1998 Nissan Skyline R33 GT-R V-spec

Perhaps underrated, but quietly influential compared to its forbears, the R33 incarnation of the GT-R still offers a pure sports car experience, but now aided by some of the most revolutionary handling technology to influence modern performance driving.

The new R33 Skyline GT-R was launched in January 1995 with a base GT-R and the V-Spec model which offered a sportier suspension set-up, resulting in lower ground clearance, and also featured the newer ATTESA-ETS PRO all-wheel drive system which included an Active Limited-Slip Differential. The engine in the R33 was nearly identical to the previous R32 using the same turbochargers and the same specification for the manual gearbox, although the synchros were made to be stronger.

At the heart of the V-spec was the ATTESA-ETS PRO Electronic Torque Split System which, at the time, made it arguably the most technologically advanced production car in the world. The system was conceived in the 1990s for the JTCC to enable some 600bhp to be fed through the wheels and on to the racetrack efficiently. ATTESA-ETS PRO satisfied the purists by offering all the advantages of rear-wheel drive until the conditions dictated otherwise. The V-Spec also featured an active LSD on the rear axle which further aided traction by calculating the optimum torque-split between the left and right rear wheels, variable from fully-locked to totally free. Working along with ATTESA-ETS PRO, is the SUPER HICAS rear-wheel steering. This uses a series of sensors to monitor vehicle motion, rate of turn and the driver's action on the steering wheel. Complex software then compares this information to the computer predictions of the car's ideal turning characteristics, adjusting the angle of the rear wheels to reflect the driver's intentions. The result of this type of technology? Neutral steering and unrivalled cornering capabilities.

The increased body rigidity and improved handling potential necessitated several specially designed cross-members being incorporated into the monocoque, and extra torsion bars were added to the multi-link suspension to further enhance stability. Working closely with Bridgestone technicians to perfect the Potenza tyres, Nissan put the prototype R33 GT-R through its paces in all weathers at the notorious Nürburgring, earning them a daring reputation amongst other manufacturers. Tested in the wind tunnel and capable of around 175mph, the Skyline GT-R's adjustable rear spoiler lets you find the best compromise between wind resistance and grip. To equalise front/rear weight distribution, the bonnet and front wings were made of aluminium instead of steel and the battery was fitted at the base of the car's boot, lowering the centre of gravity and further improving handling.

Inside the Skyline GT-R, form followed function. Mono-form bucket seats with integrated headrests, that are lightweight yet immensely tough, provided the ideal driving position and supported the body against the G-forces endured under hard acceleration and cornering.

The braking system was designed by Italy's famous Brembo Spa, suppliers to many of the world's Formula 1 teams at this time. Four-piston calipers were fitted on the front with two-piston calipers on the rear to bite into the discs with a diamond shaped ventilation bores which increased the surface area to aid heat dissipation. The GT-R's braking system utilises the same wheel rotation sensors used to control the ATTESA-ETS PRO, to activate the high-performance ABS, ensuring that the huge Brembo calipers always deliver optimum performance.

The car presented here is a 1998 Nissan Skyline R33 GT-R V-Spec (being a sought-after and improved 'Series 3' example, the informal nomenclature that refers to 1997 and 1998 R33 GT-R models, i.e. the last 2 years of production, hence chassis #BCNR33-04082020) in arguably the model’s 'signature colour' of Midnight Purple.

The car was first registered by Nissan Fukushima in November 1998 and resided in the Osaka prefecture under the first owner (and Nissan Fukushima's care) for the first decade of its life. In around 2009, it was sold to a gentleman who lived in the Saga prefecture, where it was serviced at Nissan Fukuoka until 2017. The car then came to the UK in January 2019, sourced by marque specialists Torque GT, for our discerning vendor. The car was a Grade 4 import (having covered just 94,000 km, BIMTA certified) with low/known ownership and, unusually, was accompanied by full Japanese service history from 1998 to 2017 (detailed in history file). It was a highly original example and in superb condition but was given a full service and clean bill-of-health from Torque GT before ownership.

The car’s specification pre-import was refreshingly astute, with a nod to just modernising and reliability, and included aftermarket brake discs, a SARD high-flow catalytic converter, a Reimax exhaust, a Nismo equal length downpipe, and an R34 GT-R steering wheel (with receipt). Since importing the car, our vendor has added a Splitfire coil pack, a Link G4+ ECU (Abbey Motorsport stealth install) with two-stage boost switch hidden under gearstick gaiter (original ECU retained), a Tomei fuel pump, and a Blaupunkt DAB/Bluetooth radio and hands-free kit, whilst having had its R33 GT-R turbos rebuilt in 2020, by Turbo Dynamics, with steel internals (original turbos retained and are in fully working order, and will accompany the car) and the roof, rear wing and boot lid resprayed to rectify minor sun damage.

The Japanese performance car market has woken up and there is an opportunity to be part of it with this original, well-cared for, low-ownership R33. We welcome any inspection of this example, it will not disappoint.