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The Nissan GT-R R35 is, officially, getting retired. October 2024 marks the end of the current generation of the Japanese supercar slayer. We have learned from previous generations that the GT-R market is one of the most dynamic. It's why R32, R33, and R35 Skylines, even non-GT-R ones, have skyrocketed in value. We see a similar situation with the Mk 4 Toyota Supra, which costs more than some brand-new Toyota performance offerings.
The spike in prices isn't limited to the cars. This extends to parts and accessories. An authentic NISMO Z-Tune front bumper for the R34 GT-R can cost up to $6,000, although there are decent replicas for a fraction of the price. Recently, I got an email about some eBay statistics, regarding the GT-R and GT-R parts market. The numbers I got are based on global data comparing January - November 2023 to January - November 2022, as well as eBay global data from June 8 - June 14, 2024. Some of the figures are mind-blowing.
The R35 GT-R is about to appreciate even more
JDM performance cars, especially, those from the late-1980s and 1990s continue to appreciate. The Honda S2000 is the latest of the JDM icons to jump in value. Not all Japanese sports cars appreciate the same, and there are a few reasons why Toyota GR Supra will not appreciate as much as its predecessor.
The Nissan GT-R, however, is a different story. Considered the “Emperor of tuner cars”, the late R35 iteration is already reaching R34 levels of popularity. Back when the GT-R R35 went on sale, you could pick one up for under $70,000. Now, a second-hand Nissan R35 is about the same. According to the data, eBay searches for the Nissan GT-R jumped by 50 percent, as soon as news about the R35 GT-R going out of production started circulating.
Older generations of the Nissan GT-R continue to rise in popularity
The Skyline GT-R continues to be a much-desired JDM sports car. With the R34 Skyline GT-R finally eligible for import, under the 25-year rule, fans of Godzilla are financing these cars left and right. These cars are well int the six-figure range, with the current (2024) average market value being $208,358 (Classic.com). Rare R34 variants like the V-Spec II Nur M-Spec, and NISMO Z-Tune can reach well over $600,000.
Regardless of which R34 GT-R you are after, prices of around $150,000 will become increasingly frequent as people will, no doubt attempt to make profit by “flipping” these cars.
The original bearer of the Godzilla nickname - the R32 GT-R – is not becoming any more affordable. Current average value for the Nissan Skyline R32 GT-R is $56,143, but tastefully-modified R32 GT-R examples are closing in on $70,000. Even the unloved R33 GT-R is averaging $61,900, but well-preserved examples are pushing upwards of $80,000. According to eBay data, searches for both the R33 and R34 increased by double digits.
The GT-R parts market might become speculative
There is no denying that Nissan's JDM icon benefits from one of the largest communities. It doesn't matter which generation we are talking about. However, R35 GT-R performance parts increased by a whopping, 2,500 percent. Fear not, parts that are essential for your R35 to work properly, like ignition coils, are still affordable, and even aftermarket exhaust systems for the Nissan R35 GT-R are not crazy-expensive. Bang for the buck, the R35 is currently the biggest bargain of all the GT-R generations.
The GT-R parts market will become very interesting. What might ruin it for some are people who buy parts to hoard them and later sell them at whatever price they deem fit, when they become harder to find. I hope for the enthusiast's sake that Nissan GT-R parts production doesn't stop anytime soon. The figures as mentioned earlier will, no doubt, be different in a few months, so I will be back here with updated info as it becomes available.
About the author
Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.
Image source: 2024 Nissan GT-R
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