BUILTBYLEGENDS
BNR34 - 1999

(Main Text)

When I first laid eyes on the BUILTBYLEGENDS BNR34, I thought to myself, “Japan’s restomod scene has truly reached a global standard.” The car’s brilliant white sheen and refined presence conveyed a new value that was nothing short of revolutionary.

Zero Fighter, Godzilla, GT-R—these are Japan’s legendary creations that have shaken the world. The S20 engine, used in the first-generation GT-Rs (PGC10, KPGC10, KPGC110), was developed by Nakajima Aircraft Company engineers who also created the “Sakae” engine for the Zero Fighter. The R380, Japan's first prototype racer, also housed this engine. Later, the second-generation GT-R earned the nickname “Godzilla” from overseas fans, cementing the connection between these three legends, each embodying Japan’s unique power and prowess.

From the first-generation GT-Rs, now considered vintage and valued worldwide, to the second generation (BNR32, BCNR33, BNR34), which revived the GT-R name 16 years later, these cars have seen their value skyrocket. In recent years, prices have soared, sometimes exceeding a billion yen. While opinions on this market inflation vary, for BUILTBYLEGENDS (BBL), creators of second-generation GT-R restomods with unparalleled quality and ingenuity, this was a natural outcome.

“We decided to start restomodding the second-generation GT-Rs in January 2018,” recalls Katsu Takahashi, co-founder of BBL, who handles marketing and planning. “At the Tokyo Auto Salon’s BH Auction, we witnessed an unregistered BNR34 V-Spec II Nur sell for 32 million yen. This moment signaled the dawn of a new era for Japan’s legendary cars. The 25-year rule lift in the North American market further amplified interest in these GT-Rs, which were never exported new. Seeing these cars priced alongside air-cooled Porsche 911 RS models confirmed the potential we had anticipated.”

BBL, founded by Masaharu Kuji and Katsu Takahashi, focuses on restomods. Their unique backgrounds in the media, promoting JDM culture globally through legendary video media like “Hot Version” and “Best Motoring” in the early 2000s, were crucial. Their mission was not just to localize these videos for export but to convey the true essence of JDM culture accurately.

“We often hear from overseas fans who say they learned the essence of Japanese cars through ‘Hot Version’ and ‘Best Motoring,’ calling them their bibles. It’s gratifying to know we played a part in establishing the value of JDM globally,” says Kuji. The network and experience they built through these activities are significant advantages in their current business.

When BBL launched their second-generation GT-R restomod project, the first name that came to mind as a legend was Tsunezō Niikura of MINE’S. Known for breaking the one-minute barrier at Tsukuba with the BNR32 and setting numerous records with the second-generation GT-Rs, Niikura’s high-precision engine builds, ECU tuning, and meticulous machine building were highly respected by Kuji and Takahashi.

“Explaining BBL’s concept to Niikura-san, he agreed to cooperate immediately. We also got a similar response from Tatsuru Ichishima of SPOON, renowned for Honda tuning. Our project with SPOON, running parallel to the second-generation GT-R, will debut a stimulating EG6 Civic restomod in 2024. With the support of these legends, our project accelerated rapidly.”

BBL’s restomod philosophy centers around the concept of “OEM++,” maintaining the original style (MINE’S style for the GT-R) while integrating meticulous details to create a unique, new value. Starting with the BNR32 and BCNR33, they showcased the final evolution of the second-generation GT-R with the BNR34 in 2024.

“The BNR34’s evolution didn’t end with its production. It continued with the R35, entering an entirely new realm as a super sports car. Our theme for the BNR34 included a playful ‘what if’ scenario—‘what if the BNR34 had received a minor update?’” explains Takahashi.

Yoshikazu Kasai, BBL’s lead designer, elaborates, “I approached the BNR34 with the perspective of an industrial designer. BBL’s concept is about creating new value without unnecessary alterations. The most challenging and enjoyable part was designing the dry carbon front bumper spoiler, inspired by GT500 machines of the JGTC era. Balancing aesthetics and functionality was key.”

Hearing Kasai, who has been the art director of Motorhead magazine since its inception in 2011, it became clear that my initial impression—that Japanese restomods had reached global standards—was rooted in the unique, refined expression of the new BNR34.

Every BBL-built car undergoes meticulous restoration by “Garage Yoshida,” known for their unrivaled second-generation GT-R restorations. This ensures that each BBL GT-R not only looks stunning but also boasts top-tier performance with a solid and flexible chassis. MINE’S hand-built engines, high-quality carbon materials, and fabrics tailored to customer preferences exemplify BBL’s dedication to excellence.

“Both Kuji and I spent our childhoods abroad due to our fathers’ work. As a ‘returnee,’ I had a strong inferiority complex towards the stereotypical image of Japanese people. The release of ‘The Karate Kid’ in the mid-1980s changed that. Seeing a ‘cool Japan’ in the movie made me proud. This pride is what drives our passion for these cars. The second-generation GT-Rs symbolize the incredible evolution of Japanese cars that stunned the world in the late ‘80s and ‘90s. Our goal is to create a new pride for future generations of Japanese enthusiasts through our restomods,” says Takahashi.

Zero Fighter, Godzilla, GT-R—BBL adds “The Karate Kid” to this proud lineage, showcasing the unique strength of Japan. Their quest for timeless pride reflects a deep, passionate, and quintessentially Japanese spirit.

(Catchphrases)

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"A new value has been seamlessly integrated into this masterpiece."

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"High-quality builds by Japanese legends, correctly conveying the value of JDM."

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"A profound texture that emanates from the core of the car."

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"The BBL GT-R is not only beautiful but also exemplifies outstanding performance."

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"True GT-R enthusiasts will understand our meticulous attention to detail."

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"Expressing pride as Japanese through restomods."

(Captions)

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BUILTBYLEGENDS
MINE’S R34 - 1999

True to the saying "God is in the details," the BNR34’s essence lies in its meticulously crafted components. The engine, expertly tuned by Mine’s, and the exterior, refined by BBL’s vision, showcase a harmonious blend of performance and aesthetics. The interior, while understated, reveals exceptional quality upon closer inspection, reflecting the craftsmanship of Japan’s finest artisans. This car embodies a deep, intrinsic quality that resonates from its core.

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Performance and Craftsmanship

Starting with the BNR32, BBL established the "OEM++" concept. With the BCNR33, they expanded their approach to car building by incorporating bespoke elements inspired by MINE’S demo cars. The BNR34, featuring an original dry carbon front bumper spoiler weighing just 2 kg, solidifies their status as a true restomod creator. Orders are primarily from overseas, with a growing waiting list. Future projects include a collaborative EG6 Civic with SPOON and a plan for the NA1 NSX.

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BBL TEAM
Masa, Yoshi & Katsu

At their HQ in Miyoshi, Saitama, BBL’s ideal workspace, created by its members, is a testament to their dedication. CEO Masaharu Kuji and co-founder Katsu Takahashi have been partners since exporting "Hot Version/Best Motoring," contributing to the global rise of JDM. Yoshikazu Kasai, the lead designer, has been the art director of this magazine since 2011. Having obtained their licenses in the early 1990s, their passion for cars from this era drives them to create restomods that can compete on a global scale. They are also actively expanding into apparel and merchandise.