JDM performance cars have plenty of icons but if there’s one that truly reached borderline mythical fame, that is the Nissan Skyline GT-R.

Regular Car Reviews had the chance to drive a lovely 1990 R32 GT-R, which is the newest GT-R you can legally import in the USA before the R33 and R34 come of age.

There’s a sense of quality and purpose surrounding the R32 GT-R, even in its stock form. The JDM legend looks simple and understated, especially when compared to today’s overly aggressive performance cars.

Power comes of course from the infamous RB26DETT twin-turbo 2.6-liter straight-six engine that was (under)rated from the factory at 276hp and 260lb-ft of torque and can easily reach the 1,000hp with the appropriate modifications.

Nissan’s advanced for the era ATTESA E-TS rear-biased four-wheel drive system and a pretty trick all-wheel steering system made the GT-R unbeatable both on and off track. 0-62mph (100km/h) came in 5.6 seconds while top speed was set at 156mph (251km/h).

Combine all this with one of the slickest manual transmissions ever and is no wonder why the R32 GT-R enjoys such a fame. Is it just us or does the R32 GT-R make the insane values the Toyota Supra is currently enjoying look sillier than ever?