Jake Johnson shares his impressive collection of Nissan GT-Rs, including R32, R33, and R34 models, and discusses his journey into car collecting. He recounts his early automotive influences, including street racing and iconic cars like the Ferrari F40. The conversation dives into the restoration process of his vehicles, the importance of finding the right experts for maintenance, and the unique characteristics of each GT-R generation. Johnson also touches on his passion for other cars, including Mustangs and an NSX, and his aspirations for future acquisitions.
Inside a Stunning Private Nissan GT-R Collection | R32, R33, R34, Veilside RX-7 & More w/ Jake Johnson | Hard Parking Podcast
In this episode Jhae Pfenning steps inside Jake Johnson’s incredible private collection in the Phoenix area. Jake walks us through his journey from a green 1991 Foxbody Mustang GT (that he still owns!) to building one of the cleanest Nissan Skyline GT-R lineups in the country: an R32, black R33, legendary blue GReddy R33 demo car, ultra-rare yellow R34 V-Spec, and a 2021.5 GT-R NISMO Special Edition in Stealth Gray.We also dive into his triple Cobra R Mustang set, Shelby GT350R Heritage, restored 300ZX, ’94 Supra, Veilside Fortune RX-7 project straight out of Tokyo Drift, and even his ex-press 2005 Acura NSX. Jake shares stories of street racing in the San Fernando Valley, buying cars sight-unseen from Japan, and the full-restoration rabbit hole that keeps every car in concours-level condition. PLUS – Jake gives a shout-out to the massive Code R GT-R event happening right now at The Warehouse in Phoenix (Nov 22–29) with daily events and Larry Chen appearing on the 29th.
Chapters
01:39 – Code R GT-R event at The Warehouse (Nov 22-29) + Larry Chen appearance
02:35 – How Jake got into cars (Tom Nelson, street racing, green Foxbody Mustang)
05:03 – First car: 1991 green Mustang GT (still owns it!)
08:52 – The 300ZX that smoked him & the Stillen GTZ look
11:17 – How the GT-R obsession actually started
17:52 – The Cobra R trilogy (’93, ’95, 2000R)
21:09 – Buying Skylines sight-unseen from Japan
22:31 – The legendary GReddy blue R33 demo car
26:57 – The ultra-rare Stealth Gray 2021.5 GT-R NISMO Special Edition
28:13 – Buying tips for imported Skylines (rust, clusters, documentation)
43:50 – How Jake finally scored his 2005 Acura NSX press car
Main Show Sponsors:Right Honda: https://righthonda.com/Right Toyota: https://www.righttoyota.com/Arcus Foundry: https://arcusfoundry.comAutocannon Official Gear: https://shop.autocannon.com/
"...to see Mr. Jake Johnson and check out his GTR collection, including some of his other vehicles."
The Nissan GT-R is a fast sports car that many car enthusiasts love. It's known for being very powerful and has a lot of technology that helps it perform well on the road and track.
The Nissan GT-R is a high-performance sports car known for its advanced technology and powerful engine. It has a strong motorsport heritage and is often regarded as one of the best performance cars in the world.
"We have a couple of Mustangs behind me that go way back."
The Ford Mustang is a classic American car that is known for being powerful and stylish. Many people love it for its speed and cool design.
The Ford Mustang is an iconic American muscle car known for its performance and style. It has a rich history and has been a favorite among car enthusiasts since its introduction in the 1960s.
"And Tom's dad had a Pantera and a Lotus Esprit. And you could hear that car start up from a long way away."
The Lotus Esprit is a fast and stylish sports car from Britain. It was made for many years and is known for being fun to drive and looking great.
The Lotus Esprit is a British sports car that was produced from 1976 to 2004. It is known for its sleek design and agile handling, often associated with high-performance and luxury.
"And Tom's dad had a Pantera and a Lotus Esprit. And you could hear that car start up from a long way away."
The De Tomaso Pantera is a sports car that has a powerful engine and a unique design. It was made in the 1970s and 1980s and is still admired by car lovers today.
The De Tomaso Pantera is a mid-engine sports car that was produced from 1971 to 1992. It is known for its powerful V8 engine and distinctive styling, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts.
"... could have my own car. So like, I first drove a Bronco, that was my first car. And then as I was gradua..."
