How Many Nissan R35 GT-R SpecV and Egoist Models Were Made?
Nissan produced the R35 GT-R for nearly two decades, but some of its earliest special models were built in remarkably small numbers. The two that matter most are the performance focused GT-R SpecV and the luxury focused GT-R Egoist.
Based on production records and surviving chassis information, Nissan built approximately 110 R35 GT-R SpecV models and only 43 R35 GT-R Egoist models worldwide.
R35 GT-R Egoist: 43 produced
That makes the Egoist substantially rarer than the SpecV. The SpecV, however, is the more technically significant model because Nissan changed its brakes, turbochargers, suspension, exhaust, wheels, body components and seating arrangement.
Early R35 GT-R Special Edition Production Numbers
| R35 GT-R model | Years | Production | Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| GT-R SpecV | 2009 to 2011 | 110 | Japan and selected international markets |
| GT-R Egoist and VVIP | 2011 to 2012 | 43 | Japan and selected export markets |
| Gentleman Edition | 2013 | 10 | France and Belgium |
| Midnight Opal Special Edition | 2014 | 100 | Worldwide, including 50 for the United States |
| 45th Anniversary Edition | 2015 | 79 documented | Worldwide |
| Usain Bolt Gold GT-R | 2012 | 1 charity car | One off promotional and charity vehicle |
Production totals can be complicated. Nissan sometimes announced a maximum allocation rather than the number of completed cars. The figures above represent the best currently documented production totals through the early part of R35 production.
R35 GT-R SpecV: 110 Produced
Introduced in Japan in January 2009, the SpecV was the first serious factory performance derivative of the R35 GT-R. It was not simply a color or trim package.
Nissan fitted the SpecV with larger turbochargers, a high gear boost control function, carbon ceramic brakes, a titanium exhaust, lightweight forged RAYS wheels, revised suspension and carbon fiber aerodynamic components. The rear seats were removed and replaced by a storage shelf.
Despite the larger turbochargers and additional boost function, Nissan advertised approximately the same peak power as the regular GT-R. The changes were intended to improve sustained performance, response and track capability rather than produce an impressive brochure horsepower number.
The SpecV was extremely expensive when new. It cost nearly twice as much as a standard Japanese market GT-R, which helped keep production low. Approximately 110 cars were produced worldwide, with the majority remaining in Japan.
Nissan did not officially sell the SpecV in North America.
R35 GT-R Egoist: Only 43 Produced
The Egoist took the R35 in a completely different direction. Instead of removing luxury equipment to build a more focused track car, Nissan created an individually configured luxury GT-R.
The Egoist used hand selected leather with a wide range of upper and lower interior color combinations. Interior components were sent to Germany, where specialist craftspeople completed much of the leatherwork by hand.
Egoist equipment included several desirable SpecV components:
- Lightweight forged RAYS wheels
- Carbon fiber rear spoiler
- Titanium exhaust system
- Hand finished leather interior
- Special Bose audio tuning matched to the owner
- Unique interior and exterior color combinations
- Special red GT-R steering wheel emblem
Cars sold in certain Middle Eastern markets were called the GT-R VVIP. These were closely related to the Egoist and are generally included within the same extremely small production group.
Only 43 Egoist and related VVIP cars are believed to have been completed. Some Japanese publications round the figure to approximately 40, but 43 is the commonly accepted chassis based total.
2011 Nissan GT-R Egoist for Sale at Toprank Classic Specialties
2011 Nissan R35 GT-R Egoist
| Exterior | Ultimate Opal White |
| Interior | White hand finished leather |
| Mileage | 40,425 km |
| History | Full maintenance records available |
| Condition | No accident history reported |
| Japan price | ¥13,500,000 as listed in July 2026 |
This 2011 Egoist is currently with Toprank Classic Specialties in Noda, Japan. It combines an Ultimate Opal White exterior with the dramatic white Egoist interior and has traveled 40,425 kilometers.
The white interior is important because the interior treatment is what separates an Egoist from an ordinary Premium Edition or Black Edition. This was not simply a white GT-R with a badge added to it. The leather covered the seats, dashboard, doors, console and other interior surfaces, with much of the work completed by hand.
With only 43 cars produced in all configurations, finding an Egoist for sale is unusual. Finding one still in Japan with full maintenance records provides an opportunity to properly inspect, service and preserve the car before it becomes eligible for normal United States importation under the 25 year exemption.
Buy, Drive and Store an R35 GT-R in Japan
An early R35 does not have to sit unused while waiting to become 25 years old. Toprank can help purchase, register, maintain and store the car in Japan. Owners can return to Japan and enjoy their GT-R at locations such as Fuji Speedway, Tsukuba Circuit and other events before eventually exporting it.
Learn about the Toprank Global Tuning Program | View Toprank Japan inventory
The European GT-R Gentleman Edition
The Gentleman Edition is one of the least known early R35 special editions. Nissan produced only 10 examples for France and Belgium in 2013.
It was based on the Black Edition and finished in Squale Grey with an amber red leather interior. Each car received a numbered plaque, special badging and matching luggage and leather accessories.
Unlike the Egoist, the Gentleman Edition did not receive a completely bespoke hand finished interior program. It was primarily a regional luxury and appearance edition, but with only 10 cars, it is one of the rarest officially marketed R35 editions.
