Japanese restoration and tuning specialist Built By Legends has announced that it will now offer a fully rebuilt and upgraded version of the R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R, featuring a multitude of MINE’S tuning parts to create a 650bhp ‘reimagined’ GT-R. Prices will start at $450,000, not including the donor vehicle.
For each build, Built By Legends takes the R34 back to its bare shell, and before work starts, it’s sent to Japanese Skyline specialist Garage Yoshida who carefully scan and measure the shell to ensure it is still within Nissan’s strict tolerances. Only then will Garage Yoshida fit improved structural panels to improve shell rigidity – vital to ensure optimal suspension performance. The shell is also stiffened further with the addition of more than 400 extra spot welds throughout.
Once fully prepped, the body is painted in Shiranami White Pearl, with the undercarriage painted in the company’s signature BBL Navy. All of the suspension components go through a process of media blasting and powder coating, with new bushes and bearings throughout. An Aragosta Type S suspension set-up is then fitted, along with front and rear AP Racing brake callipers.
Built By Legends has collaborated with MINE’S to to produce a complete set of bespoke dry carbon aero components, consisting of a front bumper with carbon chin spoiler, bonnet, rear spoiler, diffuser and aero mirrors.
The MINE’s connection doesn’t end there either. Under the bonnet sits a MINE’S MB7 engine, a heavily reworked version of an original RB26 – built on 24U N1 engine block and increased to 2.8-litres. The result is the pinnacle of engines to come from Mines – producing 650bhp. In the world of modified Skylines, 650bhp might sound fairly tame, but Built By Legends not only wants the engine to be reliable, but also responsive and drivable. It’s couples to a heavy-duty Getrag six-speed transmission. There’s a full MINE’s exhaust system too.
With our team’s shared passion for the automotive industry, we recognized an opportunity with the Skyline in particular. With the vintage Skyline now becoming legal in North America, the timing was perfect.
Importantly – and perhaps the reasoning behind the timing of this announcement – this model is now eligible for import into the USA, as the earliest examples have now passed 25 years of age.
Built By Legends CEO & Co-Founder Masaharu Kuji commented: ‘When we first started the company, Built By Legends wanted to bridge the gap between Japan and the rest of the world in some unique way. With our team’s shared passion for the automotive industry, we recognized an opportunity with the Skyline in particular. With the vintage Skyline now becoming legal in North America, the timing was perfect. Built By Legends also noticed that a significant number of GT-R cars are regularly exported from Japan to places all over the world, but many of them are in poor condition. Since proper restoration services are not available in many countries, Built By Legends is able to fill that void by offering enthusiasts the very best classic Skyline GT-R with everything modernised underneath.’
