1999 Nissan Skyline R34 GTR V-Spec

While many of the Play Station generation may have first experienced the drama of the R34 GT-R V-Spec through Gran Turismo, it was an appearance in "The Fast and the Furious" franchise that led to an explosion in global popularity for the R34 GT-R. Indeed, Paul Walker drove an R34 GT-R in '2 Fast 2 Furious', enhancing its almost cult status.

But it was in the "real" world where the R34 GT-R V-Spec would cement its reputation. Described by Evo magazine as 'A warrior-class performer' in its 2007 road test, where a standard R34 GT-R was pitted against the likes of a McLaren F1, Pagani Zonda, Ferrari F40 and Bugatti Veyron, the GT-R"s reputation as a class act remained intact. status.

But it was in the "real" world where the R34 GT-R V-Spec would cement its reputation. Described by Evo magazine as 'A warrior-class performer' in its 2007 road test, where a standard R34 GT-R was pitted against the likes of a McLaren F1, Pagani Zonda, Ferrari F40 and Bugatti Veyron, the GT-R"s reputation as a class act remained intact.

The V-Spec (Victory Specification) was offered with a number of upgrades over the standard R34 and came equipped with arguably one of the most technically sophisticated four-wheel-drive/steer chassis in the world: the ATTESA E-TS Pro system. The V-Spec also benefited from an active limited-slip differential at the rear. Along with its mechanical upgrades, the V-Spec also had firmer suspension and lower ground clearance, as well as a rear carbon fibre air diffuser.

The right-hand drive, Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec offered here was first registered in Japan in February 1999 and is one of a limited number of 1,000 series cars—as noted in the chassis number. It has remained in Japan from new and was with its second Japanese keeper, who purchased the car from its original owner, for two years. It had accrued 146,000 km on its odometer, but we understand that it had been maintained in good condition both inside and out and has never been used in any races or involved in an accident. The car was recently imported to the UK and is now registered here with a current MOT.

These early versions of the iconic R34-generation Nissan Skyline GT-R series are coveted by collectors because they are increasingly difficult to find, particularly in standard, unmolested form. This V-Spec example is very rare in the UK and happily, remains largely original throughout. Not for the faint-hearted, but fabulous to drive and enjoy