When Ben Collins — the man behind the mask as The Stig — speaks, enthusiasts listen. In this latest video, the ex-Top Gear icon dives into his favorite Nissans, and yes, the Skyline GT-R lineage takes center stage.
From the R32 to the R34, Ben explains what makes each generation special on the road and on the track. He doesn’t just rattle off specs — he feels what makes these machines icons. As he puts it, the R34’s balance and technology were ahead of their time, and the R32 was the car that “rewrote the rules.”
Why it matters to us: These cars aren’t just legends — they’re the reason this blog exists. Ben’s perspective validates decades of GT-R culture, especially here in the U.S. where import restrictions kept them out of reach for so long.
Fun highlight: Ben compares the R35’s power to a “sledgehammer wrapped in silk” — accurate.
📹 If you love JDM history, Nissan heritage, or just miss Top Gear’s golden era, this one is worth a watch.
Often specified as original equipment, NGK spark plugs are the best combination of performance and longevity. Offering the Quality, Reliability and Durability You'd Expect from an OEM Manufacturer NGK is the world's largest supplier of OEM spark plug… read more
The details interface only displays some car models. To view all car models, please click on the top of the interface"make sure this fits" Fitment1: Nissan 370Z Maxima Murano Pathfinder Quest GT-R Altima 350Z Frontier|SL 2003-2024|SV 2009-2024|S 2004… read more
【OE Standard】Our spark plugs meet or exceed OE specifications for form, fit and function and are perfect for automotive replacement spark plugs.Quick and easy installation, excellent and reliable performance. Premium spark plug kits are a quick and e… read more
Built By Legends is the brainchild of Masa Kuji and Katsu Takahashi, two automotive visionaries driven by a lifelong passion for Japanese performance vehicles. Their innovative restomod project breathes new life into iconic ’80s and ’90s Japanese tuner cars, blending classic design with modern engineering. Having honed their expertise through the co-founding of GTChannel and Best Motoring International alongside Taro Koki, they bring a unique global perspective to their craft, bridging the gap between Japan’s rich tuning heritage and a worldwide audience.
Join us to listen to their incredible story on how they’re bringing Japanese classics to life for a new generation of enthusiasts.
00:00 Intro
00:25 Built By Legends cars at SEMA 2024
01:20 Built By Legends Restomod R34 Skyline
02:37 Working with Toray to customize the R34 Interior
04:25 The importance of showcasing partners in a project
04:50 Details of the Built By Legends Restomod R34 Skyline
05:22 What is Built By Legends?
07:15 Where does Katsu Takahashi’s style come from?
10:00 Masa Kuji’s history with Japanese cars
11:12 The story of Taro, Masa, and Katsu working together for the first time
13:20 The genesis of Best Motoring International
16:28 Creating automotive-related phone apps
17:52 Masa Kuji on founding Built By Legends
19:20 Is Built By Legends the Singer of Skylines?
22:51 Biggest challenges when building cars
23:54 What is the build process for Built By Legends?
26:48 Why does Built By Legends partner with Mines for engine development?
29:25 Other iconic cars Built By Legends is working on
30:20 Working with legendary Japanese tuners Spoon and Mines
35:25 The importance of social media for Built By Legends
38:40 Katsu Takahashi’s perspective on the current JDM scene
39:40 Built By Legends’ relationship with Top Rank Importers
40:40 What build has been the most meaningful thus far?
44:10 What advice would you give yourself at the beginning?
45:40 New projects for Built By Legends
47:35 The balance of innovation and restoration in a car build
48:12 Built By Legends schedule at SEMA 2024
49:42 The creative dive of Katsu Takahashi and Masa Kuiji
Often specified as original equipment, NGK spark plugs are the best combination of performance and longevity. Offering the Quality, Reliability and Durability You'd Expect from an OEM Manufacturer NGK is the world's largest supplier of OEM spark plug… read more
The details interface only displays some car models. To view all car models, please click on the top of the interface"make sure this fits" Fitment1: Nissan 370Z Maxima Murano Pathfinder Quest GT-R Altima 350Z Frontier|SL 2003-2024|SV 2009-2024|S 2004… read more
【OE Standard】Our spark plugs meet or exceed OE specifications for form, fit and function and are perfect for automotive replacement spark plugs.Quick and easy installation, excellent and reliable performance. Premium spark plug kits are a quick and e… read more
Meet the founders of Built By Legends, the groundbreaking restomod project that’s redefining iconic Japanese tuner cars from the ’80s and ’90s. Masa Kuji and Katsu Takahashi, two lifelong car enthusiasts with a shared passion for Japanese automotive culture.
