When you think of Nissan, you probably don’t picture sleek supercars worth millions. After all, most Nissan vehicles are commuter sedans. But a handful of these cars have sold for big bucks, differentiating them from their family-friendly counterparts.
The most expensive Nissan car of all time is the 2020 Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign with a price tag of $1.1 million. Nissan collaborated with Italdesign to create only 50 of these vehicles in commemoration of the GT-R 50th anniversary in 2019, making them incredibly rare and expensive.
Several of the highest-value Nissan cars are antiques, but you’ll have to check out this ranking to discover which models command the highest prices!
Here Are the Top Ten Most Expensive Nissan Cars of All Time:
- 2020 Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign – $1.1 million
- 1997 Nissan R390 GT1 – $1 million
- 1970 Nissan Fairlady Z432R – $805,000
- 1994 Nissan Skyline GT-R – $550,000
- 1990 Nissan 300ZX – $545,000
- 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec – $315,187
- 1970 Nissan Fairlady Z432 – $253,000
- 1972 Nissan Skyline Hakosuka GT-R – $242,000
- 1995 Nissan Skyline GT-R – $235,200
- 2018 Nissan R35 GT-R Nismo – $208,500
10. 2018 Nissan R35 GT-R Nismo – $208,500
If you’re looking for a sleek sportscar coupe for cruising around town or attending parties, you might want to check out the 2018 Nissan R35 GT-R Nismo.
This two-door car has all the charm of other luxury sedans, but it’s equipped with a race-ready turbocharged V6 engine. It’s essentially a beginner-level supercar!
This car sold for $208,500 when it went to auction in 2022, making it one of the priciest non-vintage, non-competition Nissan vehicles.
You could afford several of the world’s comfiest and most expensive couches for that price! But a couch likely wouldn’t offer the same adrenaline rush.
Why It’s Expensive
This coupe’s higher-than-average value stems from its performance and style. But it could have been more expensive.
This Nissan had just under 30,000km (about 18,600 miles) on the odometer, and most buyers look for barely-used sportscars. If this Nissan had slightly fewer miles, it would have likely sold for thousands more.
9. 1995 Nissan Skyline GT-R – $235,200
By 1995, Nissan had refined and improved the original Skyline model to make it a modern, two-door coupe. The 1995 Nissan Skyline GT-R that sold at auction for $235,200 in 2021 is a top-notch example.
Nicknamed “Godzilla,” this sportscar features a powerful engine that captured the attention of speedsters worldwide. This model even made appearances in the Fast and the Furious film franchise!
Why It’s Expensive
Though this car had just under 29,000 miles on the odometer when it went to auction, it sold for hundreds of thousands more than other used Nissan cars.
The primary reason this car fetched such a high auction price is that it’s notorious for being a high-performance vehicle. The Nissan Skyline GT-R has a stellar international reputation, driving up demand and value.
8. 1972 Nissan Skyline Hakosuka GT-R – $242,000
Classic cars are so-called because they never go out of style. That’s undoubtedly true of the 1972 Nissan Skyline Hakosuka GT-R, a competition car easily mistaken for a 1970s commuter coupe.
But this rare antique Nissan costs far more than other antique two-doors. One of these silver beauties sold at auction for $242,000 in 2014, making it one of the costliest Nissan Skylines ever.
Why It’s Expensive
Without the 1972 Nissan Skyline Hakosuka GT-R, the later Nissan Skyline GT-R might have never come to be. This vintage vehicle is valuable because it’s historically significant to the Nissan brand and legacy.
But the main reason the one sold at auction in 2014 garnered such a steep price is competition history. That particular vehicle had a laundry list of dozens of even wins, a quality that increased its overall value by thousands.
7. 1970 Nissan Fairlady Z432 – $253,000
The Nissan Fairlady has always been an attractive two-door sportscar, but its appearance and components have changed significantly throughout the years.
The oldest versions, including the Z432, tend to sell for big bucks and are often high on car collectors’ lists. So maybe demand is why one of the vintage vehicles sold for $253,000 in 2015.
