1997 Nissan Skyline GT-R (R33)

Please note that the photographs were provided by the seller

Highlights

• Just one UK owner
• Series 3 V-Spec
• Considerately upgraded
• Titanium exhaust
• Fantastic interior

Overview

There’s a trend amongst car manufacturers to give their best models a three-letter designation: GTI, GT3, RSR, or in this case, GT-R. The topmost model in the Skyline range - itself a legendary name amongst the automotive fraternity - the GT-R is the bossdog of them all, and is the one that you want to have on your driveway.

Rooted in the iconic R32 GT-R which dominated in its racing class, the R33 was never designed with racing in mind, though it was homologated for use at Le Mans with the one-off R33 GT-R LM, but that’s a whole different story in of itself.

This particular R33 GT-R boasts the added advantage of being a V-Spec model and a series 3 from later in the production run. That means that it features the ‘active’ rear LSD, lowered suspension, independent ABS system and newer AWD system, though the original factory-fit suspension has long been replaced with more modern HKS coilovers. Imported into the UK by the now-defunct BHP imports of North Shields, this Skyline has enjoyed the care of just one owner here in the UK, and has been used sparingly throughout its time here, having clocked up under 10,000km since 2022.

Boasting some considerate modifications carried out to the car whilst in Japan and with a squeaky-clean UK MoT history, this R33 GT-R V-Spec is ready to use and enjoy, whether it be as a show car, track day hero or weekend driver.

History and documentation

• Registered in the UK 01 Sep 2022
• Japanese document pack and handbooks
• Import paperwork
• Numerous Japanese service invoices
• One keys
• Current MOT with no advisories expires 16 Aug 2025
• V5 present in owner’s name
• UK HPI clear
• The seller states the car was fully serviced including new spark plugs
• Brake discs and pads reportedly replaced in the seller’s ownership
• In Aug 2024, the car received new rear anti roll bar bushes, front drop links and track rod ends and had a four wheel alignment

Interior

• The interior of this R33 GT-R presents in outstanding condition throughout, and one can almost smell that lovely Japanese import interior smell through the photographs
• All four seats are in excellent shape, with only some slight ‘bunching’ noted to the fabric
• The carpets, over-mats and door cards look to be in equally fantastic condition
• A brace of aftermarket HKS gauges have been fitted to the driver’s A-pillar
• NISMO gauge faces have been fitted to the OE cluster
• A later R34 GT-R steering wheel has been fitted
• There are a few marks on the lower transmission tunnel, shifter, steering wheel and high-traffic areas, commensurate with the car’s age and mileage
• Auxiliary equipment includes a Blitz turbo timer, HKS valve controller, Sony stereo upgrade and JDM toll equipment
• The boot itself presents well, though we have noted some corrosion visible in the aperture around the lower edge of the rear window
• No reported electrical, display or system faults

Exterior

• Finished in Cloud White, this R33 presents in good overall condition, with a few expected signs of age-related wear-and-tear
• The bodywork looks to be nice and straight down both sides of the vehicle
• The front end, mirror caps and exposed edges exhibit a typical level of stone chips and light imperfections
• Looking closer, the area around the radiator grille displays some deeper chips and marks, whilst there is also a crack and scuffs in the lower bumper splitter
• The edge of the driver’s door and the area immediately aft shows a large touched-in blemish or scratch
• Elsewhere, we noted some scratches ahead of the nearside front wheel, chips above the nearside front fog light, chips to the lower side skirts, small scratches on the nearside rear bumper aft of the wheel, and typical gravel rash to the rear of all four arches
• There appears to be damage to the paintwork running down from the filler cap
• It’s great to see that this R33 GT-R retains its original wheels, which are said to be wrapped in “close to new” tyres
• The wheels present well from a distance, but exhibit areas of bubbling and flaking paint
• At the rear, the straight-through ‘can of Japan’ Extreme Ti exhaust looks great, but has melted the upper edge of the exhaust cut-out
• Both upper edges of the boot lid exhibit corrosion
• Underneath, everything looks to be in great condition, which is backed up by the clean MoT history for this Skyline
• Overall, this R33 GT-R presents in good condition, though retains scope for further aesthetic improvement to bring the bodywork in-line with the mechanicals

Mechanical

• 2.6-litre RB26 DETT inline-six engine rated at 280bhp and 271 lb-ft of torque at 4,400rpm
• Five-speed manual gearbox
• Full-time ATTESA all-wheel drive system with active LSD
• Apexi induction kit
• Straight-through titanium Extreme Ti exhaust
• HKS coilovers
• The engine bay presents very well, with only some light wear/corrosion visible to fixtures and fittings
• The metallic red rocker cover looks to be in great shape, with no noted leaks
• We’re told that the car drives “beautifully”, though the seller does note that it is loud on account of its aftermarket exhaust system

Summary

Long the unfortunate subject of ‘middle child syndrome’ thanks to its more famous siblings (the R32 for motorsport, the R34 due to its appearances on the silver screen), the R33 is now being recognised for its merits, performance and (for now) relative accessibility from a financial perspective, though enthusiasts are now waking up to how brilliant these once-overlooked GT-Rs really are.

Offered for sale in excellent mechanical condition but with scope for some further aesthetic fettling if the next owner should desire, this looks to be a brilliant example of the desirable V-Spec R33 GT-R that wants for nothing more than a tank of Super Unleaded and an open road.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Thurso, Caithness, Scotland.