The Ford Bronco is a tough SUV that people love for driving off-road and exploring nature. It has a long history and is known for being adventurous and fun to drive. Recently, Ford brought it back, making it popular again.
The Ford Bronco is a classic American SUV that has been popular since its introduction in the 1960s. Known for its rugged design and off-road capabilities, the Bronco has become an icon in the automotive world, particularly among outdoor enthusiasts. Its recent revival has sparked renewed interest and nostalgia among fans.
"...he wanted to get me a Chrysler LeBaron. And I said, no, I think I'd like really..."
The Chrysler LeBaron is a type of car that was popular in the past. It was known for being comfortable and came in different styles, including a convertible that you could drive with the top down.
The Chrysler LeBaron was a mid-size car produced by Chrysler from the 1970s to the 1990s. It was known for its comfortable ride and was available in both coupe and convertible styles.
"... Kemp Ford anymore. There was this green Foxbody GT Mustang on display there. I said, well, that's the one."
The Ford Mustang GTD is a super-fast version of the classic Mustang that is made for racing and high performance. It has special features to help it go faster and handle better on the track. People talk about it because it shows how Ford is making the Mustang even more exciting.
The Ford Mustang GTD is a high-performance variant of the iconic Mustang, designed to deliver track-ready performance with a focus on aerodynamics and power. It represents Ford's commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance within the Mustang lineup. The GTD is often discussed for its advanced features and competitive edge in the sports car market.
"So that Foxbody Mustang was awesome. And then of course I went to Tom and then we started, he started showing me how to quarter miles, you know, that car."
The Foxbody Mustang is a specific version of the Ford Mustang made between 1979 and 1993. It's known for being lightweight and is often modified by car fans to improve performance.
The term 'Foxbody Mustang' refers to the Ford Mustang models produced from 1979 to 1993, known for their distinctive design and lightweight chassis. They are popular among car enthusiasts for modifications and performance upgrades.
"...there was no internet and it was a Ferrari F40. I'm like, you know what, that's awesome. One day I'm gonna own one of those, which I don't have yet."
The Ferrari F40 is a famous sports car made by Ferrari. It was built to be very fast and lightweight, and it has a powerful engine. Many car enthusiasts dream of owning one because of its unique design and performance.
The Ferrari F40 is a supercar produced by Ferrari from 1987 to 1992, known for its lightweight construction and powerful twin-turbocharged V8 engine. It was designed to celebrate Ferrari's 40th anniversary and is considered one of the most iconic sports cars of its era.
"And then when I got my Mustang GT, like I just, yeah, I was into cars then."
The Mustang GT is a sporty car made by Ford. It's known for having a strong engine and being fun to drive, making it popular among car lovers.
The Ford Mustang GT is a high-performance variant of the Ford Mustang, known for its powerful V8 engine and sporty design. It has been a popular choice among car enthusiasts since its introduction in the 1960s.
"...and I lost. Like, you know, cause I, that's where I got introduced to like accurate integras and what those things could do."
The Acura Integra is a small car that many people love for its fun driving experience. It's known for being sporty and is often modified to make it even faster.
The Acura Integra is a compact car that has gained a reputation for its performance and handling, especially in the tuning community. It was popular in the 1990s and is known for its sporty design and engaging driving experience.
"but then this turbo technology came out like, and that's what really got me into a lot of it."
Turbo technology helps cars go faster by pushing more air into the engine, making it stronger without needing a bigger engine.
Turbo technology refers to the use of a turbocharger, which forces more air into the engine, allowing it to produce more power without increasing its size.
"...Were you ever into the Talons and the Eclipses? No, I always thought they were cool..."
The Eagle Talon is a small car from the 90s that was similar to the Mitsubishi Eclipse. It was popular for its speed and was often modified by car enthusiasts.
The Eagle Talon is a compact car that was produced in the 1990s and shares many components with the Mitsubishi Eclipse. It was well-regarded for its performance and was part of the same tuning culture.
"...the reason for this 300 ZX on top of it being nineties, I have a lot of nineties stuff was I was, in fact, Tom Nelson was in the car with me..."
The Nissan 300 ZX is a fast sports car from the 90s that many people liked for its looks and speed. It’s part of a famous line of cars called Z-cars.