Then again, this car’s rarity (Nissan released less than 500) could also be responsible for its staggering value. Either way, at least one thing is for sure—cruising around in this high-performance Nissan is a costly experience!
Why It’s Expensive
This particular version of the Nissan Fairlady is expensive because it’s rare, was only made for the Japanese market, and is built with a powerful engine.
Though it might not be as capable as contemporary supercars, it’s still an impressive and valuable find.
6. 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec – $315,187
The 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec is quite a unique car. Though it’s similar in style to the 1995 Godzilla, it has distinct features that embody the changing technology of vehicles from the late 1990s and early 2000s.
For example, this car has a small LCD screen in the center console (the ancestor of modern infotainment systems) and a cassette tape player (CDs were the dominant form of audio media at the time).
Consequently, this Nissan had elements of the future and the past, all packed into a speedy two-door sportscar with rear and front spoilers.
A delightfully purple version of the 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec sold for $315,187 in 2021, earning it a spot in this ranking.
Why It’s Expensive
This sports car is valuable as a historically significant item, and it would be an ideal acquisition for automotive museums. It’s also a comparatively rare find, so car collectors are likely keen to add one to their garage.
Both of these factors help make it more expensive than other Nissan two-doors.
5. 1990 Nissan 300ZX – $545,000
When a 1990 Nissan 300ZX went to auction in 2021, competition car collectors acted quickly, eventually driving the price to the $545,000 mark.
This officially makes the 1990 Nissan 300ZX pricier than the most expensive Lexus cars. But considering its racing competition history, this high value isn’t surprising.
Why It’s Expensive
This racecar is only of less than ten similar vehicles, so it’s rare. As such, it’s already more valuable than mass-produced Nissan sedans and SUVs.
But this car’s value also results from its multiple wins and notable competition history.
Car collectors with a passion for competition vehicles are bound to find this racecar particularly collectible and, therefore, quite valuable.
4. 1994 Nissan Skyline GT-R – $550,000
As you’ve seen, the Nissan Skyline is one of the longest-running lineups in the automaker’s history. But the most expensive one was a 1994 Nissan Skyline GT-R, which valued at around $550,000 in 2022.
This car was created to compete in the 1994 Japan Grand Touring Car Championship, where it placed second. This might be slightly unimpressive, but it earned first place in a 24-hour competition within the same year.
Why It’s Expensive
This Nissan racecar sold for a high price because it’s a historically-significant vehicle. Thanks to its competition history and winning titles, it’s a one-of-a-kind Nissan car.
The 1994 Nissan Skyline GT-R was also in excellent condition when it was auctioned.
Because it was restored to its pre-racing condition, buyers who bid on this racecar could feel like they were the first driver to get behind the wheel. That’s an experience worth quite a lot of money for dedicated collectors.
3. 1970 Nissan Fairlady Z432R – $805,000
This orange-and-black antique is a rare lightweight Nissan racecar, as fewer than 100 were ever produced. Despite its age, it exhibits like-new quality thanks to careful maintenance, detailing, and restoration services.
The 1970 Nissan Fairlady Z432R sold for $805,000 when it went to auction in 2020, making it the priciest Fairlady Z432R in the world.
Considering its style, condition, and impressive (still to this day) performance, it’s no wonder this Nissan sold for such a high price.
Why It’s Expensive
Nissan only released about 50 of these cars, and several bit the dust long ago due to oxidation damage (rust) or natural wear-and-tear.
Nissan Fairlady vehicles are some of the most expensive sports cars from the Nissan brand because of their scarcity and appeal to vintage car collectors.
2. 1997 Nissan R390 GT1 – $1 million
The 1997 Nissan R390 GT1 is a racecar reoutfitted with a sportscar appearance. It has noticeable Formula One influences, including a small, single-person cabin and a centered steering wheel.
But one of these cars was made street-legal, and interested buyers immediately contacted Nissan with offers to acquire it. Much to their chagrin, Nissan refused to sell the sleek, road-ready racecar.
