For Søren (@helbo_san), the dream began in 1997 with a Swedish car magazine. At 22 years old, he made himself a promise: one day, I’ll own an R32 GT-R. Decades later, that vision came to life thanks to a three-photo listing from Harlow Jap Autos and a gut feeling that this was the one.
Why the R32?
It's more than nostalgia. The R32 GT-R's racing heritage, legendary design, and clean lines left a deep impression on Søren back in the day. "The previous owner and the clean look drew me in," he recalls. And just like that, a long-time promise turned into reality.
Inspiration: OEM+ Street Vibes
This build is all about balance: keeping it true to its factory soul while subtly modernizing the experience. Søren’s goal? "As clean as possible, while still maintaining the soul of the car." The result is a street car that honors its heritage without trying too hard.
Why Icons Reimagined Wheels?
"The LMGT1 is a beautiful design. Icons Reimagined brought it back with modern tooling and materials, and it just fits the R32 perfectly," says Søren. The OEM+ vision comes to life through the wheels alone, which tie the whole build together.
The Build Sheet
Engine:
- RB26
- HKS GTS upgraded twin turbos
- HKS Step 1 cams
- Boost turned up for the extra punch
Suspension & Wheels:
- Ohlins D/T coil overs
- Icons Reimagined 18x10 ET20 LMGT1s on Michelin Pilot Sport tires
Interior:
- Recaro SR5 seats
Exterior:
- Top Secret front lip and splitter kit
- Side skirt extension kit
- Period-correct old logo Nismo parts throughout
Rare Parts & Upcoming Plans
The real magic lies in the Nismo touches — especially the old-logo pieces that capture the era’s street racer vibe. But this is just the beginning: after the summer season, the car will undergo a full restoration. The plan? Bring it back to bare metal, seal it up properly, and elevate it to better-than-factory condition.
Driving It
Søren doesn’t let the car collect dust. "I use it as much as I can, taking any chance I get to take it out and enjoy it," he says. This is a GT-R that gets driven — as it should be.
What’s Next?
A full-blown restoration starts in about 8 months. Once the body is sorted, Søren plans to install even more of the big-ticket parts he’s collected over time. The best is yet to come.
Shoutouts
Huge thanks to JPDJapan for the ongoing parts support and help with the restoration plan. And of course, Søren’s wife and kids, who continue to support his vision with love and patience.
From a promise made in 1997 to a car that turns heads today, Søren's R32 is a rolling tribute to heritage, precision, and patience. It may not be finished yet — but it's already iconic.