The Nissan 300 ZX is a sports car that was produced in the late 1980s and 1990s, known for its performance and styling. It was part of the Z-car family and is often celebrated for its balance of power and handling.
"...So the curiosity was, what is this RB engine? What's up? I already knew the 306, how the turbo technology in these Japanese cars. So I looked into it and then, of course, the R34,..."
The RB engine is a type of engine made by Nissan that is popular in sports cars. It's known for being powerful and can be modified to produce even more speed.
The RB engine is a series of inline-six engines produced by Nissan, known for their performance and tuning potential, especially in the GT-R models. The RB26DETT, in particular, is famous for its turbocharging and high horsepower output.
"So that became the first delve into restoration for me, which has become kind of this big thing for me and every car I've bought since then."
Restoration is when you fix up an old car to make it look and work like it did when it was new. This can include fixing the engine, body, and interior to bring it back to its original state.
Restoration refers to the process of repairing and refurbishing a vehicle to return it to its original condition. This can involve mechanical repairs, bodywork, and interior restoration, often with a focus on preserving the car's authenticity and value.
"No, it was a 2000? No, it was a 1998 Nissan Maxima. Like where they just came out with a new body s..."
The Nissan Maxima is a big car that is comfortable to drive and has a lot of space inside. It’s known for being a good mix of a family car and a sporty car, making it fun to drive. People talk about it because it offers a lot of features for the price.
The Nissan Maxima is a full-size sedan known for its blend of performance, comfort, and technology. Often referred to as a 'four-door sports car,' it offers a powerful engine and a spacious interior, making it a popular choice for families and driving enthusiasts alike. The Maxima is frequently discussed for its value and features in the sedan market.
"...ething for me. So actually the first one was the M5. So I bought the M5,"
The BMW M5 is a fast and luxurious car that looks like a regular sedan but drives like a sports car. It's designed for people who want a comfortable ride but also love speed and excitement. Many car fans talk about it because it's one of the best in its class.
The BMW M5 is a high-performance version of the 5 Series sedan, known for its powerful engine and sporty handling. It has a reputation for combining luxury with thrilling driving dynamics, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts. The M5 is often discussed for its impressive performance and advanced technology.
"...while. And then I got in this obsession with the Skylines. I found the R33 and I had to wait for that."
The Nissan Skyline is a famous sports car that many people admire for its speed and performance. It's especially known for its racing versions, which are really powerful. Car fans often talk about it because it's a big part of car culture and has a cool design.
The Nissan Skyline is a legendary sports car known for its performance and advanced technology, particularly in its GT-R variants. It has a significant following, especially in motorsports and car culture, and is often celebrated for its tuning potential. The Skyline is frequently mentioned in discussions about iconic performance cars.
"...ne day. He's like, I think I can find you like a Cobra R. You keep talking about a Cobra R"
The Shelby Cobra is a super-fast sports car from the 1960s that many people dream of owning. It’s known for being lightweight and having a powerful engine, making it very exciting to drive. Car enthusiasts talk about it because it’s a classic and has a lot of history.
The Shelby Cobra is a classic American sports car that represents the pinnacle of 1960s performance engineering. Known for its lightweight design and powerful V8 engine, the Cobra has become an icon in automotive history. It is often discussed for its racing heritage and influence on modern sports cars.
"...we needed to fix the airbag light would come on and off. And so that's where I learned Luca's skills because he took that airbags module off the car safely..."
The airbag module is a part of the car that helps the airbags work. It senses when there's an accident and makes sure the airbags inflate to keep people safe.
The airbag module is a critical component of a vehicle's safety system. It is responsible for detecting a collision and deploying the airbags to protect the occupants during an accident.
"...that you ought to look at on bring a trailer. And so I ended up buying that and that's right up there."
Bring a Trailer is a website where people can buy and sell special cars. It's popular for finding unique and classic vehicles that you might not see elsewhere.
Bring a Trailer is an online auction platform that specializes in classic and enthusiast vehicles. It allows users to buy and sell cars in a community-driven environment, often featuring unique and rare automobiles.
"...probably the most popular of the Cobra R's, I think. Anyway, I'm doing that."
