Hosaka GT-R That I Now Own

JAGUAR F-TYPE R ☆ AUDI TT RS ☆ NISSAN SKYLINE GT-R R34 Note from the Editor MOTOR This month we’ve picked three quite diﬀerent cars, the ﬁrst was responsible for relaunching a great British marque back into the limelight, the F-Type R. This ST RS car has brought a new, younger generation into Jaguar ownership. The F-Type SPORTSCARS DESTINED R is the car that the previous XK should have been, compact, powerful, FOR GREATNESS beautiful with an incredible soundtrack. The Jaguar F-Type is the modern equivalent of the classic E-Type, which is why we think that in time it will Editor become a collectors choice. Buying one now will result in some depreciation, but I believe it will be less than any car in the price bracket/sector of the same Raj Hunjan @motorstars age.

Contributors The second car is the Audi TT RS, which like all other RS models is an all- wheel drive, turbo-charged animal. I believe the TT RS is erroneously Peter Hindle overlooked by many enthusiasts. The 5 cylinder engine note is very James Osborne reminiscent of the Audi Quattro rally greats and it also has the performance to Barry Ives keep its bigger brother, the Audi R8 honest. Prices hover at just over £20,000 Ian Smith for an early car and I believe the best will never drop below this level as collectors begin to pick them up. Relatively low production numbers will Simon Williams ensure it is a desirable car so grab one now while few realise their potential.

Advertising Enquiries Our third car is an all time favourite of mine, the Nissan Skyline GT-R R34. This +44 (0)20 3022 5807 is the last GT-R to bear the famous Skyline name and represents the pinnacle [email protected] of the twin turbo RB26 engine that powered three generations of Godzilla. I fully admit that this car is Marmite deﬁned, but I urge those that haven’t seen Managing Director or driven one to keep an open mind. Sure a lot of them are modiﬁed, which tends to dissuade many, but this trend is only because the GT-R is capable of Fiona MacKay so much more than when factory standard. Nissan, like all Japanese automakers agreed to hold back the performance of their cars during the 90’s www.motor-stars.com to prevent a continuous escalation in power (which was seen in German facebook.com/motorstarsmag makers over the same period). Even in standard form the R34 @motorstars Skyline GT-R is an exceptional, dramatic drive. Prices are steadily rising and will continue to do so. This isn’t a just a car for the nostalgic, it still is a formidable track or road partner.

Raj Hunjan [email protected]

© COPYRIGHT 2016 REVIVAL SPORTS CARS LIMITED Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, the publisher will not accept, and hereby disclaim to the maximum extent permitted by law, any liability for any loss or damage that may be caused by any errors or omissions this publication may contain. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form - electronic, mechanical, recording or otherwise - without prior written permission of the publisher. Information correct at time of going to press. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every eﬀort has been used to trace the copyright holders of any material used in this publication. If any copyright holder has been overlooked, we would be pleased to make any necessary amendments. NISSAN SKYLINE GT-R34

GRAN TURISMO GENERATION by Barry Ives “The specification sheet read like a dream wishlist”

T-R ownership for me started with the R35. I After researching online, I started to understand R34's and have owned three R35s in succession. Through the various specifications and modifications that make a G the GTR Owners Club forum (GTROC) I started good car. I decided that my R34 would need to be something to learn about the earlier versions of Godzilla. My special and out of the ordinary to float my boat, as they say. I first classic Skyline GT-R keys were for an R32 took a trip to Harlow Jap Autos, who, despite their name, are that was running 700bhp, however I did find it quite dated not actually in Harlow! HJA always seem to have a great and quite quickly settled on the R34 which I found easier to selection of R34’s in stock, as well as more on the way at any live with. The R34 took me on a trip back towards my early time. On my initial visit I didn't find what I wanted, the cars car buying days where everything was more analogue and were good but just not special enough for me, I was looking about the driver, car and conditions! The R34 blends the old for more than a mildly tuned stock car. Ozz at HJA promised and the new perfectly, with technology as well as manual to update me with any special cars as they became available. input required. One day a few months after my visit I received an email with I purchased the R34 Skyline GT-R in early 2015 and don't the details of the Hosaka GT-R that I now own. Straight away profess to drive it a lot as it only goes out in dry weather, the I knew it was special, it looked menacing and aggressive fact we don't have much helps keep the miles down to compared to others I had seen. The specification sheet read around 2,000 per annum. However most drives when they like a dream wishlist from just about every top Japanese occur are quite spirited and certainly remind me of why I tuners parts bin. I believe the cost of the Hosaka build was bought such a vehicle. My car is a 1999 model which is 15 million Yen excluding the base car (~£90,000). The GT-R highly tuned by a well respected Japanese tuner that goes by was in Japan, so I hastily sent a deposit by bank transfer to the name of Hosaka Tuning Factory. The GT-R is finished in secure the car, unseen and untested. white with carbon bonnet, wings, splitter, boot and wing. HOSAKA R34 650-720bhp at the wheels, depending on boost Silkoline Pro 15-50 Plugs NGK BKR NGK8EIX