Raised overseas (Masa in Canada and Katsu in the UK and Australia), they bring a unique global perspective to their mission of restoring and reimagining Japan’s most legendary cars. From their early days at co-founding GTChannel and Best Motoring International with RACER’s Creative Drive host Taro Koki, to founding Built By Legends, their journey is fueled by a love for cars, a dedication to craftsmanship, and a vision to bridge Japan’s rich tuning heritage with the rest of the world.
Join us to listen to their incredible story on how they’re bringing Japanese classics to life for a new generation of enthusiasts.
00:00 Intro
00:25 Built By Legends cars at SEMA 2024
01:20 Built By Legends Restomod R34 Skyline
02:37 Working with Toray to customize the R34 Interior
04:25 The importance of showcasing partners in a project
04:50 Details of the Built By Legends Restomod R34 Skyline
05:22 What is Built By Legends?
07:15 Where does Katsu Takahashi’s style come from?
10:00 Masa Kuji’s history with Japanese cars
11:12 The story of Taro, Masa, and Katsu working together for the first time
13:20 The genesis of Best Motoring International
16:28 Creating automotive-related phone apps
17:52 Masa Kuji on founding Built By Legends
19:20 Is Built By Legends the Singer of Skylines?
22:51 Biggest challenges when building cars
23:54 What is the build process for Built By Legends?
26:48 Why does Built By Legends partner with Mines for engine development?
29:25 Other iconic cars Built By Legends is working on
30:20 Working with legendary Japanese tuners Spoon and Mines
35:25 The importance of social media for Built By Legends
38:40 Katsu Takahashi’s perspective on the current JDM scene
39:40 Built By Legends’ relationship with Top Rank Importers
40:40 What build has been the most meaningful thus far?
44:10 What advice would you give yourself at the beginning?
45:40 New projects for Built By Legends
47:35 The balance of innovation and restoration in a car build
48:12 Built By Legends schedule at SEMA 2024
49:42 The creative dive of Katsu Takahashi and Masa Kuiji
Often specified as original equipment, NGK spark plugs are the best combination of performance and longevity. Offering the Quality, Reliability and Durability You'd Expect from an OEM Manufacturer NGK is the world's largest supplier of OEM spark plug… read more
The details interface only displays some car models. To view all car models, please click on the top of the interface"make sure this fits" Fitment1: Nissan 370Z Maxima Murano Pathfinder Quest GT-R Altima 350Z Frontier|SL 2003-2024|SV 2009-2024|S 2004… read more
【OE Standard】Our spark plugs meet or exceed OE specifications for form, fit and function and are perfect for automotive replacement spark plugs.Quick and easy installation, excellent and reliable performance. Premium spark plug kits are a quick and e… read more
This week was another busy one. Still working on getting the R32 engine back in but also made time to get though a lot of new inventory, spend a day at JCCS and of course stop by GReddy for their 30th Anniversary block party!
#jdm #JCCS #jdmlifestyle
Most weekends we are out doing shows and events at Toprank Importers. It still amazes me to hear people say they have never seen, or don’t know anything about Skyline GT-R’s. People still don’t even know they are legal to import. They don’t know we can bring them into California compliance. Its crazy to think, but I hear it at least once a week. Every week, for 25 years.
Often specified as original equipment, NGK spark plugs are the best combination of performance and longevity. Offering the Quality, Reliability and Durability You'd Expect from an OEM Manufacturer NGK is the world's largest supplier of OEM spark plug… read more
The details interface only displays some car models. To view all car models, please click on the top of the interface"make sure this fits" Fitment1: Nissan 370Z Maxima Murano Pathfinder Quest GT-R Altima 350Z Frontier|SL 2003-2024|SV 2009-2024|S 2004… read more
【OE Standard】Our spark plugs meet or exceed OE specifications for form, fit and function and are perfect for automotive replacement spark plugs.Quick and easy installation, excellent and reliable performance. Premium spark plug kits are a quick and e… read more
Often specified as original equipment, NGK spark plugs are the best combination of performance and longevity. Offering the Quality, Reliability and Durability You'd Expect from an OEM Manufacturer NGK is the world's largest supplier of OEM spark plug… read more
The details interface only displays some car models. To view all car models, please click on the top of the interface"make sure this fits" Fitment1: Nissan 370Z Maxima Murano Pathfinder Quest GT-R Altima 350Z Frontier|SL 2003-2024|SV 2009-2024|S 2004… read more
【OE Standard】Our spark plugs meet or exceed OE specifications for form, fit and function and are perfect for automotive replacement spark plugs.Quick and easy installation, excellent and reliable performance. Premium spark plug kits are a quick and e… read more
This week, I’ve been diving deep into the world of JDM. I spent countless hours working on the R32 GT-R, bringing it closer to its full potential. Between that and shipping a few cars, it’s been a busy one.