The Cobra R is a special type of Mustang that is made for racing and has better features than regular Mustangs. It's made in limited numbers, making it special.
The Cobra R is a special performance version of the Ford Mustang, designed for track use and featuring enhancements over the standard models. It is known for its limited production and high performance.
"... know if it's necessarily in that order, but the GT500 was coming out. And I had not bought a new Musta..."
The Shelby GT500 is a really powerful version of the Ford Mustang that is built for speed and excitement. It has a big engine that makes it one of the fastest Mustangs ever. People talk about it because it’s a symbol of American muscle cars and is a lot of fun to drive.
The Shelby GT500 is a high-performance variant of the Ford Mustang, known for its powerful supercharged V8 engine and aggressive styling. It has a storied history in American muscle car culture and is celebrated for its performance on both the street and the track. The GT500 is often discussed for its blend of heritage and modern engineering.
"In fact, Colin did a Hagerty appraiser series on it."
Hagerty is a company that helps people insure classic cars and also tells them how much their cars are worth. They are popular among car lovers.
Hagerty is a well-known company that specializes in classic car insurance and valuation services. They provide appraisals and resources for car enthusiasts and collectors.
"After I got spoiled with what we did the R33. So we just did the same thing with the R32."
The Nissan R33 is a model of the Skyline series, which is known for being a good mix of speed and comfort. It's a favorite among car fans for its performance on the road.
The Nissan R33 is another model in the Skyline series, known for its balance between performance and comfort. It followed the R32 and offered improvements in handling and stability, making it a popular choice among enthusiasts.
Car
Greddy RX SROC
"So the Greddy RX SROC, you know, that car. Looking at a blue R33."
The Greddy RX SROC is a special version of a Nissan car that has been upgraded for better performance. Greddy is a company that makes parts to make cars faster and more powerful.
The Greddy RX SROC is a modified version of the Nissan Skyline GT-R, known for its performance enhancements and tuning potential. Greddy is a well-known aftermarket company specializing in performance parts for various vehicles.
"...his HKS T-002. And he said, hey, look, you know, it's,..."
HKS is a company that makes parts to make cars go faster and perform better. They are popular among car enthusiasts who like to modify their vehicles.
HKS is a well-known aftermarket performance parts manufacturer based in Japan, specializing in tuning products for various car models, particularly in the performance and motorsport sectors.
"He said, this Gretti demo car is available. I know where it's at."
Gretti is a brand that makes parts and upgrades for cars to make them perform better. They sometimes have demo cars that show off what their products can do.
Gretti is a company known for its automotive parts and tuning products, often associated with performance enhancements for cars. They may offer demo cars for showcasing their products.
"So we put a new ECU in to keep it safe, but outside of that, I mean, the thing is exactly as it was when it was sitting in the museum and went to Paraguay."
An ECU is like the brain of the car's engine. It helps control how the engine runs by making adjustments based on information from different parts of the car.
An ECU, or Engine Control Unit, is a crucial component in modern vehicles that manages engine functions and performance. It processes data from various sensors and adjusts parameters to optimize efficiency and power.
"...the importance of that car to the culture and then it would be restored appropriately..."
Car culture is all about the love for cars and everything related to them. This includes people who enjoy showing their cars, racing, or just talking about them with others who share the same interest.
Car culture refers to the community and lifestyle surrounding automobiles, including the appreciation of cars, automotive events, and the social aspects of car ownership. It encompasses everything from car shows to racing and modifications.
"And the suspension, the bucket seat that's in it, that thing, that R33 is a fun car to drive."
A bucket seat is a special type of car seat that hugs you more tightly, making it easier to stay in place when driving fast or turning sharply.
A bucket seat is a type of automotive seat that is designed to hold the occupant in place during high-speed driving or cornering. They often provide better support and comfort than standard seats.
"...ite frankly, my GTR fantasies came from owning a Nissan GTR. And I never pulled the trigger on one."
The Nissan GT-R is a super-fast sports car that is famous for its amazing performance and technology. It has a strong engine and can handle really well on the road. Car fans often talk about it because it's one of the best cars for speed and racing.
