- The R34 GT-R by Built by Legends features a 2.8-liter engine upgrade paired with a six-speed manual transmission.
- Advanced braking features include six-piston front calipers and four-piston rears, improving overall stopping power.
- Interior refinements use Ultrasuede and Alcantara materials, complemented by a new steering wheel and aluminum pedals.
A few months ago, a little-known Japanese outfit by the name of Built by Legends shot into the collective automotive consciousness by unveiling a meticulously restored and subtly modified Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R. Now, it’s back for round two, presenting another R34 at SEMA, this time draped in one of the most iconic colors in the Skyline pantheon: Bayside Blue.
The formula used by Built by Legends to modernize and revitalize R34 GT-Rs is similar to other restomodders specializing in things like American muscle cars and Porsche 911s. It starts by completely stripping down the donor car, and then the chassis is restored and reinforced by Garage Yoshida, a well-respected firm in the GT-R space. A new set of strut towers is then installed before the chassis is wet blasted, spot welded, and strengthened.
Watch: World’s Fastest Manual Nissan R34 GT-R Sets New Record
Next, the Skyline GT-R has been fitted with all new bushings and bearings and a sports suspension. While the R34 GT-R is a performance icon, it’s still 25 years old, and braking technology has come a long way in that time. As such, Built by Legends has installed AP Racing six-piston calipers up front, clamping down on 356 mm rotors, while found at the rear are new four-piston calipers. A custom set of 18-inch Rays wheels have also been bolted on and are clad in 265/35R18 Bridgestone Potenza 71RS tires.
Open up the hood and the special touches continue. The original RB26 engine has been replaced with a MINE’s MB7, which is a bored-out version of the iconic twin-turbo straight-six, now displacing 2.8 liters. It delivers 650 hp and is mated to a six-speed heavy-duty Getrag six-speed manual transmission. A carbon fiber air intake and a bespoke ECU has also been installed.
Step inside, and the transformation is no less impressive. The cabin now mirrors the Bayside Blue exterior with two-tone black and navy Ultrasuede gracing the seats and other key surfaces. A new steering wheel wrapped in a blend of Alcantara and Nappa leather sits at the driver’s fingertips, adding a tactile upgrade, while aluminum racing pedals complete the high-performance aesthetic.
If you’re considering commissioning your own R34 GT-R through Built by Legends, be prepared to start at $450,000—and that’s before even sourcing a donor car.
