Your Chance To Own A JDM Racing Legend

Few cars have left a mark like the R32 Skyline, especially during its undefeated reign. Globally, the R32 GT-R conquered many great races, including dominating locally at Bathurst in the 1990s. Back in its home country of Japan the R32 was up to the same business, and at the forefront of this dominance was Masahiro ‘Mr. Skyline’ Hasemi, a titan in Japanese motorsport — and now one of Mr. Skyline's most iconic cars is up for auction.

While his name might not resonate globally (some Australian's may recognise the name from his Bathurst stints in '81 and '82), in Japan, Hasemi's achievements are legendary. From clinching titles in diverse racing categories like single-seaters, Super Silhouettes, and Group C prototypes, to being one of the pioneering Japanese drivers in Formula One in 1976, Hasemi's racing pedigree is unparalleled.

His association with Nissan, particularly NISMO, saw him shine in premier endurance events. Notably, he graced the Le Mans track five times between 1986 and 1996, securing an impressive 5th place finish in 1990 and clinching a victory at the 1992 24 Hours of Daytona for NISMO.

Under the banner of his own racing team, Hasemi Motorsport, he competed in the Japanese Touring Car Championship from 1989 to 2000 and then from 2004 to 2009. The team's iconic orange-and-white R32 Skylines, sponsored by Unisia JECS and Tomica, clinched consecutive titles in 1991 and 1992.

1994 was a pivotal year for Hasemi Motorsport. Collaborating with NISMO, they transformed the Skyline into a formidable grand touring racecar. With a revamped carbon fibre body, reinforced structure, and innovative underpinnings, this car was designed to outsmart the 1994 rulebook.

The car's debut at Fuji Speedway in April 1994 was a testament to its potential. Although Hasemi faced gearbox issues that led to a 10th-place finish, it wasn't long before he showcased the car's true prowess. At the subsequent round at Sendai Highland Raceway, Hasemi's command over the new chassis was evident. Starting from pole position, he dominated the race, finishing a staggering 15 seconds ahead of his closest competitor, the R32 Skyline of Hoshino Racing.

Now, the iconic R32 is going up for auction - retaining all of its original bits. The listing on RM Sotheby's states - "The car was retired before being thoroughly refurbished by Hasemi Motorsport and displayed at the team’s offices. Remaining with a single owner from 1996 to 2022, the car has been carefully preserved since the conclusion of its racing days."

"It has never been changed from its 1994 racing specification, and as such, this important R32 still retains major race-winning components including its REINIK engine and ECU, Xtrac transmission, AP braking system, bodywork, and mechanical underpinnings. Even the scrutineering stickers from its last race remain affixed to body."

Check it out for yourself here! If someone's got a few bucks to lend me, I'd be much appreciative. (Even a regular R32 GT-R would be nice.)