1996 NISSAN SKYLINE (R33) GT-R

This Nissan Skyline GT-R is a striking example of the R33 Spec 2 model, boasting significant mechanical upgrades, genuine carbon-fibre components, and dyno-proven performance. Under the bonnet is the 2.6-litre RB26DETT twin-turbocharged straight-six engine, which now produces 530bhp, with all-wheel-drive via an uprated five-speed manual transmission. The odometer indicates 85,766km (53,228 miles).

Manufactured in 1996 and first registered overseas, this R33 GT-R was later imported to the UK and re-registered in March 2004. There are seven previous registered keepers on the V5C log book, and the seller has owned the car for the last year.

Its mechanical specification is where the most extensive modifications have been carried out. The 2.6-litre straight-six is now equipped with a more efficient and responsive Precision 6266 dual-bearing turbocharger with 4-inch surge housing, twin TiAL 38mm wastegates, and an insulating blanket cover. There is a chrome intake with a 100mm K&N air filter, and a 6Boost exhaust manifold has been installed, along with a 4-inch stainless steel downpipe and a custom-made titanium straight-through exhaust system.

The car has been fitted with a Do Luck ignition harness, Splitfire coil packs, and a Link G4 ECU. There is also a HKS oil cooler with sandwich plate, a 120mm intercooler with HKS piping, a full set of HKS drive belts, and Mines cam cover baffle plates. High-quality aluminium is used for the breather tank, washer bottle, and the Mishimoto radiator, while there is also a DeatschWerks 340 litre-per-hour fuel pump installed. A stabilising brake master cylinder stopper is fitted, along with a carbon-fibre slam panel and fuse box cover. The engine is dressed with polished chrome covers.

Its gearbox has been upgraded with an OS Giken push-pull clutch conversion kit, along with an OS Giken TS3B triple-plate clutch. The gearbox also has a polybushed crossmember, and there is an AutoSelect tower bar strut brace, as well as MeisterR coil-over suspension. The R33’s HICAS four-wheel steering system has been disabled with a new delete kit, followed by a full realignment.

The GT-R’s cosmetic appearance has also been enhanced, though the Midnight Purple paint finish is an original factory hue. The body features a D-Max carbon-fibre vented bonnet and bonnet lip, a carbon-fibre rear wing and GT-R end caps, NISMO carbon B-pillar trims, and carbon headlight brows. The headlights have been refurbished and fitted with xenon bulbs, while the tail lights have been upgraded to LEDs, and the side repeaters are clear R34-generation items. There are power folding wing mirrors, and the rear screen and quarter glasses have been tinted. The car rides on genuine 18-inch 7Twenty concave alloy wheels, housing D2 Racing six-piston colour-coded brake calipers.

Today, the Midnight Purple paint presents in very good condition, with the seller noting chips on the front bumper, a crack below the offside headlight, a scratch near the carbon-fibre rear wing, and a small paint bubble on the offside rear wheel arch. Overall, the car looks smart, with the seller noting no evidence of any accident damage, flush shut lines, and an impressive shine to the paint finish. A thorough review of the photo gallery below provides an accurate illustration of the cosmetic condition. The matt bronze 18-inch alloys are in great shape, with just a few very small chips around the rims.

Inside, the GT-R seats are upholstered in the original grey cloth. They do show some wear, commensurate with the age and mileage, but there does not appear to be any rips or holes in the fabric. The seller notes some small scratches on the centre console trim, and some marks on the carbon-fibre inlay in the driver’s door. There is a carbon-fibre surround for the gear lever, a leather handbrake grip, Tomei gear knob, and new gaiters for both with colour-coded purple stitching. Chrome GT-R door sill panels are fitted, along with R35-generation floor mats, and fresh carpeting in the boot. The original floor mats are also included.

Ahead of the driver is the original steering wheel, which is discoloured and worn around the rim, and mounted to the A-pillar are AEM wideband and boost gauges. There is a Toucan touch-screen that incorporates digital gauges and rapid calibration selection, a motorised Pioneer head unit that incorporates DAB digital radio, Bluetooth, and Apple CarPlay functionality, and 6-inch Pioneer speakers in the front and back. It has a dash cam installed that can synchronise with a smartphone, as well as an Autowatch alarm and immobiliser. There are no known faults with the switchgear of electrics, though the seller does state that the airbag light flashes intermittently.

Mechanically, this Skyline GT-R is reported to be in excellent condition, and is fresh from a recent service in May 2020 at 85,289km, carried out by MG Auto Motorsport. This consisted of a full service, along with an upgrade of the auxiliary belts, fitment of the new HICAS delete kit, four new tyres and full wheel alignment. Other recent work on the car included a service in May 2019, when the cam belt and water pump were replaced, along with new hoses, a fuel filter, and a replacement heater matrix pipe.

The most recent MOT test was carried out on 19 May 2020 at 85,289km during the service. It passed with only one advisory regarding play in the nearside rear steering ball joint - which was immediately replaced. At the same time, the wheels were fitted with new 255/35 R18 Michelin Pilot Sport tyres, which are in virtually as-new condition.

Accompanying the car is a good history file, containing invoices and receipts for various maintenance and upgrades carried out. There are also full dynamometer print-outs to evidence the genuine power output of the tuned straight-six engine.

This Nissan Skyline GT-R is an impressive example of the model, which attracts plenty of attention with its bold cosmetic upgrades, and is genuinely a very fast and well-sorted R33. The character and sound of the driving experience are pure JDM, and with 530bhp it is certainly not for the shy and retiring. Built to an evidently high standard, this is a compelling choice for anyone seeking a substantially upgraded Japanese performance car.

Later in 2021, this R33 Skyline GT-R will be eligible for US import under the NHTSA rule that allows vehicles that are at least 25 years old to be imported without needing to comply with certain federal standards.

All cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.

Please note: the cherished plate shown on the car is not included in the sale. It will be switched back to an age-related registration plate in the event of a successful auction.