This R32 Skyline GT-R Restomod Was Built by Legends

by Gabrielle DeSantis

While the R33 Skyline GT-R improved on its design, the earlier, rawer R32 Skyline is arguably the more iconic car. By age or by status, Nissan’s AWD super sports car is a bonafide classic. And these days, classic cars are easier than ever to restomod—and R32s are no exception. The NISMO division, for instance, now restores them. But now, there’s another name getting into the R32 Skyline GT-R restomod game: Built by Legends.

Built by Legends brings together several iconic JDM names

1989 Nissan R32 Skyline GT-R | Nissan

Built by Legends is a relatively new automotive business. However, the individuals behind it have a long history in the JDM world.

Anyone who’s watched Best Motoring or Hot Version is likely familiar with Masaharu Kuji and Katsu Takahashi, The Drive says. The duo created the car shows decades ago and later became the distributors for the dubbed versions overseas. Over the years of filming, Kuji and Takahashi made numerous connections throughout Japan, especially with tuners. So, when the duo wanted to make “the perfect Nissan Skyline GT-R restomod,” they knew who to call, SpeedHunters explains.

And the names attached to this R32 Skyline GT-R restomod build are a veritable who’s-who of JDM experts, SpeedHunters notes. Built by Legends brought in famed Skyline tuner Mine’s to tweak the engine and Garage Yoshida to handle the bodywork. The interior was done by Yoshi of Design Build Studio and Taenaka Pile, who sourced the first-gen Lexus LS’s interior fabrics. And NISMO collaborator Saito Kougyo did the upholstery.

Put all this talent together, and the result is, to paraphrase The Drive, a Singer-level R32 Skyline GT-R.

The BBL R32 Skyline GT-R restomod might be “the best R32 Skyline in the world,” The Drive says

On the drivetrain side, Mine’s bored out the R32 Skyline GT-R’s original RB26 2.6-liter turbocharged inline-six engine to 2.8 liters. The engine also has multiple new and strengthened components and upgraded turbos as well as a new exhaust. As a result, BBL estimates it now makes 500 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. That’s a considerable jump from the R32’s original (underrated) 276 hp. And while the original five-speed manual remains, it’s joined to a racing clutch.

To handle the power upgrade, BBL stripped the R32 down to the bare chassis and reinforced it. The team used as many new factory-original parts as possible, but some upgrades were made. For example, the restomod rides on Ohlins dampers with HYPERCO springs. It also has Brembo brakes, RAYS wheels, and modern Bridgestone tires. Other wheel options are available, though.

Also, this rebuilt R32 Skyline GT-R is 268 pounds lighter than the stock car, The Drive says. That’s through weight-saving measures like a carbon-fiber hood, rear spoiler, and front bumper. And one of the chassis reinforcements is a titanium strut brace.

A close-up look at the Built by Legends Nissan R32 Skyline GT-R restomod's Mine's handbrake, shifter, and center console
Built by Legends Nissan R32 Skyline GT-R restomod interior detail | Toprank Importers

Inside, BBL’s R32 Skyline GT-R retains its original seats, albeit re-upholstered. The Mine’s leather-and-Alcantara-trimmed steering wheel is new, though, as are the Mine’s shift knob and handbrake. So is the dashboard, Mine’s gauges, and Mine’s-designed center console. The aluminum pedals and rearview mirror are new GT-R parts, albeit from an R34. BBL even applied a black chrome finish to the door handles and steering-wheel switches.

Developing this R32 Skyline GT-R restomod took BBL over two years. But the labor was worth it, The Drive says. Behind the wheel, the car “just feels tight and right.” The bigger engine isn’t just more powerful; it almost feels naturally aspirated in how it responds. Those Ohlins dampers are firm, but the stable, planted feeling during fast road carving is worth it. And the steering is very communicative, SpeedHunters reports.

In short, it’s an R32 that’s almost better than factory-fresh.

How much will a Nissan R32 Skyline GT-R restomod like this cost?

BBL plans on building restomods of other cars, The Drive reports. One of the shop’s next projects is a Honda Civic built alongside famed tuner Spoon.

However, anyone can order a BBL R32. And you don’t even have to go to Japan to get one. California-based Nissan Skyline GT-R importer Toprank Imports has partnered with BBL to supply US customers with restomodded R32s.

