Larry Chen Spent 12 Million Yen To Restore His Nissan GT-R
When you hear someone utter the phrase “forever car,” it’s a safe bet that they will do just about anything to keep said car in great condition for the rest of their lives. Committing to a vehicle is not for the lighthearted, and likely not for those with a thin wallet. Enter Hagerty’s own Larry Chen, as he recently spent 12 million yen (a little over $80,000 as of writing) to restore his R34 Nissan GT-R back to a factory fresh condition.
And Chen didn’t entrust anyone with his forever car—he handed the keys to Garage Yoshida, the preeminent restoration facility for Nissan Skylines. Kozo Yoshida and his team of dedicated restorers strip down the R34, even finding an unobtainum television tuner in the interior during the dismantling process. Their effort is methodical and clinical in its perfection, and the entire vehicle is disassembled in roughly six hours.
Chen gives us a front row seat to all the action. Garage Yoshida then scans the bare shell to ensure its dimensions are factory correct, making adjustments with body repair tools as needed. They also inspect the engine, and upgrade the chassis with new strut towers made by Garage Yoshida.
Getting a peek into a shop as talented and specialized as Garage Yoshida is a real and rare treat, and Chen’s personal knowledge of this specific Nissan Skyline offers commentary no other host could provide. Have a look at this video, and we hope you are eagerly awaiting the next installment as much as we are!
To restore cars like this right you need money and connections. This is why the Asian market has always struggled.
Too many different parts and too few reproduction parts. Even new some of these cars had so many running changes that it makes it hard to get the right parts. Also there are not many junk yards anymore. Everything is dismantled if not scrapped.
The same thing is now appling to a number of American cars.
Everyone says to buy a 1988 Fiero, Till they need front wheel bearings or any other suspension parts that are no longer made.
The video was eye opening in the rust issues with actual evidence to look at but more amazing to watch that couple just methodically and quickly take that vehicle apart. They were amazing to watch, someone you would want to do your own car if you could afford it. His car will be new again!
My forever car is the 72 Porsche 914/4 I bought new. Unrestored and pristine as new. Sitting in my garage right now. After 52 years with it when I gi it goes.