repairs, refinished panels, poor paintwork and missing factory trim or option content. Documented cosmetic refresh is acceptable; concealed accident or fire damage must be priced severely.
Original-spec cars, low ownership chain, full Nissan / HPC service history, no tuner modifications. Specification, colour, options and limited-build variants move values significantly. Buy the best-documented example in the most desirable specification you can justify, rather than a tired example of a rarer derivative that will need years of corrective work.
| Date | Auction | Car | Mileage | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026-01-23 | RM Sotheby's Arizona | 2009 GT-R | — | US$100,800 Sold |
| 2024-10-12 | Broad Arrow The Chattanooga Auction | 2021 GT-R NISMO | — | US$168,000 Sold |
| 2024-08-16 | Gooding Christie's Pebble Beach Auctions | 2024 GT-R Nismo | — | US$346,000 Sold |
| 2024-08-15 | Mecum Monterey 2024 | 2014 GT-R Midnight Opal Special Edition | — | US$83,600 Sold |
| 2023-11-25 | RM Sotheby's Munich | 2016 GT-R NISMO | — | €126,500 Sold |
Launch cars, NISMO and Final Edition cars are the collector segments; standard mid-life cars are usability buys.
Our view, not advice. This section is Car Collector International's editorial judgement on where this model sits in the collector market, based on the production, specification and market data set out in this guide. It is not a recommendation to buy or sell and it is not investment advice. Values can fall as well as rise.
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The valuation figures in this guide are for research purposes only and do not constitute financial or investment advice. See our full disclaimer.