Getting one, though, doesn’t come cheap. With the cost of the donor R32, a BBL restomod starts at roughly $380K, SpeedHunters says. That’s not far off the price of a NISMO-restored Skyline. But, to be fair, BBL’s restomod is legendary.

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RELATED: Would You Buy a $140K Remastered Classic Mini Cooper?

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Last 1963 Split-Window Corvette Built is for Sale But Not Cheap

by Gabrielle DeSantis

For significant marques, usually the first and last of something has added value. Most of the time they land in museums, but not always. This 1963 split-window Corvette is the last one built. Now you can buy it, but for a 1963 Corvette, it’s not cheap.

How much is this 1963 split-window Corvette?

Last 1963 split-window Corvette produced | eBay

The private owner has it listed on eBay, and the price is a staggering $499,900. All of the second-gen Corvettes are extremely collectible. But the split-window coupes, given the unique rear window found only this one year, are arguably the most sought after. 

This example has body production number 10594, and there were exactly 10,594 coupes built. It received a body-off restoration exactly as it left the factory in 1963. The coupe has only traveled 100 miles since its restoration, and only 60,000 in total for its almost 60 years of existence.  

Under the hood is a solid-lifter 327 ci V8 and Muncie four-speed transmission

Last 1963 split-window Corvette produced solid lifter 327 ci engine
Last 1963 split-window Corvette produced | eBay

It’s an unusual color combo of Saddle Tan with a matching interior. The optional naturally aspirated 327 V8 with solid lifters puts out 340 hp. It is hooked to a Muncie four-speed manual transmission tied to a 4:11 Posi-Traction independent rear end. 

Everything under the hood is finished as it was from the factory. That’s why there is no chrome or polished aluminum except for the air cleaner. The same holds true underneath. 

Other options include power brakes (no discs in 1963), power steering, and a wood-grain steering wheel. Power steering was only found on 3,000 examples in 1963. It also has the rare backup light which was tucked up in the license plate pocket. The visible backup light was only available in 1967. 

Is $500,000 too much for this split-window?

Last 1963 split-window Corvette produced interior
Last 1963 split-window Corvette produced | eBay

With prices for decent split windows around $100,000, the price is light years beyond that. So the buyer will weigh its intrinsic value as the last coupe with the price many times more than a typically restored version. As those with money to spare are told to spread it over different types of investments this might be a smart purchase. It is no more of a gamble than the stock market. 

The last 1963 coupe is enough of a draw to make this one of the most collectible Corvettes ever made. It’s not a lightweight model or built with unusual options, but its production number makes up for that.  

Last 1963 split-window Corvette produced body tag
Last 1963 split-window Corvette produced | eBay

RELATED: This 1963 Corvette Has an Ultra Rare Option

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Hyundai Breaks Sales Records for the 2nd Month in a Row

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Hyundai might not boast the same massive monthly sales numbers as some major U.S. car manufacturers. But one look at the surge in sales the automaker has reported over the past couple of months enforces the idea that the brand is fast becoming a force to be reckoned with as it becomes more popular among Americans. In fact, the Korean automaker broke sales records this past March and April and saw an increase of 128 percent over April 2020 sales.

Hyundai’s sales records

It’s safe to say Hyundai is enjoying a good year. In fact, the company reported it sold 77,523 vehicles in April. This is even more impressive when you look back at the automaker’s numbers from April 2020 and see a 128 percent increase.

Randy Parker, senior vice president of national sales for Hyundai Motor America, was thrilled to announce the improved sales figure in a recent Hyundai news release. 

“April 2021 was the second month in a row that we established a new best-ever total and retail sales monthly record. It was a team effort across the entire organization from manufacturing, logistics, sales and marketing, and our dealerships to deliver more Hyundai vehicles than ever before. As our all-new Tucson begins hitting dealerships in greater numbers, we expect the design and technology of our lineup to continue resonating with consumers.”

Randy Parker, SVP national sales, Hyundai Motor America

This represents the second consecutive month Hyundai has broken companywide sale records. GoodCarBadCar posted data that showed March sales were even more impressive than April’s numbers. In March, the company sold 91,147 units. 

Hyundai’s bestsellers

Some of Hyundai’s vehicles are selling much better than others. It shouldn’t come as a surprise to learn that perennial fan favorites are driving the brand’s sales. 

