Author: GATER KAZUKI｜GT-Rotaku.com

Hello everyone, GATER KAZUKI here.

In my previous article, I wrote about Paul Walker and the R32, but I didn't touch on the actual specifications of that R32. This time, I'll delve only into that.

To start with the conclusion, it was apretty serious circuit-spec car. It wasn't just a "car made famous by an actor's celebrity." I want to make that clear upfront.

First, let's confirm the base vehicle

The car put up for auction was a 1989 BNR32, an early model R32 GT-R. The color was Gun Grey Metallic (KH2). While this is the most commonly produced and standard color for the R32, this particular car, finished to circuit specifications, was anything but "standard."

The engine was, of course, an RB26DETT, a 2.6-liter inline-six twin-turbo. The transmission was a 5-speed manual. Based on the fundamental configuration of the R32 GT-R with its ATTESA E-TS AWD, the car had been modified for circuit driving.

Confirmed custom specifications

The custom modifications confirmed from the official Barrett-Jackson auction materials and various media records are as follows:

First, theengine and powertrain system. HKS and A'PEXi parts were incorporated. While the specific details of the specifications cannot be fully deciphered from the public documents, the combination of these two brands is a very common and classic choice for R32 engine tuning. HKS has a strong track record with turbos, exhaust manifolds, and intake/exhaust systems, while A'PEXi excels in ECUs and suspension systems. The fact that these parts were used suggests that the output was considerably increased from the stock RB26DETT.

Next, thebrake system. The wheels are Enkei RPF1 (black). For anyone involved in circuit driving, these wheels need no explanation; they are a standard competition wheel with an excellent balance of lightness and strength. The brake calipers are made by Endless. Endless is a specialized manufacturer of brake systems, and their reliability for circuit use is among the best in Japan. This isn't just "tuning for show"; they invested properly in the most crucial part, the brakes. This is commendable.

And then, theinterior. It was completely stripped. This means all interior materials were removed. Furthermore, a full roll cage was installed.

With this trifecta – stripped interior, roll cage, and competition brakes – there is no doubt that this car was "built for circuit use."

What can be inferred from these specifications

What I gather from these custom details is thatWalker genuinely intended to race this car.

There are many JDM cars purchased by actors for their celebrity appeal. But stripping the entire interior and installing a roll cage is not something done for show. It's done to reduce weight and prepare for a potential crash. Installing Endless calipers is also an unnecessary choice for street driving.

Walker's collection included seven BMW E36 M3 Lightweights, and those M3 Lightweights were homologation models built by BMW for track driving. Including the R32, his garage was filled with "cars meant for driving." There is a consistent theme there.

Regarding the winning bid of $100,100

While the typical market price for an R32 ranges from about $20,000 to $75,000, this particular car was sold for $100,100 (excluding buyer's premium).

Naturally, there's the "premium of having been owned by Walker." But beyond that, I believe the price also reflected howhighly complete it was as a circuit-spec car. HKS/A'PEXi tuning, Endless brakes, Enkei RPF1, full roll cage. Acquiring all of this from scratch would be quite expensive.

Rather than "it was expensive because it was Walker's car," I think it's more accurate to say, "it was a proper car, and Walker's ownership history added even more to its value."

All proceeds from the sale were allocated to a trust for Walker's daughter, Meadow.

Summary

Paul Walker's R32 was not just a showpiece.

A Gun Grey body, a fully stripped interior, a roll cage, HKS/A'PEXi engine tuning, Endless brakes, Enkei RPF1. Every aspect points to the specifications of a "car built for driving."

Knowing that his interest in Skylines began with his encounter with the R32, and that he acquired an R32 himself, modified it for the track, and drove it – with that knowledge, The Drive's assessment of Walker as a "true car guy" was indeed correct, I believe.

That's all from GATER KAZUKI.