Engine HKS 2.8L step 2 stroker kit (fully counterweighted and forged crank, H- section forged connecting rods, forged pistons with nickel plating and piston skirt with molybdenum coating) Naprec High-Response kit: forged oversize valves+bronze valve guides. NISMO full crank and rod bearings HKS metal head gasket kit HKS V Cam Step 2 EX Cam HKS 264 ° Step 2 NISMO collector tank NISMO oil pump SARD Injectors 800cc/min x6 HKS upgraded fuel Pump HKS F CON V PRO Gold NISMO engine mounts HKS GT-RS × 2 turbines ARC twin Entries large core intercooler HKS intake pipes TRUST oil cooler TRUST air ﬁlters KOYO aluminium 3 layers radiator ARC radiator shroud SARD air-separator system, Hosaka tuning factory original oil separator system TOMEI exhaust manifold Hosaka tuning factory original turbine outlet Hosaka tuning factory original full titanium exhaust system SARD sports catalyser

Driveline/wheels and tires NISMO Coppermix twin plate competition clutch NISMO mission mounts NISMO front GT LSD NISMO rear GT LSD Final gear ratio 4.1 Rays TE37 10.5J DUNLOP Direzza 03G 265/35/18 tyres

Suspension/Brakes Stoptech Front Trophy big brake kit 2 piece full ﬂoating 380mm discs PFC 06 front brake pads Brembo Lotus rear calipers with Dixcell 2 piece full ﬂoating 355mm discs Project mu rear pads IKEYA Formula full pillow and arms PCR Hosaka tuning factory original adjustable suspension kit HKS Kansai service strut tower bar

Interior Driver's seat: Recaro SPG 3 Passenger’s seat: Recaro SR 3 Cusco 4 point roll cage Key's Steering wheel TRUST boost controller HKS Electronic Valve-timing Controller NISMO odometer NISMO shift knob

Exterior/others HKS Kansai Carbon Bonnet VOLTEX carbon GT Wing Top Secret front bumper HASEMI Sport rear canard HASEMI Sport side skirts Craft Square carbon exterior mirrors OPTIMA yellow top battery

It's funny but as I approach my two GT-R’s I normally have stock BMW 3-Series. Once warm the car is not overly noisy both sets of keys, if I just want to drive for the sheer sake of on tick over, there's just a constant pop from the exhaust to driving it's always the R34 that wins, generally a drive with no let everyone nearby know of the imminent departure. My R34 purpose other than to drive, says it all really. If I'm actually is built for quick response and once warm when you hit the going somewhere then it's normally the R35 that wins out. throttle the rev counter will just fly round to near 9,000rpm in The Hosaka R34 is set up as any gear, it's just so flexible and a track car really but still without a hint of turbo lag, a remains very compliant and “The noise at full chat testament to Hosaka tuning and road useable. It's the only the very expensive and prized V road car I've owned that is intoxicating” Cam system that is fitted.The feels and handles like a noise at full chat is intoxicating lightweight slicks and wings from the inside so God knows car. The R35 just munches journeys and is easy to drive quite what it's like outside. I don't let anyone else drive it so have quickly whilst having all the modern toys. Across county I never heard it from that perspective, I can only imagine it don't think there is anything between them but one just does sounds like a jet fighter on a low pass. Handling wise it is like it and the other needs driving, I will let you work out which is a go kart, every input is met with an immediate change in which direction, increase or decrease in speed, there is no slack in There is nothing special or complicated about starting an any of the controls. It's as if the car reacts instantly by R34 GT-R, just turn the key and it erupts into life, catch the telepathy. If you drive over a coin you can tell if it's heads or throttle and after a few gentle blips the car will idle like a tails up! In simple terms nothing with number plates or anything this side of a top spec rally car would keep up with the Hosaka Skyline GT-R on a twisty road, nothing! Well maybe my Mitsubishi Lancer EVO 7 wide body that runs 722bhp… The R34 GT-R feels the same at all speeds and never intimidating, it's just the same everywhere you drive. Even a 30mph bend feels exciting because of the paint is perfect, some don't like the stickers but there feedback and connection the car gives. Although it's very removable so who cares? Sometimes it makes me feel like I stiff due to the track focused set up it never feels nervous am buttoned up the wrong way, a fifty-three year old in a even when it starts to follow ruts and lines, although these do twelve year old’s car but then why not, I couldn't afford it have an effect on it, its progressive and does not cause when I was twelve! panic. The R34 Skyline GT-R car is always exciting, even when not From the outside there are just so many interesting angles moving or running, sometimes I open the garage door just to and features to look at on the R34 GT-R body. From the be excited then close it again. People walk into lampposts, vented wings and bonnet to the functional cooling ducts in fall off pavements and always want to talk to you no matter the bumper and front splitter. The mix of carbon and white the age, a quick fill in the petrol station takes about thirty minutes every time. Since the death of Paul Walker, everyone now seems to know exactly what a Nissan Skyline GT-R is, as it was the Fast & Furious star’s car of choice, both on and off the big screen. I often get questions like I bet that's quick, how much horsepower does it have and is it really yours! Other drivers constantly point camera phones out the window and gee you up for a little rev, it's always in an appreciate way, never jealousy. There is little to add to my Hosaka GT-R as the build in supply of decent cars ensure that they won't fall in value Japan was so extensive, I wasn't left with much to improve. I significantly. I've already been offered over £50,000 for my have updated the front end to the Z Tune style, which I am one-off R34 GT-R and that's not enough. There are more now very happy with. The specialist I use are Kaizer in Kent “older” R35 owners with disposable income that are seeking and Exclusive Tuning in the thrills of the more Herts, both these outfits are “the finite supply of decent cars en- analogue R34 whilst still at the top of their game when keeping their R35, this is also it comes to the GT-R. Parts sure that they won't fall in value” keeping demand up. wise the big and highly At the time of writing, I own regarded brands are NISMO, HKS, Narprec, Sard, Koyo, an R35 with 670bhp, a Mitsubishi Lancer EVO 7 Wide Body Hasemi, Kansai, Thrust, Voltex, Top Secret, Stoptech, with 722bhp, a slicks and wings Juno race car as well as the Brembo, ARC, RAYS, Ikeya and F1 Carbon. R34. I am constantly considering other cars to add to my At the moment everything with a GT-R badge on it just collection. At the moment I have a deposit on a Lamborghini seems to be on the up, from the early R32 right up to the Gallardo Superleggera but will keep the R34 alongside it, so I R35. In terms of everything before the current R35, the finite will have the best of all worlds! “It's as if the car reacts instantly by telepathy. If you drive over a coin you can tell if it's heads or tails!” NISSAN SKYLINE GT-R34