The Nissan GT-R (R35) is a high-performance sports car that has gained a reputation for its advanced technology and incredible speed since its debut in the mid-2000s. Known for its all-wheel-drive system and powerful twin-turbocharged engine, the GT-R is often regarded as one of the best performance cars in the world. It is frequently discussed for its racing pedigree and engineering excellence.
"...well, a Nismo would probably fit more uniqueness. And then when they came out with the SE,..."
Nismo is a special part of Nissan that makes cars faster and sportier. They take regular Nissan cars and add cool features to make them more unique and fun to drive.
Nismo is the performance division of Nissan, known for enhancing the performance and styling of Nissan vehicles. They produce modified versions of existing models, often featuring upgraded engines, suspensions, and unique design elements.
"...they made them for 2017 and you get it through Stillin, is the research I found."
Stillin is a company that makes special parts for cars to make them faster or look better. If you want to upgrade your car, they might have what you need.
Stillin is a company known for producing aftermarket performance parts and accessories for various car models, particularly in the tuning community. They offer products that enhance vehicle performance, aesthetics, and overall driving experience.
"Hmm. We were talking earlier on your Veilside RX-7 over here. Yeah."
The Mazda RX-7 is a cool sports car that uses a special type of engine called a rotary engine, which makes it different from most cars. It's light and handles really well, making it fun to drive. Many car fans love it for its unique style and performance.
The Mazda RX-7 is a lightweight sports car known for its unique rotary engine and agile handling. Produced from the late 1970s to the early 2000s, it has garnered a dedicated following due to its performance and distinctive design. The RX-7 is often discussed for its engineering innovation and motorsport pedigree.
"So I bought a lot of stuff for the R33 and the Nissan Z from Concept Z. And then the other place was Nin..."
The Nissan Z is a sporty car that people love for its speed and cool looks. It's been around for a long time and has a reputation for being fun to drive. Car enthusiasts often talk about it because it's a classic sports car with a modern twist.
The Nissan Z is a sports car that has been a part of Nissan's lineup since the 1970s, with a legacy of performance and style. The latest iteration continues this tradition, offering a blend of modern technology and classic design cues. The Z is often discussed for its performance capabilities and its place in the history of sports cars.
"Yeah. So the NSX, when I first saw one of those was in college. A..."
The Acura NSX is a fancy sports car that is really fast and fun to drive. It was one of the first cars to use a lot of new technology to make it better. People talk about it because it's a special car that many dream of owning.
The Acura NSX is a mid-engine sports car that gained fame for its innovative design and performance when it was first introduced in the 1990s. It is known for its combination of luxury and high-speed capabilities, making it a significant player in the supercar market. The NSX is often discussed for its engineering excellence and iconic status.
"...ice to have maybe at least a six month break. No Corvettes. No Corvettes."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a classic sports car that looks cool and goes really fast. It's been around for a long time and is loved by many for its great performance and style. People often talk about it because it's one of the most famous American cars.
The Chevrolet Corvette is an iconic American sports car known for its sleek design and powerful performance. Since its debut in the 1950s, it has become a symbol of American automotive engineering and is celebrated for its affordability compared to other sports cars. The Corvette is often discussed for its rich history and ongoing evolution.
"I think I could do that. You know, Camaros either. Oh, yeah."
The Chevrolet Camaro is a powerful car that looks really sporty and is fun to drive fast. It has been around for many years and is known for competing with other famous cars like the Ford Mustang. People talk about it because it's a symbol of American muscle cars.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a classic American muscle car that has been a competitor to the Ford Mustang since its introduction in the late 1960s. Known for its aggressive styling and powerful engine options, the Camaro is a favorite among performance enthusiasts. It often comes up in discussions about American automotive culture and muscle car rivalry.
– Code R GT-R event at The Warehouse (Nov 22-29) + Larry Chen appearance
– How Jake got into cars (Tom Nelson, street racing, green Foxbody Mustang)
– First car: 1991 green Mustang GT (still owns it!)
– The 300ZX that smoked him & the Stillen GTZ look
– How the GT-R obsession actually started
– The Cobra R trilogy (’93, ’95, 2000R)
– Buying Skylines sight-unseen from Japan
– The legendary GReddy blue R33 demo car
– The ultra-rare Stealth Gray 2021.5 GT-R NISMO Special Edition
– Buying tips for imported Skylines (rust, clusters, documentation)
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