Of course, the fun doesn’t stop there. I had the pleasure of attending an event with my friend Larry Chen, and I also teamed up with Jonny Grunwald for a Pennzoil ad with Advance Auto Parts.
Often specified as original equipment, NGK spark plugs are the best combination of performance and longevity. Offering the Quality, Reliability and Durability You'd Expect from an OEM Manufacturer NGK is the world's largest supplier of OEM spark plug… read more
The details interface only displays some car models. To view all car models, please click on the top of the interface"make sure this fits" Fitment1: Nissan 370Z Maxima Murano Pathfinder Quest GT-R Altima 350Z Frontier|SL 2003-2024|SV 2009-2024|S 2004… read more
【OE Standard】Our spark plugs meet or exceed OE specifications for form, fit and function and are perfect for automotive replacement spark plugs.Quick and easy installation, excellent and reliable performance. Premium spark plug kits are a quick and e… read more
Often specified as original equipment, NGK spark plugs are the best combination of performance and longevity. Offering the Quality, Reliability and Durability You'd Expect from an OEM Manufacturer NGK is the world's largest supplier of OEM spark plug… read more
The details interface only displays some car models. To view all car models, please click on the top of the interface"make sure this fits" Fitment1: Nissan 370Z Maxima Murano Pathfinder Quest GT-R Altima 350Z Frontier|SL 2003-2024|SV 2009-2024|S 2004… read more
【OE Standard】Our spark plugs meet or exceed OE specifications for form, fit and function and are perfect for automotive replacement spark plugs.Quick and easy installation, excellent and reliable performance. Premium spark plug kits are a quick and e… read more
Often specified as original equipment, NGK spark plugs are the best combination of performance and longevity. Offering the Quality, Reliability and Durability You'd Expect from an OEM Manufacturer NGK is the world's largest supplier of OEM spark plug… read more
The details interface only displays some car models. To view all car models, please click on the top of the interface"make sure this fits" Fitment1: Nissan 370Z Maxima Murano Pathfinder Quest GT-R Altima 350Z Frontier|SL 2003-2024|SV 2009-2024|S 2004… read more
【OE Standard】Our spark plugs meet or exceed OE specifications for form, fit and function and are perfect for automotive replacement spark plugs.Quick and easy installation, excellent and reliable performance. Premium spark plug kits are a quick and e… read more
Toprank Global is your international vehicle dealer for importing and exporting cars. Toprank based in Japan will locate and ship your dream car from and to anywhere in the world. Local laws vary please contact us for more information. Call Toprank Global at (+81) 3-6222-8388 or trade@toprank.jp
Often specified as original equipment, NGK spark plugs are the best combination of performance and longevity. Offering the Quality, Reliability and Durability You'd Expect from an OEM Manufacturer NGK is the world's largest supplier of OEM spark plug… read more
The details interface only displays some car models. To view all car models, please click on the top of the interface"make sure this fits" Fitment1: Nissan 370Z Maxima Murano Pathfinder Quest GT-R Altima 350Z Frontier|SL 2003-2024|SV 2009-2024|S 2004… read more
【OE Standard】Our spark plugs meet or exceed OE specifications for form, fit and function and are perfect for automotive replacement spark plugs.Quick and easy installation, excellent and reliable performance. Premium spark plug kits are a quick and e… read more
➢LEGENDS MEDIA STORE: https://legends.media/ NEW R34 COLLECTION LIVE NOW!
Today is the day we’ve all been waiting for. I bought my R34 GTR 5 years ago and have been storing it in Japan ever since. We’ve gotten to experience what it’s REALLY like to have a car built in Japan. We’ve also had the pleasure of driving it all over the best roads and most famous anime roads. The r34 gtr has seen it all… today, it gets imported to America from Japan!
Often specified as original equipment, NGK spark plugs are the best combination of performance and longevity. Offering the Quality, Reliability and Durability You'd Expect from an OEM Manufacturer NGK is the world's largest supplier of OEM spark plug… read more
The details interface only displays some car models. To view all car models, please click on the top of the interface"make sure this fits" Fitment1: Nissan 370Z Maxima Murano Pathfinder Quest GT-R Altima 350Z Frontier|SL 2003-2024|SV 2009-2024|S 2004… read more
【OE Standard】Our spark plugs meet or exceed OE specifications for form, fit and function and are perfect for automotive replacement spark plugs.Quick and easy installation, excellent and reliable performance. Premium spark plug kits are a quick and e… read more