Each year, the SEMA Show in Las Vegas plays host to some of the most hyped and hotly-anticipated one-off builds and limited series restomods on the planet. And this year’s iteration of the event is no different, with everyone from major marques to boutique customs shops all bringing out their very best. One such outfit is Built By Legends, which is using the ongoing event to showcase its latest automotive offering; the BBL Nissan R-34 Skyline GT-R Restomod.
Each project begins with the car visiting Garage Yoshida, where it’s torn down to the bare chassis. After undergoing a 108-point 3D alignment test, the frame is then wet-blasted, treated to a slew of spot-welded reinforcements, and then powder coated. The vehicle also gets a 400-point spot welding program, along with new re-engineered strut towers and a titanium tower bar. The framework can also be adorned in the buyer’s choice of period correct R-34 panels or a setup with more modern aero elements and performance upgrades.
Powering this high-dollar restomod is the legendary twin-turbocharged RB26DETT straight-six engine. Tuned by MINE’S, this engine is built on a 24U N1 engine block and has been bored out to 2.8-liters (up from 2.6-liters), before being bolted to a six-speed Getrag heavy-duty six-speed transmission. The engine also benefits from the use of MINE’S VX-ROM ECU system, MINE’S Carbon Air Intake Duct and Fuel Delivery Pipe, and an R35-transplanted Airflow Meter and Injectors.
To modernize the restomod’s performance, its hardware and componetry have also been heavily overhauled. The suspension is completely reworked, with the stock hardware being replaced with an Aragosta Type S sport suspension setup before then receiving new bearings and bushings throughout. The donor’s original braking hardware is also jettisoned in favor of top-of-the-line six-pot front calipers and four-piston rear calipers — both chomping down on RDD 356mm rotors — all courtesy of AP Racing. The entire vehicle now rides on a set of custom period-correct Rays wheels shod in high-performance Bridgestone Potenza 71RS tires.
Trimmed in Ultrasuede upholstery, the interior of BBL’s R-34 has received numerous upgrades including a MINE’S D-Shape steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather and Alcantara, a matching handbrake, and aluminum racing pedals. Daiko rubber roof and floor sound and heat reduction sheets have also been added throughout the cabin.
Built for the ongoing Specialty Equipment Market Association show, the particular specimen seen here wears a coat of the legendary Bayside Blue hue offered from the factory for the R-34-gen Skyline. This example is also being showed off in a bid to celebrate the fact that Built By Legends’ R-34 restomod is now available for order anywhere in the world — including the U.S. market.
“First and foremost, it is of the utmost importance that each Built By Legends restomod preserves the GT-R’s integrity and pays homage to this legendary driving machine,” explains Built By Legends CEO and Co-Founder Masaharu Kuji. “While we do supply the modern performance upgrades necessary for high-performance driving today, our team always ensures that the end result does not significantly change the aspects of Skyline driving that so many enthusiasts have long enjoyed. There was no better place to first showcase our completed work than the SEMA show. We are thrilled to share this GT-R with the world, and look forward to building the finest street cars for enthusiasts across the globe.”
Class: JDM Restomod
Brand: Built By Legends
Model: R-34 GT-R Restomod
Donor: Nissan R-34 Skyline GT-R Restomod
Engine: Twin-Turbocharged 2.8L Straight-Six
Engine Builder: MINE’S
Power: 650HP
Chassis Restorer: Garage Yoshida
Suspension: Aragosta Type S Sport
Brakes: AP Racing
Build Time: 12 Months
Starting Price: $450,000 (+ Cost of Donor Car)
The Built By Legends Nissan R-34 Skyline GT-R Restomod is available for order now, with prices starting at $450,000 — not including the donor vehicle (which BBL can source for clients if needed). These spare-no-expense restomods require a 12-month build time to complete.
Built By Legends rolls out a spare-no-expense Nissan R-34 Skyline GT-R restomod with a 650-hp MINE’S-built RB26DETT twin-turbo straight-six.
