1998 Nissan Skyline R33 GT-R V-Spec (Series 3) - Ex-Johnny Herbert

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, with a CAR VX check indicating that it was most likely a manufacture for export example straight from the Nissan factory, as it was not ever registered in Japan. Indeed, by the 14th April 1998 it had been exported from Japan to the UK and was registered to the Formula 1 driver Johnny Herbert, who at the time was driving for the Sauber team. The car was assigned the distinctive registration 'R30 GTR', which it has always worn (and still does). Johnny’s ownership is well-documented on the car's original UK logbook, by an accompanying light-hearted sales note, in magazine clippings and in a series of photographs of him posing with the car – and looking suitably proud of it!

The car itself is a late-production 'Series 3' example ('Series 3' is the informal nomenclature for R33 GT-R models built in the last years of production - 1997 & 1998, when the evolutionary development changes of the R33 culminated). In 1998 only 1,175 GT-R examples were produced, far less than in the preceding years. This car is one of only 37 late production 'Series' 3 R33 V-Spec cars produced in Dark Grey Pearl (KN6) paintwork, itself one of the rarest Skyline colours, making this a special and sought-after car.

We understand that, in the late 1990s, Johnny had the car regularly serviced (and tweaked power-wise!) with marque specialists Abbey MotorSport Ltd. of Surrey. When our vendor bought the car in 2020, he returned it to Abbey MS who immediately recalled it fondly and still even had a copy of its famous registration 'R30 GTR' in their office! Our vendor ensured Abbey MS went right through the car, giving it a full recommissioning service (as it had been in storage for a while) to include replacing cambelts, all fluids and much more. Some additional work (c.£10,000-worth) was also carried out to ensure the car’s tip-top mechanical health (full details in the accompanying invoices). The car presents to a very high standard and still benefits from its earlier Abbey MS tuning, an upgraded NISMO exhaust and turbo binnacles, and several smaller touches such as the fuel and radiator caps.

The car has covered just c.45,000 miles from new, which is supported by accompanying paperwork and its commensurate condition. Following Johnny’s tenure, it was subsequently purchased by its next owner in 2000 who kept it until 2010, whereupon the following owner exported it to Sweden the car was put into dry-storage, not used and never registered in Sweden, before being bought by our vendor in 2020 and repatriated (when it covered 42,579 miles). It is supplied to auction with a fresh MOT.

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