1998 NISSAN SKYLINE (R33) GT-R - EX-JOHNNY HERBERT

This Nissan Skyline GT-R is a subtly modified example of the high-performance Japanese coupe with superb early provenance. This particular fourth-generation R33 model was owned by racing driver Johnny Herbert in the late 1990s. Under the bonnet is a 2.6-litre, twin-turbocharged ‘RB26DETT’ straight-six, which has been tuned to approximately 550bhp by Abbey Motorsport, allied to a six-speed manual gearbox. The odometer reads 42,579 miles.

Understood to have been imported from Japan in 1998, this R33 GT-R was re-registered in the UK on 14 April that year to Formula One driver Johnny Herbert, who was then driving for the Sauber team. The next private owner purchased the car in 2000, and it was subsequently sold to its current owner in 2010, though it has been in storage throughout this time, and has not been registered in their name.

Presented in dark grey paint, which is understood to have been refreshed in the past, the car looks smart today, and the vendor is not aware of any prior damage. There is some minor stone-chipping around the front end, and the front splitter shows signs of wear.

An upgraded NISMO exhaust features in good condition, and the light lenses, badging and glass are similarly free of damage. This Skyline also retains its 18-inch six-spoke alloy wheels, which have a few small blemishes, and house more powerful AP Racing brakes at the front.

Inside, the Nissan’s interior remains highly original. The hardy dashboard switchgear is in good condition with no damage, and the vendor states that everything is in working condition. The fabric seat upholstery also presents well, with light wear commensurate with the age and mileage. A period-correct Sony CD player with Alpine speakers has also been fitted, and there are torque, oil temperature and turbo boost gauges providing information to the driver.

As the vehicle has been in dry storage for over 10 years, it would undoubtedly benefit from a recommissioning service before any enthusiastic use. The car is currently located in Sweden, but has not been officially exported, and its last MOT test in the UK was on 3 August 2007 at 42,187 miles. The vendor states that a new 12-month certificate will be included for the next buyer, and furthermore that the car will be transported to Phil Stott Motorsport in the UK free-of-charge for the next owner.

This lightly-used Japanese performance icon will reach its next enthusiast owner with its complement of owner’s handbooks, some previous paperwork history, as well as a copy of an old auction listing from 2008.

Combining giant-killing performance with relatively understated looks and robust mechanicals, the cult appeal of the Nissan Skyline GT-R endures, and it is undoubtedly now a collectable modern classic. Despite the significant performance upgrade, this example is largely unmodified, and would make a worthy addition to any collection – especially with its Formula One star provenance.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence through HPI checks and MOT history. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered 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.