Baby Godzilla's Rally Dream Dashed by Overheating

The 1990 Nissan Pulsar GTI-R, often called 'baby Godzilla,' had the potential to be a major rally contender in its era. Its advanced features, including a turbocharger, four-wheel drive, and a 16-valve 2.0-litre engine producing approximately 227bhp, positioned it as a rival to performance icons of the time. This homologation special, built for World Rally Championship Group A competition, was inspired by Nissan's legendary Skyline. Its all-wheel-drive performance echoed its 'Godzilla' namesake.

Despite its impressive technical specifications, a significant engineering flaw plagued the Pulsar GTI-R: a tendency to overheat. This issue stemmed from cavitation in the water pump, leading to an airlock and engine temperature spikes. This problem is widely believed to have hindered the car's ability to achieve widespread fame and success akin to the Subaru Impreza or Lancia Delta Integrale of the same period.

Today, the Pulsar GTI-R is a highly sought-after cult classic, representing an intriguing 'what-if' in performance car history. The vehicle's rarity means it can command prices as high as £55,000 at specialist auctions. The television show Car S.O.S recently featured a restoration of the GTI-R for a fan named Raymond, bringing the 'baby Godzilla' back to its former glory and underscoring its lasting appeal.