Chassis No.: BCNR33006177

Engine No.: TBA

Registration: M265 GGF

Sold £48,110 | Sold

The R33 incarnation of the GT-R is still a pure sports car experience, but now aided by some of the most revolutionary handling technology to influence modern performance driving. The new R33 Skyline GT-R was launched in January 1995 with a base GT-R and the V Spec model which offered a sportier suspension set-up resulting in lower ground clearance, and also featured the newer ATTESA E-TS Pro all-wheel drive system, which included an Active Limited-Slip Differential. At the heart of the V-spec was the ATTESA-ETS Pro Electronic Torque Split System which, at the time, made it arguably the most technologically advanced production car in the world.

The system was conceived in the 1990s for the JTCC to enable some 600bhp to be fed through the wheels and on to the racetrack efficiently. The V Spec also featured an active LSD on the rear axle which further aided traction by calculating the optimum torque-split between the left and right rear wheels, variable from fully locked to totally free. Working along with ATTESA-ETS PRO, is the SUPER HICAS rear-wheel steering. This uses a series of sensors to monitor vehicle motion, rate of turn and the driver's action on the steering wheel.

Complex software then compares this information to the computer predictions of the car's ideal turning characteristics, adjusting the angle of the rear wheels to reflect the driver's intentions. The result of this type of technology? Neutral steering and unrivalled cornering capabilities. The engine in the R33 was nearly identical to the previous R32 using the same turbochargers and the same specification for the manual gearbox, although the synchros were made to be stronger.

The increased body rigidity and improved handling potential necessitated several specially designed cross members being incorporated into the monocoque and extra torsion bars were added to the multi-link suspension to further enhance stability. Working closely with Bridgestone technicians to perfect the Potenza tyres, Nissan put the prototype R33 GT-R through its paces in all weathers at the notorious Nürburgring, earning them a daring reputation amongst other manufacturers.

To equalise front/rear weight distribution, the bonnet and front wings were made of aluminium instead of steel and the battery was fitted at the base of the car's boot, lowering the centre of gravity and further improving handling. The braking system was designed by Italy's famous Brembo Spa, suppliers to many of the world's Formula 1 teams at this time. Four-piston calipers were fitted on the front with two-piston calipers on the rear to bite into the discs with a diamond shaped ventilation bores which increased the surface area to aid heat dissipation. This, Japanese imported, superb example of the fearsome Skyline is presented in Midnight Purple with grey/blue cloth interior.

It is powered by the mighty 2.5 six cylinder turbocharged engine. Inside the Skyline GT-R, form followed function. Mono-form bucket seats with integrated headrests that are lightweight yet immensely tough provide the ideal driving position and supported the body against the G-forces endured under hard acceleration and cornering. The car comes with a full service history and has recently had its timing belt and auxiliary belts changed as well as having new wheels and tyres fitted also. Since being imported from Japan in 1999, the car has only had one UK owner and has been beautifully kept in this time having been dry stored with air conditioning, from then until today.

This Skyline is in superb condition throughout and will come to auction with a new MoT. A true ‘Wolf in sheep’s clothing’! The odometer is in kilometers but translated it reads 16,928 miles. To note, the same model has just been sold in the USA for circa £175,000.

https://www.historics.co.uk/auction/lot/?lot=4552&au=78