The R35 Nissan GT-R reshaped the supercar world when it arrived on the scene back in 2009. Twin-turbocharged, all-wheel drive and packing a quick-shifting dual-clutch, the GT-R would become a blueprint that almost every supercar manufacturer would copy moving into the current decade. Thankfully for die-hard Godzilla fans, you now have a chance to own a pristine example of the rarest variant produced during that run: a 2021 Nissan GT-R50.
The GT-R50 first arrived as a concept vehicle back in 2018, marking the dual 50th anniversaries of the GT-R nameplate, as well as the design house Italdesign before 2019. The concept merged the R35’s technical ability with some design influences from the days-gone-by of the auto industry, borrowing heavily from Italy in the process. The concept was met with such excitement that Nissan actually committed to building a limited run of the cars, with production volume officially capped at 50 units. Production was slowed as a result of COVID, but the automaker closed the order books
in July of this year.
This particular example is number 11 in the run, though the listing sellers at Legendary Motor Car claim that only 19 examples were ever produced. Considering it took the automaker so long to close the order books, it is possible that demand never reached that 50-unit goal. Regardless of the true production figures, the car’s $1,165,000 base price certainly ensured only the most fanatical of R35 customers would have a chance to own one. That’s a ton of cash, but the work done by both Nissan and Italdesign is extensive and impressive.
Starting under the hood, the GT-R50 packs a modified variant of the familiar 3.8-liter VR38DETT V-6. Upgraded turbos are pulled right off the GT3 racer and combined with higher-flow injectors, larger intercoolers, and a reworked intake to provide more power. An updated crankshaft, pistons, and connecting rods bolster high-horsepower engine health. The end result is 710 hp and 585 pound-feet of torque, significantly more than the range-topping NISMO’s 600 hp and 481-pound-foot rating. Power is sent to the wheels via a reworked six-speed dual-clutch transmission, while adaptive Bilstein dampers handle the suspension duties.
This particular example has also been outfitted with the optional hydraulic rear wing, which provides some active aero elements for maximum performance on track. Not that this car has ever seen the track, as it has arrived for sale with delivery mileage on the clock. The Italdesign bodywork certainly won’t be for everyone, but the shape is far more unique than you’d typically find from a Nissan product. The paint is also a unique hue, which cost the first owner nearly $30,000 to spec from the factory. It looks great with the red NISMO accents, though we hope that initial investment doesn’t require a significant price bump for any prospective buyers.
Legendary Motorcar hasn’t published any pricing information about this particular GT-R, following the age-old adage about anything of great expense. Either way, here’s hoping that the next owner of this modern coachbuilt sports car actually decides to use the thing for its intended purpose.
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