1995 Nissan Skyline R33 GTST

Background:

Nissan introduced the Skyline GT-R back in 1969, production continuing until 1973, the model successful both in touring car racing and the showroom. But that’s not the car that most enthusiasts picture when they hear the word Skyline. For most, the word conjures up images of Midnight Run and Ridge Racer arcade machines, Gran Tourismo on the PlayStation and The Fast & The Furious movie franchise, all featuring models launched nearly two decades after the original.

The new R32 models which debuted in 1989 were more than Nissan’s performance flagships, they instantly became cult machines, boosted by their domination of Japanese and Australian Touring Car racing.

Sharing the same 2.6-litre twin-turbocharged six-cylinder engine, 4WD and four-wheel steer, the fourth generation Skyline – the R33 – made its debut in January 1995 and featured a number of detail changes to improve the package. Weaknesses in the oil pump were addressed, stronger syncromesh was fitted to the 5-speed manual gearbox and sportier suspension was added, resulting in a lower ride height. Performance was brisk indeed, R33s reaching 60mph in a supercar-slaying 3.8 seconds with 100mph coming up in ten seconds and an R33 GT-R became the first production vehicle ever to lap the Nürburgring Nordschleife in under eight minutes.

The car:

Offered here is a rare Skyline indeed – a Japanese-market R33 GTST, delivered to its first owner in 1996. The car was imported into the UK in 2007 and has been in the care of a dedicated enthusiast for the past seven years, during which time its life has been well-documented.

One glance is enough to set the JDM fan’s heart racing, as this R33 may look and feel relatively standard from the passenger seat but appearances are deceptive, as this example has been extensively and thoughtfully modified. That might be apparent, as the passenger looks across at the fully-adjustable Sparco Pro 2000 driver’s seat and removable steering wheel and once on the move, any thoughts that this is a run of the mill Skyline will soon be dispelled.

Modifications include – but are not limited to – a wide-body GT-R kit, 18" Candy Red alloys, a 6-plate paddle clutch, a welded diff, uprated turbo, air mass, air filter, injectors, aluminium radiator, Silicone hoses, a dump valve, turbo controller and boost gauge. To handle the 400bhp urge, uprates springs and dampers have been fitted, along with grooved brake discs, with fast road pads front and rear.

This R33 has covered 95,000 – doubtless thrilling – miles and has only been used in the dry summer months during the vendor’s seven year tenure. Though it speaks softly with its pristine white coachwork, it definitely carries a big stick!

Summary:

If you grew up with Gran Tourismo, you will certainly have had a highly-modified Skyline in your Garage. Here’s the opportunity to make that virtual gem a reality!

Location: Northamptonshire

Seller: Private

Photography: Professional