HCR32 · HNR32 · ECR32 · HR32
Nissan Skyline R32 import check
HCR32 is the factory model code for the Nissan Skyline R32, built for the Japanese market from 1989 to 1993. Other versions carry HNR32, ECR32 and HR32. Every genuine car has a chassis (frame) number that starts with its code, such as HCR32-. That number is the one thing that links its Japanese history to its UK records.
HCR32 at a glance
- Model code
- HCR32
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Skyline (R32)
- Body
- 2-door coupe or 4-door saloon
- Built
- 1989 to 1993
- Engine
- RB20DET (1998 cc turbo petrol) or RB20DE (1998 cc naturally aspirated petrol)
- Drivetrain
- RWD
- Japanese trims
- GTS, GTS-t, GTS-t Type M, GTE
- Chassis number format
- HCR32-nnnnnn
From our own model library, compiled from public sources and not yet checked against a second source. UK records sometimes drop the hyphen or the leading zeros of the serial; our check allows for that.
Reading the HCR32 chassis code
- HCR32 is the 2.0 RB20 with rear-wheel drive, HNR32 the four-wheel-drive GTS-4, ECR32 the 2.5 and HR32 the single-cam 2.0.
- The R32 GT-R is BNR32.
| Code | What it is | Engine | Built |
|---|---|---|---|
| HCR32 | Skyline (R32) | RB20DET / RB20DE | 1989–1993 |
| HNR32 | GTS-4, four-wheel drive | RB20DET | 1989–1993 |
| ECR32 | GTS25, 2.5 RB25DE, from 1991 | RB25DE | 1991–1993 |
| HR32 | GTE, single-cam RB20E | RB20E | 1989–1993 |
Have a chassis number? The chassis decoder reads it for you.
Is it a genuine HCR32?
A GT-R must be BNR32. An R32 advertised as a GT-R on an HCR32 or HNR32 chassis is a replica, however convincing.
Known problems to check on an HCR32
- Rust in the sills, rear arches and around the rear screen
- RB20DET turbo wear and boost leaks
- GT-R replicas are often built from these: check the code is what the advert says
- Most have been modified: ask for a list of changes, receipts, and whether the insurer has been told
These are common issues for the model, not facts about any particular car. Ask the seller about each one.
Before you buy
- Check the rear arches and sills closely, inside and out
The HCR32 on a Japanese auction sheet
- The sheet names the car スカイライン (Skyline).
- An R or RA grade means repaired accident damage. Ask for photos of the repair and have the structure checked.
Most imports were bought at a Japanese auction, and the inspector’s sheet records the grade, mileage and every mark on the body. Ask the seller for it, then run it through our auction sheet translator to read it in English and check the chassis number and mileage against the UK record.
Recalls in Japan for the HCR32 family
Japan publishes every recall with the chassis numbers it covers. Run a recall check with the car’s chassis number to see whether any apply to it.
MOT record in the UK
Nissan Skyline
- 14% of 4,342 first MOT tests failed in 2024 and 2025, 61% lower than the UK average for cars of the same age.
- Most common advisory: Tread depth: worn close to legal limit or worn on edge (6.6% of tests).
- Most common failure: Catalyst emissions: Lambda reading after 2nd fast idle outside specified limits (1.7% of tests).
Every Skyline on the MOT record, GT-R or not, from any generation.
All Nissan Skyline MOT statisticsFrom DVSA’s anonymised MOT data, licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Kilometres, miles and the first UK MOT
An HCR32 sold new in Japan has a speedometer in kilometres. When it is imported, the speedometer is either converted to miles or left in km, and the first UK MOT should record whichever the dial shows. Mistakes here are common, and they’re where mileage problems hide.
We put the Japanese auction mileage and every UK MOT reading on one timeline and check the crossing: whether the readings agree after converting, whether the km figure was written down as miles, and whether the first UK reading is lower than the car had already done in Japan. See an illustrative example.
Questions
What is the chassis code for the Nissan Skyline R32?
HCR32, with HNR32, ECR32 and HR32 for other engines or drive layouts. A Japanese-market Nissan Skyline R32 has a frame number that starts with its code, then a hyphen and a serial number. You’ll find it on the V5C and on a plate in the engine bay.
Which years was the HCR32 built?
From 1989 to 1993, with the RB20DET (1998 cc turbo petrol) or RB20DE (1998 cc naturally aspirated petrol) engines and RWD layout.
What should I check when buying an HCR32?
Rust in the sills, rear arches and around the rear screen. RB20DET turbo wear and boost leaks. GT-R replicas are often built from these: check the code is what the advert says. Most have been modified: ask for a list of changes, receipts, and whether the insurer has been told. Check the rear arches and sills closely, inside and out. Also check that the Japanese auction mileage lines up with the first UK MOT, because km and miles are easily mixed up.