Collectors fanatic enough to have built Japan’s 1/8 scale model kit of the KPGC10 Nissan Skyline GT-R can now have a companion GT-R to go with it. Deagostini has launched debuted its 1/8 scale BNR32 Nissan Skyline GT-R NISMO. Like other large-scale model kits it is offered via subscription, in which each week a small sub-assembly of the car arrives by mail. It’s a commitment, though, as there are 110 issues, which means the car won’t be completed before February 2027.
Deagostini has chosen to replicate the R32 Skyline GT-R NISMO, a special variant of the R32 developed to homologate Nissan’s Group A race cars. Only 500 were built for public consumption, and included aero enhancements like intercooler ducting below the grille, an airflow molding on the leading edge of the hood, and a Group A-style spoiler on the deck.
The NISMO also cut 3o kg of weight by omitting fripperies like the radio, aircon, ABS, and rear window wiper. Mechanically, the NISMO featured metal rather than ceramic twin turbines on the RB26DETT, an upgraded exhaust manifold, and triple gauges in the center stack.
With an overall length of 56.8 cm, or 22.4 inches long, the detail is superb. Naturally, the hood, doors and trunk all open to reveal a highly detailed engine bay and interior. This model goes further by adding working lights throughout. For example, when the doors open the dome light automatically comes on.
There are also working turn signals, hazards, tail and brake lights, and headlights with high and low beams. These lights, along with an instrument cluster illuminated in the same cozy yellow glow of 90s nostalgia, are controlled by a small remote that looks like RB26’s valve cover.
The detail extends to the engine, the undercarriage, and even the texture of the seats. The first issue costs ¥490 to reel fans in, but after that each issue will cost ¥1999. If one has the wherewithal to see the subscription through to the end, it’ll cost ¥218,381 ($1,463 USD).
Of course, as is often the case with these programs there are additional ways to part enthusiasts with their money. Each issue comes with a few pages that, when completed, will form a nice book about the history of Nissan and the Skyline GT-R. Therefore, it would behoove the completist to buy the set of binder cases for ¥1980 to hold these pages. That is, if the binders are purchased before June. After that, the price will increase to ¥1390 each.
That’s not all. Starting from Issue 11, subscribers can opt to spend an extra ¥350 per week until Issue 110 in order to receive a clear display case for the finished model. But perhaps the most dastardly add-on is series of five 1/43 scale Skyline GT-R model cars. These will be spread out throughout the duration of the subscription and range in price from ¥35,200 ($236 USD) to ¥38,500 ($258 USD).
If our calculations are correct, to really get everything offered in the program will cost ¥398,781 ($2673 USD). But that’s likely not even possible anymore, because there’s yet another caveat. The second in the 1/43 model series, the Calsonic race car, is limited to just 50 units. That means only the first 50 subscribers will receive it, and any chance is likely already gone.
It’s not all diabolical upsells, though. All subscribers will have the chance to receive a mini spec plate and keychain featuring the GT-R badge logo, as well as a rubber coaster for free. The only catch is that they commit before June and July 2025, respectively.
This all seems excessive, but with the top prices real Skyline GT-Rs are commanding these days, it’s likely that more than a few owners will be willing to shell out beaucoup bucks for the ultimate R32 model. Honestly we’re surprised that the R32 hasn’t been done before in 1/8 scale, but now it can take a proud stand beside the 1/8 scale models of iconic cars like the Hakosuka Skyline GT-R, Seibu Keisatsu DR30, Toyota 2000GT, Celica Liftback, AE86, Subaru 360 and Fuji Rabbit, to name a few. For more on this FOMO-inducing genre of model, see our history on Japan’s 1/8 scale subscription kits.