Midnight Opal Special Edition: 100 Cars
For 2014 Nissan offered the GT-R in Midnight Opal, a color shifting paint that changes between purple, blue and darker tones depending on lighting and viewing angle.
Nissan limited the edition to 100 cars worldwide. Fifty were allocated to the United States. The car also received a gold colored model plate in the engine compartment and a serialized plaque.
It is a rare and highly recognizable factory edition, although mechanically it is much closer to a regular Premium Edition than a SpecV.
How Many 45th Anniversary GT-Rs Were Actually Made?
The 2015 GT-R 45th Anniversary Edition creates confusion because Nissan announced different numbers at different stages.
Nissan initially announced 45 Japanese market cars in Silica Brass, a color associated with the R34 Skyline GT-R M Spec. The program was later expanded to a proposed worldwide total of 100.
Chassis and market research has documented approximately 79 completed cars. That appears to include approximately 25 in Japan, 27 in the United States, five in the United Kingdom, four in Australia and additional cars supplied to the Middle East and other markets.
For that reason, it is more accurate to say that 100 were planned or authorized, while approximately 79 have been documented as actually produced.
What About the GT-R NISMO and Track Edition?
The early GT-R NISMO and Track Edition should not be treated the same way as a numbered special edition.
Nissan built very small numbers of the original R35 NISMO beginning with the 2014 model, but it continued as a production grade. Numbers such as “200 cars” are often repeated without explaining whether they refer to an annual allocation, one market or an initial production run.
The Track Edition also appeared over multiple model years and in several markets. It was a recurring trim level rather than one fixed worldwide production batch.
The N Attack Package creates another counting problem. It could be fitted to a NISMO through the NISMO Omori Factory and was not necessarily identified as a completely separate model by its chassis number. A real N Attack car should have documentation confirming its specification and installation.
Which Early R35 GT-R Is the Most Collectible?
Pure production numbers do not tell the complete story.
- The SpecV is the most technically important early special model.
- The Egoist is rarer and offers the most elaborate factory interior.
- The Gentleman Edition has the smallest regular production run but is primarily a regional trim package.
- The Midnight Opal is immediately recognizable and was sold in the United States.
- The 45th Anniversary connects the R35 directly to the color and heritage of the R34 M Spec.
- The early NISMO offers the greatest factory performance, even though it was not a single fixed production run.
If the question is simply which is rarer, the answer is clear: 43 Egoists compared with 110 SpecVs. If the question is which represented the largest change to the R35 as a performance car, the SpecV remains the more significant model.
R35 GT-R SpecV and Egoist Parts and Books
Original SpecV and Egoist components are difficult to find because Nissan built so few cars. The following listings were active when this article was updated. Availability and prices may change.
R35 SpecV and Track Edition Rear Finishers
Genuine Nissan left and right rear interior finisher panels for the R35 GT-R SpecV and Track Edition.
View SpecV Finishers on eBayR35 GT-R Perfect Book 2
Japanese R35 GT-R reference book covering the SpecV, Egoist, NISMO, VR38DETT and other early R35 developments.
View R35 GT-R Book on eBayGenuine R35 GT-R Egoist Trim Ring
Genuine Nissan Egoist 12 volt cigarette lighter trim ring. A small but identifiable factory Egoist interior component.
View Egoist Trim on eBayAs an eBay Partner, this site may earn from qualifying purchases.
R35 GT-R Special Edition FAQ
How many R35 GT-R SpecVs were made?
Approximately 110 Nissan R35 GT-R SpecV models were produced worldwide between 2009 and 2011.
How many R35 GT-R Egoists were made?
The accepted production total is 43 cars, including closely related VVIP versions sold in selected export markets.
Was the GT-R Egoist sold in the United States?
No. Nissan did not officially offer the Egoist through its United States dealer network.
What is the difference between an Egoist and a regular GT-R?
The Egoist received a hand finished leather interior, special color combinations, lightweight wheels, a carbon fiber rear spoiler, titanium exhaust and other exclusive luxury details.
Is the Egoist rarer than the SpecV?
Yes. Approximately 43 Egoists were produced compared with approximately 110 SpecVs.
How many Gentleman Edition GT-Rs were produced?
Nissan produced 10 Gentleman Edition cars for France and Belgium.
How many Midnight Opal GT-Rs were produced?
Nissan limited the 2014 Midnight Opal Special Edition to 100 cars worldwide, including 50 for the United States.
How many 45th Anniversary GT-Rs were built?
Nissan planned as many as 100 worldwide, but approximately 79 completed cars have been documented.
Can an R35 Egoist be imported into the United States?
An R35 that was not originally certified for the United States generally becomes eligible for normal federal importation once it reaches 25 years from its date of manufacture. Other rules, including California emissions requirements, may still apply.
Sources and Further Reading
- R35 GT-R SpecV production registry
- R35 GT-R Egoist production registry
- Nissan Midnight Opal Special Edition announcement
- Nissan 45th Anniversary GT-R announcement
- GT-R Gentleman Edition production information
- 2011 R35 GT-R Egoist at Toprank Classic Specialties
Toprank Importers offers carefully inspected R32, R33, R34 and R35 GT-Rs in the United States and Japan. We can also help locate a specific model, color or specification through our Japanese inventory and vehicle sourcing network.
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