1999 Nissan Skyline R34 GTR V-Spec

To be offered by Silverstone Auctions Sale of Iconic, Classic and Supercars at Supercar Fest on Saturday 20th May.

Guide Price: £70,000 - £80,000

The R33 GT-R was a good car, but many found it to be too bulky in design and too heavy to be a worthy successor to the R32 GT-R, which the R34 sought to rectify, and did so with flying colours. Released with a shorter, sharper design and the performance to match, it’s safe to say the bite truly matches the bark. For a car released in 1999, the R34 came crammed full of technology including a 5.8" LCD multifunction display in the dashboard, showing seven different live readings of engine and vehicle statistics such as boost pressure, oil/water temperature and throttle percentage amongst others.

It arrived with aggressive new styling, a stiffer bodyshell and a reworked version of the bulletproof and highly modifiable RB26DETT twin-turbo, inline-six mated to an all-new Getrag 6-speed gearbox and transfer case. The electronically controlled Super HICAS rear-wheel steering system was retained. Unlike some other performance cars of the 1990s, Nissan did not neglect the braking system and fitted Brembo brakes with 300mm vented discs, although further upgrades were available from after-market suppliers to cope with later increases in power.

The V-Spec (Victory Specification) was offered with a number of upgrades over the standard R34 GT-R and came equipped with arguably one of the most technically sophisticated four-wheel-drive/steer chassis in the world: the ATTESA E-TS Pro system. The V-Spec also benefited from an active limited-slip differential at the rear, firmer suspension and lower ground clearance, as well as a rear carbon fibre air-diffuser.

The right-hand drive, Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec on offer here was first registered in Japan in February 1999 by its original owner who kept it until 2015. It was enjoyed by its second keeper for a further two years and subsequently exported to the UK and registered here in October 2017, at which point it was purchased by our vendor to add to his private collection.

Finished in gleaming Nissan White (QM1), the car's incredible condition belies its 24 years and 164,085km (101,958m), however, having been in our vendor's private collection for a number of years the car might need some light recommissioning. It's accompanied by its V5C, original manuals etc., Japanese Shakens (the very stringent two-year inspection), a photocopy of the original Japanese Export Certificate (for the DVLA) and the car will have a fresh UK MOT prior to the sale. With its Aluminium rear wing and alloys as delivered on the car new, these early versions of the R34-generation Nissan Skyline GT-R series are coveted by collectors because they are increasingly difficult to find, particularly in standard form. This V-Spec example is very rare in the UK.

This car represents an exceptional opportunity to acquire a rare example of arguably the fastest appreciating modern-classic in the fastest appreciating sector of the market which showcases just how capable these Japanese manufactures were at building phenomenal cars for both road and track. The imminent end of the 25-year import regulations in the US means that, in a year or so, the whole of America will be a market for the R34 GT-R V-Spec possibly rendering this one of your better investments and, in the meantime, you can enjoy this hugely competent Japanese 'rocket-ship'.