Remember when classic car specialists once said that Japanese cars could never be considered collectibles? I bet they are eating their shoes now.

The-Lowdown is selling a very special R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R Nismo Z-Tune build #001 to the highest bidder. More specifically, this model is the very first Nismo R34 GT-R of just 20 ever made.

The special edition Z-Tune celebrates the 20th anniversary of NISMO and defines the ultimate R34 GT-R to come from the factory. However, the Z-Tune GT-Rs were built in 2005, years after the R34 model had already ceased production. Instead, NISMO had purchased 20 used R34 GT-R V-spec platforms. Each example must have less than 30,000 km on the odometer and must meet strict body and mechanical condition evaluations by NISMO before approval.

Only 12 examples of the 20 were handpicked and purchased by NISMO. The remaining examples from number 13 through 20 were donated by personal owners that wished to convert their V-Spec to Z-tune cars.

The R34 GT-R Z-Tune features extensive aero modifications including larger openings on the bumper, as well as a striking vented hood and vented front fenders. Beyond the exterior, each Z-Tune boasts new forged and fillet-rolled camshafts, forged pistons, IHI turbocharger, new exhaust manifold, and a redesigned intake plenum. All these modifications equal to more than 493 hp and 398 lb.-ft. of torque. According to NISMO, the Z-Tune was capable of rocketing to a quarter-mile in a staggering 10.06 seconds. In comparison, the standard 2013 R35 Nissan GT-R finishes a quarter mile in 10.8 seconds.

For the GT-R diehards, the R34 GT-R Z-Tune represents the ultimate model of the greatest generation of the GT-R. According to THE-LOWDOWN, this specific “Z-Tune Silver” R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R Nismo Z-Tune build #001 has already received offers exceeding $750,000 AUD, or $575,000 USD.

Is a ten-year-old Japanese tuner supercar worth more than half a million dollars? It’s a difficult number to rationalize, especially since there are body kits as well as aftermarket performance parts that are designed to make a standard R34 GT-R’s look and perform virtually identical to, if not better than, a Z-Tune. Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!

Danny Choy

PHOTOS