According to GoodCarBadCar, Hyundai sold 16,901 Tuscon units in April. This represents a 21.19 percent increase over the previous month. At the beginning of May, the company had sold 68,896 Tuscons, a 44.36 percent increase over 2020.

The Elantra is another vehicle that has enjoyed a nice boost in sales. In April, the company sold 18,821 Elantra sedans. That’s a 34.76 percent increase over April 2020 and a 147.38 percent increase over March 2021. This year has seen a 44.96 percent increase in Elantra sales.

Nationwide, consumers purchased 12,868 Santa Fe SUVs. This represents a 34.76 percent increase over the previous month. At the beginning of May, the automaker had sold 51,908 Santa Fes, a 44.96 percent increase over the same month in 2020.

The Sonata has also enjoyed a sales surge. In April, Hyundai sold 13,487 Sonata sedans. That’s a 130.47 percent increase over March. And this year has seen a 77.88 percent increase in Sonata sales.

Why are the brand’s vehicles selling like hotcakes?

Hyundai has spent the past several years working hard to rebrand. In the past, the company had a reputation for producing affordable cars that felt cheap and often weren’t reliable. When the company decided to project a different image, it began producing higher-quality vehicles with excellent warranty coverage while still keeping them relatively affordable. The rebranding campaign has certainly been instrumental in the recent sales surge.

In addition, many new-car shoppers have recently turned to Hyundai because the brand’s vehicles have a reputation for safety, comfort, and good resale value. Consumers also like the wide variety of models that Hyundai offers.

RELATED: Hyundai’s Warranty Is Really as Impressive as It Looks

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4 of the Best Boats for the Ocean

by Gabrielle DeSantis

When it comes to sailing on the ocean, not just any boat will do. To navigate conditions safely, your vessel must be big enough and properly equipped. For example, it should include a functioning VHF radio for communication and GPS for location determination. If you’re considering boats for the ocean, what are the best crafts to consider? Here are four well-built options equipped for ocean boating.

Bowriders

The great thing about bowriders is they’re available in a wide array of sizes and prices. If you and your family or friends are looking for a simple craft to go swimming, cruising, or towing other watercraft, a bowrider is ideal. Best of all, its layout offers plenty of seating, easy water access, and great versatility.

Bowriders measure anywhere from 16 feet to over 30 feet. They come with almost as many comfort features as most cars. You can find bowriders equipped with outdoor kitchens or galleys, full bathrooms, enclosed head compartments, and much more.  

If you’re into overnighting on the ocean or fishing, read on for other options. Otherwise, the bowrider might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Fish-and-ski boats

As the name implies, these boats are handy for skiing adventures and big fishing trips. Do you want to get up early to fish? These boats have what you need for a satisfying fishing experience. Want to enjoy watersports such as wakeboarding? These boats can do that too.

The layout is like that of a bowrider, according to Discover Boating. But it includes other features like rod holders, live wells, and an electric trolling motor to make life easier. They come equipped with ski lockers and a ski-tow pylon, too.

But multipurpose boats also have some drawbacks. The space that the live well occupies could be space for a cooler on a boat meant for water sports. You could have a casting deck for just fishing if not for the bow seating. Still, it’s a nice combination that accommodates both camps and does it well.

Sailboats

Ocean sailing is a unique, peaceful experience. Sailboats are designed to skim over the water, not to buzz by leaving a wide wake.

But it takes a degree of skill to navigate these vessels. Today’s sailboats, like bowriders, come in various sizes and levels of comfort. However, they don’t need big engines and, thus, tend to cost less.

Walkarounds

The walkaround is a jack-of-all-trades. You can enjoy cruising and fishing with your family but also overnight with friends on the ocean. These boats typically have open cockpits for setting a trolling spread or fishing. With the bow enclosed, you have a good place to sleep with protection from the elements.

The added protection that a walkaround offers is ideal for families, particularly those with smaller children. The center console for fishing isn’t exactly ideal, but it’s workable.

Depending upon your needs and tastes, one of these boats might fit the bill and provide you with many safe and joyful hours on the ocean. Specialty boats are available too, and if you’re a diehard fisherman or skier, you might consider one of those.

But if you’re looking for a good starter boat for your ocean adventures or one that straddles categories, these boats might provide a good starting point for you.

RELATED: Are Pontoon Boats Safe In the Ocean?

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