1999 Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R V-Spec 1

Please note the correct estimate is £80,000 – £100,000, not £60,000 - £80,000 as incorrectly catalogued.

Rightfully lauded as the 'Holy Grail' of the JDM world, the R34 GT-R is a car which goes against the age old saying of 'never meet your heroes' as it is everything one would hope it to be. Phenomenally advanced for its time, it's easy to forget that this car was launched in 1999 with a smörgåsbord  of hugely advanced technology such as the electronically-controlled Super HICAS 4-wheel steering, 5.8" LCD multifunction display in the dashboard, showing seven different live readings of engine and vehicle statistics, aggressive new styling, a stiffer bodyshell and a reworked version of the bulletproof and highly modifiable RB26DETT twin-turbo inline-six under the bonnet. The engine was mated to an all-new Getrag six-speed gearbox and transfer case. Unlike some other performance cars of the 1990s, Nissan did not neglect the braking system and fitted Brembo brakes with 300mm vented discs.

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 was introduced in October 1999, just nine months after the launch of the R34 Series I, making it an almost immediate upgrade over the standard car. While the Series I was a fantastic car, the improvements were thorough and ensured the V-Spec and V-Spec II cars are even more desirable. Changes for the V-Spec included an improved suspension system featuring stiffer springs and dampers, Brembo brakes as standard, lighter forged-aluminium wheels allowing wider tires, an active limited-slip differential, and an improved aero package with a front-lip spoiler and carbon fibre rear wing.

As a V-Spec I, JDM-delivered, right-hand drive example, this is one of 514 Sonic Silver (KV4) V-Spec I cars out of a total production run of 11,578. It presents in excellent condition having been maintained religiously before and after its import in 2020, covering just 1,000km since landing on UK shores, and now displaying 137,000km. The car has been serviced by a marque specialist since being in the UK and comes to market benefitting from a service, detail and MOT.

A keen eye will spot this isn’t a totally standard R34 GT-R having been enhanced with expensive, and somewhat 'unobtanium' parts such as the Nismo S-Tune front bumper, NISMO NE-1 stainless steel exhaust (costing £3,255 before shipping and taxes), NISMO gauge cluster, a front-mounted intercooler as well as Japan Racing wheels and what appear to be HSD coil-over suspension.

It may not be able to claim the original 'Godzilla' title, as that remains with the R32 GT-R, but the newcomer definitely carried the torch, and arguably the R34 GT-R has become the most iconic and most recognised car ever to emerge from Japan in their late-90s 'golden era'.

With the way R34 GT-R prices have skyrocketed so comfortably into the six-figure sums in recent years, this cherished, two UK-owner example is surely one of the final chances to acquire such a desirable car for such reasonable money, especially considering the 25-year import rule has now legalised this car for the US-market meaning prices are only going to go one way.