When Nissan partnered with the renowned Italian design house Italdesign to unveil the GT-R50, many believed it would remain nothing more than a stunning concept car destined for auto show stages. Instead, Nissan turned the dream into reality with a limited production run. Now, one of the rarest Godzillas ever built is heading to auction in Japan, with expectations that it could sell for close to $1 million.
The Nissan GT-R50 Returns to the Spotlight
Originally unveiled in 2018 to celebrate both the 50th anniversary of the GT-R nameplate and Italdesign’s 50th anniversary, the GT-R50 was intended to be an ultra-exclusive collector’s model.
While the original plan called for 50 examples worldwide, the global pandemic and the car’s high price significantly impacted demand. Production ultimately ended after just 19 units were built, making it one of the rarest modern production cars ever created.
At ArabGT, we’re proud that our colleague Suhaib Shaashaa was among the few journalists worldwide to experience the GT-R50 on track, witnessing firsthand the blend of Japanese performance and Italian craftsmanship.
A Japanese-Italian Masterpiece Wrapped in Carbon Fiber
The GT-R50 was far more than a standard GT-R fitted with a body kit. Italdesign completely reshaped the car’s exterior, creating a machine unlike any other R35.
The roofline was lowered, the proportions were reworked, and the entire design adopted a more dramatic and futuristic appearance. The example heading to auction features exposed carbon fiber accented with a sophisticated blue-tinted finish, highlighting the level of craftsmanship involved.
Although it retains the underlying GT-R Nismo platform, every exterior panel was redesigned by hand, giving the GT-R50 a unique identity distinct from any standard R35.
710 Horsepower Inspired by Motorsport
Under the hood, Nissan and Nismo made sure the performance matched the dramatic appearance.
The GT-R50 is powered by a heavily upgraded 3.8-liter twin-turbocharged V6 producing 710 horsepower. The increase comes thanks to GT3 race-inspired turbochargers and a range of supporting modifications.
Additional upgrades include a larger intercooler, strengthened dual-clutch transmission components, a specially developed Bilstein suspension system, and massive 21-inch wheels designed to maximize both performance and presence.
Virtually Brand New
The example currently being offered through Japanese auction house Bingo represents a dream opportunity for serious collectors.
The car is right-hand drive, has never been officially registered for road use, and has covered only 221 kilometers (137 miles) since leaving the factory. In practical terms, it remains in nearly factory-fresh condition.
Auction estimates place its value between 145 million and 155 million Japanese yen, equivalent to approximately $902,000 to $965,000.
Was the GT-R50 a Good Investment?
Despite its rarity and near-million-dollar valuation today, some automotive investment experts argue that the GT-R50 was not necessarily the strongest financial investment.
For comparison, a Ferrari F40 purchased for a similar amount in 2020 could now be worth several million dollars. However, the GT-R50 offers something few vehicles can match: absolute rarity. With only 19 examples produced, it is rarer than many limited-run Ferraris and occupies a unique place in automotive history.
ArabGT’s Take
The Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign represents the ultimate farewell to the legendary R35 generation. While its mechanical foundations are shared with the GT-R Nismo, the real value lies in its handcrafted Italian design and extraordinary exclusivity.
This is not a car purchased for acceleration figures alone. It is a collector’s piece, a celebration of Japanese performance heritage, and one of the most exclusive GT-Rs ever built. For the fortunate few who can afford it, the GT-R50 is less a car and more a piece of automotive history.
