The Return of an Icon: Why the R32 GT-R Still Matters to Us at Davey Motor Group
At Davey Motor Group, we’ve always believed in celebrating the legends — and few cars carry more weight in performance lore than the Nissan R32 GT-R. Known worldwide as a defining symbol of JDM excellence and pure driving passion, the R32 blends track-bred capability with everyday usability and we believe it deserves a front-row spotlight on our site.
A Legacy Built on Performance & Precision
When the R32 GT-R emerged in 1989, it redefined what a “street car” could be. Powered by the 2.6 litre twin-turbo inline-six RB26DETT engine and paired with the advanced “ATTESA E-TS” all-wheel-drive system along with four-wheel multilink suspension and, in many models, four-wheel steering — the R32 was engineered to dominate (Nissan Global).
Thanks to this potent combination, the R32 didn’t just perform — it crushed the competition. From 1990 to 1993, the car achieved an unmatched run in its racing incarnation, winning 29 straight rounds in the Japanese Touring Car Championship (JTCC) (Nissan Global).
In recognition of this dominance, the car earned a moniker that has stuck ever since: “Godzilla.” In Australia, the nickname captured the R32’s monstrous performance and unshakeable presence — a badge of honour among tuners, racers and enthusiasts alike (Enthusiast Motor Insurance).
Why We Love the R32 and Why You Should Too
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Balanced engineering
The R32 GT-R didn’t rely solely on brute horsepower. Its AWD system and suspension allowed it to handle corners, weather, and real-world driving just as well as the drag strip. That balance makes it a true performance car for many settings.
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Pure driving feel
With a 5-speed manual transmission in its original form and a driveline designed for control and precision, the R32 delivers a connected, engaging driving experience. It’s the kind of car where you feel every shift, every turn, every moment. (autoevolution)
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Heritage & legacy status
The R32 GT-R didn’t just win races. It created a legacy. Even decades later, it remains a benchmark for what a “JDM legend” means. For those of us at Davey Motor Group, that heritage is part of what fuels our passion for the cars we love.
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Cult following & tuning potential
The R32’s design, parts availability and inbuilt capability make it a favourite among modifiers, collectors, and fans of high-performance driving. Whether you appreciate it as an original build or as a modified road or track car, the R32 GT-R welcomes it.
Imagining the Future and Holding on to What Made the R32 Legendary
While automotive technology has evolved by leaps and bounds, the core of what made the R32 GT-R great balance, engineering, driving feel remains timeless. At Davey Motor Group, we think that even as modern supercars focus more on electronics and brute force, there’s something irreplaceable about a car that earned its stripes on track, proved itself under pressure, and still feels alive on the road. We like to imagine the R32 legacy carrying forward perhaps inspiring future builds, restorations, and even modern reinterpretations. But we’ll always respect the original: a car that brought “Godzilla” to life.
In Conclusion, The R32 GT-R, It’s More Than Just a Car
For fans of performance, history, and pure driving emotion, the Nissan R32 GT-R represents something rare: a car where engineering, passion, and legacy came together in perfect harmony.
At Davey Motor Group, we celebrate that history — and we invite you to appreciate the R32 not just as a machine, but as a milestone in automotive culture.
If you’re a fellow enthusiast or simply curious about what made the R32 legend, this is where we pay tribute.