However, they did extend a unique offer to those buyers. For $1 million, they could build a precise replica.
It’s uncertain whether anyone took Nissan up on this offer, and the initial street-legal version currently sits in a warehouse in Zima, Japan.
Why It’s Expensive
Purportedly, there’s only one street-legal version of the 1997 Nissan R390 GT1. As such, this car is a desirable top-tier investment for car collectors.
Because it continues to draw interest, demand is constant, resulting in a steady value of about $1 million.
1. 2020 Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign – $1.1 million
The most expensive Nissan is the 2020 Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign.
This stunning handmade supercar exudes luxury and power, its modern Nissan styling a noticeable quality. Its $1.1 million price tag is an inconsequential afterthought for the right buyers.
Nissan only created 50 of these vehicles, all of which were pre-ordered. So those hoping to add a Nissan GT-R50 to their garage will need to contact a current owner and convince them to sell, which is bound to be a challenge.
Of course, this Nissan may eventually appear in rare auctions. But its future value will almost certainly be higher, as this vehicle is already considered a worthwhile collector’s car.
Though this Nissan isn’t quite as valuable as several of the most expensive Audi cars, it’s not a prototype or one-off concept car. As such, it’s valuable for far more than its looks or innovative design.
Why It’s Expensive
This futuristic-looking car is handmade, which is something you can’t say about most modern vehicles. This dedicated labor costs far more than running a machine, influencing the final price.
The Nissan GT-R50 also boasts high-performance parts, updated Nissan features, and a gold-accented interior. In terms of style, power, and luxury, there aren’t other Nissans like this, which is another reason it’s so valuable.
What Makes Some Nissan Cars So Expensive?
Nissan is well-known for making affordable, consumer-friendly sedans, SUVs, and pickup trucks. Several of the latest Nissan models have a starting MSRP of about $20,000.
But other Nissan cars are worth hundreds of thousands (or a million) dollars! Comparing Nissan prices can have you wondering, “Why are some Nissan cars so expensive?” The answer comes down to four crucial factors:
- Rarity
- Performance
- Competition history
- Condition
Rarity
The law of supply and demand is one of the driving forces behind price. When the supply of a commodity is low, but the demand for that item is high, prices can skyrocket.
This relationship is why prices for goods increase when there’s an unexpected supply shortage.
So, Nissan cars that are quite rare enjoy a natural boost in value, as there are few of them available, but the demand for them remains stable.
Several of these unique or limited-run Nissans also boast impressive performance ratings.
Performance
Nissans with powerful liquid-cooled engines capable of reaching jaw-droppingly high RPMs are often the costliest models. These high-performance vehicles are essentially racecars dressed up like luxury sedans.
This quality appeals to affluent buyers who enjoy the idea of speeding down the freeway (or the occasional trip to the local racetrack) or professionals who appreciate a little extra go-power while heading to work.
Competition History
One of the most significant factors impacting a Nissan racecar’s value is its competition history. Vehicles that participated in several races or won titles during racing competitions are inherently more valuable than cars with a limited or troubled history.
Collectors often gravitate toward collectible racecars, including rare Nissan models with notable histories. Of course, cars in excellent condition almost always sell for higher prices than beat-up ones.
Condition
Many of the Nissan cars selling for top dollar are in great or like-new condition. Though some of these vehicles might be antiques with long lives behind them, most are restored before debuting at auction.
Do you have an in-demand Nissan sitting in your garage? If so, you might want to spend a little extra on restoring it to its full glory before offering it to bidders.
Ensuring that your car looks and runs its best before taking it to auction is one of the best ways to increase your profit margin.
What’s the Most Expensive Nissan of All Time?
The most expensive Nissan of all time is the 2020 Nissan GT-R50 by Italdesign, a luxurious supercar with a distinctly futuristic design.
This car’s initial sales price stood at $1.1 million, but owners who keep the mileage of their Nissan GT-R50 on the lower end will likely be able to sell them for millions in about a decade’s time.
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