An Automotive Legend in Mauritius: Godzilla, the Queen of the Tracks, Has Arrived

Milestones Limited has announced the arrival of a 1994 Nissan R32 GT-R V-Spec II in Mauritius, a special edition of this iconic model that played a significant role in revitalizing the Japanese automotive industry with its exceptional performance in the 1990s.

Nicknamed "Godzilla" for its formidable power and ability to dominate both the racetrack and the road, this motorsport legend enhances the prestigious Milestones Collection, coming from the United Kingdom.

The car docked at the Port of Port-Louis on October 17, joining two other automotive icons already present in Mauritius: the McLaren F1 and the Aston Martin DB5, which arrived earlier this year.

The Nissan R32 GT-R V-Spec II now adds to an exceptional collection of vintage and prestigious vehicles, meant to thrill enthusiasts upon the opening of the Milestones Motor Museum, currently under construction in Beaux Songes and slated for completion by the end of 2026.

But that's not all! Car enthusiasts will be delighted to learn that twelve other equally exceptional models have also arrived at the capital's port. Among these new additions are the Tatra T87, the Nash Metropolitan, and the Morgan F Super — three iconic vehicles that join a unique collection of over 200 cars.

The museum belongs to the Star & Key Foundation, a Mauritian foundation created and fully funded by Terry Smith, who donated his automotive collection to the foundation and personally oversees the construction and management of this establishment to ensure its longevity for future generations.

The Car That Saved the Japanese Automotive Industry

"Godzilla" truly lives up to its name. The Nissan R32 GT-R has become a legend not only for its phenomenal power but also for its pivotal role in the recovery of the Japanese automotive industry at a critical time.

Let's take a step back: at a time when Nissan struggled to sell its cars and shine on the tracks, the R32 GT-R became a phenomenon. It quickly set a global standard, especially due to its complete dominance in the Japanese Touring Car Championship (Group A), with 29 consecutive victories.

Its reign also extended to Australia, where it won the famous Bathurst 1000 twice in 1991 and 1992. The Australian automotive press dubbed it "Godzilla" due to its exceptional track record. The GT-R also excelled in endurance racing, winning the 24-hour races at Nürburgring and SPA.

What was the secret to its success? The GT-R was equipped with a revolutionary all-wheel-drive system called ATTESA ET-S, which engaged the front wheels only when the rear wheels lost grip. This technology provided unmatched performance: top speed on straightaways, exceptional handling in corners, and optimal grip in all conditions.

The 1994 Nissan R32 GT-R V-Spec II that has arrived in Mauritius to join the Milestones Collection is a special edition of the GT-R, produced only that year, as the ultimate variant of the R32. A total of 1,306 units were manufactured before the limited production ended.

For comparison, the only other variants of the R32 were: 1,453 V-Spec I, 560 NISMO editions, and 228 N1 cars, making this Japanese legend rarer than many Porsches. The Milestones example is an original, standard, unmodified car from the United States.

The Tatra T87: The Inspiration for Porsche

Back to Europe with the Tatra T87, a car with an equally fascinating history, and now one example is present on our island. The 1946 Tatra 87 was one of the first aerodynamic cars on the road, designed in the former Czechoslovakia.

At the time, it was among the fastest production cars in the world. However, its unique handling posed risks, and several fatal accidents were reported during the war in Europe when some drivers, particularly German officers, lost control of the vehicle. The car was eventually banned.

Another notable fact is that the Tatra 87, along with similar models like the smaller T97, made headlines not for performance but for other reasons: strong suspicions arose when Ferdinand Porsche introduced his Volkswagen Beetle, which bore many similarities to the T97. The case ultimately concluded in 1965 when Volkswagen had to compensate Tatra following a patent infringement lawsuit.

Nash Metropolitan: The First American Compact Car

At a time when the Volkswagen Beetle and other compact models were experiencing great success, the independent American automaker Nash sought to bring this trend to the United States by partnering with British manufacturer Austin to design the Metropolitan in 1953.

This model thus became the first "compact" American car, marking a significant milestone in automotive history in the United States. The example joining the Milestones Motor Museum collection dates back to 1956.

Designed at the Nash Motor Company in Wisconsin and produced until 1962, the Metropolitan stands out for its unique "bathtub" design, a smaller version of the more imposing Nash Ambassador, giving it an instantly recognizable and memorable profile.

Morgan F Super: A Rare British Classic Three-Wheeler

Another classic arrives in Mauritius, and to appreciate its history, we must go back to the 1950s. The 1950 Morgan F Super three-wheeler comes from the United Kingdom. This vehicle is extremely rare: only 129 units were built between World War II and the end of production in 1952.

Earlier this year, just before the Milestones Motor Museum shipped this car to Mauritius, this little 1950 F Super made a final farewell tour back to its birthplace, the Morgan Motor Company workshops in Malvern, UK, 75 years after its manufacture.

Terry Smith: "Godzilla Holds a Unique Place in Automotive History"

With the arrival of these cars, each with an extraordinary story, the Milestones Motor Museum is poised to become a unique attraction in Mauritius, likely to draw tourists from around the world upon its public opening. Terry Smith is enthusiastic about these new additions to an already extraordinary collection: “We can’t wait to share our ‘Godzilla’ with the public at the museum, as it occupies a unique place in automotive history. In the 90s, it was literally an unstoppable force: it won every race it entered, revitalizing the Nissan brand and restoring Japan's automotive industry to its reputation and glory on the global stage. When it reached Australian shores, the press dubbed it 'Godzilla,' as its performance literally crushed the competition.”

“Beyond the sensational journey of Godzilla, I am also eager to showcase other vehicles that have made their mark around the world. This series of vehicles immerses us in the fascinating world of automobiles: whether they were designed in former Czechoslovakia, the United States, or the United Kingdom, each of these models has helped shape the design of the cars we drive today,” he concluded.