Nissan Skyline R33 GTR LM Ltd or N1?

[jcg]

I have always had a soft spot for the R33 GTR, partly because they were the usable super car to have when I was buying my first cars and partly because they seem such good value compared to the R34.

I see HJA are selling a rare’ish but low mileage LM Ltd (one of c190 cars ever built) for c£160k (yep it’s really that much)

https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/11629595

and 4 Star Classics have a c75k mile R33 N1 at c£115k (this is one of c90 cars ever built).

https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/13336404

The LM Ltd has more kerb side appeal but lacks the engineering enhancements/race background of N1. Which one should I go for?

[jcg]

Just realised this topic might be more appropriate in the Jap Car section

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

[ghost83]

I personally wouldn’t spend that on either of them,

[jcg]

https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/11629595



I have always had a soft spot for the R33 GTR, partly because they were the usable super car to have when I was buying my first cars and partly because they seem such good value compared to the R34.

I see HJA are selling a rare’ish but low mileage LM Ltd (one of c190 cars ever built) for c£160k (yep it’s really that much)

https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/11629595

and 4 Star Classics have a c75k mile R33 N1 at c£115k (this is one of c90 cars ever built).

https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/13336404

The LM Ltd has more kerb side appeal but lacks the engineering enhancements/race background of N1. Which one should I go for?

[Evolved]

Honestly. I don’t think either are worth the money being asked. Not helpful to your question, I know, but if I had that kinda doh to splash on a car outright, a Porka GT3 would be my choice all day long.

If it truly is the Nissan, the the N1 isn’t a bad shout. Both good cars.

[LP670]

That blue LM edition is stunning but there's no way id enter the Skyline market right now. They are seriously overpriced and represent poor value for money IMO and i say this as an owner of an R34 GTR (bought before the bubble started growing).

[C7 JFW]

The N1 is a car without air conditioning and has thinner panels and less soundproofing. If you're ever going to drive it on the road, why would you want that? It's like buying a regular car and taking out all of the things that make it more enjoyable to drive.

The LM, whilst pretty, is a regular GTR in a light blue with a sticker on the C pillar. There is literally no other thing that makes it different.

[TommoAE86]

Think if the OP is considering these cars they're likely to have considered and discounted other ones.

I had an R33 ("only" a gts-t) but it was wonderful and I have so many happy memories driving it that I wish I'd never sold it. Unlikely given the rare ones you've picked out but I'd strongly recommend only driving it on summer days otherwise it'll get trashed in an instant.

Fun bit about a modified LM Limited

[ChrisPackit]

C7 JFW said:

The N1 is a car without air conditioning and has thinner panels and less soundproofing. If you're ever going to drive it on the road, why would you want that? It's like buying a regular car and taking out all of the things that make it more enjoyable to drive.

The LM, whilst pretty, is a regular GTR in a light blue with a sticker on the C pillar. There is literally no other thing that makes it different.

The N1 is much more special than the LM which, as the chap above states, is a fancy colour with a sticker, a carbon spoiler blade and a bonnet lip spoiler. The N1 had the Nismo parts catalogue thrown at it, so a halfway house to a 400R. So the N1 has different pistons, turbos, oil pump, water pump etc than the stock GTR as well as the weight saving on the rear wiper motor, A/C etc (though the few Ive seen all has A/C fitted)

There were 2 knocking around on ebay for a while about 4 years ago about the £15k mark!

C

[jcg]

Hi and thanks for the comments.

I’m in agreement. A N1 is “better” (well more desirable engineering and rarity-wise). The difference is the LM is fully restored (or looks it) whereas the N1 is in good original condition which I appreciate is typically a desirable characteristic for investment cars but presumably means it is not pristine? I guess if it was it would be at c£200k.

I agree Porsche RS/GT3 variants would be a great alternative but I’m not convinced it would be better value. A 1990s 993 RS the closest [age] equivalent would be £250k plus. I also understand they are not as rare (c1,000 993 variant 911 RS were built of which c200 were clubsports, the version perhaps closest to the N1?). I suspect they were not as engineeringly innovative (or probably as fast) and are probably less of 90s icon for most people? A 996 GT3 is an alternative but I don’t like the look and this would rankle (particularly since it is not anywhere as rare as well). The choice is a nice problem to have!