Garage Yoshida: The Premier Nissan Skyline GT-R Restoration Shop in Japan

The Demand for Meticulous Restoration of Nissan Skyline GT-R

In recent years, the value of older generations of the Nissan Skyline GT-R has surged, leading to a heightened demand for their meticulous restoration. One of the top destinations for such work is Garage Yoshida in Osaka, Japan. This renowned shop specializes in R32, R33, and R34 restoration projects, delivering vehicles in conditions that surpass their original state.

Experience and Attention to Detail

Owned by Yoshida San, who has 14 years of experience working on GT-Rs, Garage Yoshida is staffed by a small team of 4 people. They ensure that every project receives the attention it deserves, regardless of its initial condition. With the rising prices of GT-Rs, every example is worth saving, which is why the shop is packed with vehicles, many of which come from international clients.

Featured in a Video by Hagerty

Garage Yoshida was recently highlighted in a video by Hagerty, presented by world-class automotive photographer Larry Chen, who is also the proud owner of a blue R34 GT-R. Chen was so impressed with Yoshida San’s work that he entrusted him with the restoration of his own car.

Restoration Process

A full restoration at Garage Yoshida starts from the bare chassis, which undergoes an anti-rust dip treatment similar to automotive factories. The chassis is then measured, and if any discrepancies are found, they are straightened to perfection based on Nissan’s original specifications.

Sourcing spare parts for the classic R32, R33, and R34 models has become increasingly challenging. To overcome this, Yoshida San crafts his own stamped body panels and components using high-strength steel, often surpassing the original stock strength. He also stockpiles various parts, including glass panels and rubber moldings, for future projects.

The commitment to precision is exemplified by Yoshida San’s creation of a new blue shade for the R34, which combines the two factory-spec paints for metal and plastic components. This modern adaptation ensures longevity while retaining the authentic aesthetic.

A Limited Number of Restorations

Despite his accomplishments, Yoshida San has committed to restoring just 100 more cars during his lifetime before retirement. Certain projects demand extensive time and dedication, such as the restoration of a wrecked R32 chassis with significant sentimental value to the owner, which is expected to span at least 2 years. Yoshida San is also a GT-R owner himself, with his personal R32 configured as a 650 hp track car with tasteful modifications.

Watch the Video: Reviving Legends: Inside the World’s #1 Nissan GT-R Restoration Shop

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