CARBON OBSESSION by Ian Smith

aving owned two R33 Skylines (a GT-R and GT- price with me and the deal was done! S) previously, it was a pretty obvious step to get Mine is a 2000 R34 non-V Spec in Active Red with two H a R34 Skyline GT-R. I loved the performance of previous UK owners (and a Japanese owner who tracked the the R33, but the looks had become a little car regularly, as I could tell from race harness hooks under outdated, so the R34 was, respectively, an easy the seats!). In terms of the cosmetic modifications, I option. I knew what I was getting into rather than having to unfortunately got the dreaded “car porn” bug a few years start again with a new marque. As I already knew I wanted an ago, I could not stop adding carbon fibre to the car! This R34, it was simply a case of finding the right one. I expected included custom made carbon badges, a modified rear to be saving for about two years before I would be ready to spoiler and V Spec lower front undertray. Unfortunately the buy one, but one year in, a friend mentioned to me that carbon addiction continued internally. Skylines have a very someone was selling a red R34 on the GTR forum and had dull, grey interior, apart from later R34s, so although leather is dropped their price to an incredibly low £19,000. Without not always the best for trackdays, it does give a sense of being rude to the previous owner, the photographs were awful refinement compared to standard. I’m not one of these – looked like dirty gold wheels on a dull red car, but I saw the people who are manic about polishing their engines – it is potential. I really didn’t have the money, but it seemed too there do a job and a long as it does it, I really don’t care how good to be true so I jumped in the car and drove from the it looks - but I am grateful of the excellent work done by my North East to Bolton the next weekend. The owner needed to tuner over the years. In short, the car is running just under sell the car quickly. It had been serviced by Rod Bell (a well 500bhp with a fully forged engine, upgraded turbos, cooling respected tuner in the GTR community) and after a quick chat and baffled sump. Other modifications include adjustable with Rod to confirm details, I knew it was a good car. I Ohlins DFV road and track suspension - which is expensive, chanced my luck, explained I had not saved enough money but awesome! There are also endurance racing brakes with yet, offered him a lower figure and reluctantly, he agreed a Porsche Carrera Cup discs and a V Spec rear undertray. I’ve owned the R34 for almost 7 years - the longest I have Like any other turbo engine, I am careful about not bringing ever owned a car, which says a lot about how good I think the car on to boost until it is warm. Noise wise, again, I may be they are! To be absolutely honest, I do not drive it half as a little different to most owners because I had a custom-made often as I wish I did because, having initially discovered my exhaust to ensure it was under the 105dB limit for track days love of track days, I decided to spend some considerable so I wouldn’t say I wake up the street, but I have to think about time and money setting the car for track performance revving the engine too early in the morning as one neighbour without, hopefully, losing the ability to drive it easily on the loves the sound while the other neighbours aren’t so happy! To road. That means the car can spend months in the garage me, it’s just a pleasant deep gurgle waiting to erupt. being “fettled”. It’s not a trailer queen, but I only drive it on Once the engine has warmed up, the GTR drives fairly weekends and during the week in dry weather - I probably do comfortably but a tad firm. The R34 has very good throttle 5,000 miles per annum. response, although you must use plenty of throttle right at the It doesn’t matter whether you hate it or love it, you cannot bottom end and be careful once the turbos come on boost if deny the GTR has “presence” but you can argue whether that you are not used to them. The car always feels well planted is aggressive, sporty or just plain chavvy! Those who are and rarely unstable – although it always feels more surefooted concerned about what other people think, tend to keep the at speeds way beyond the legal limit, due to the car as close to standard as possible to avoid unwanted aerodynamics. Once the car hits boost there is no “sneaking attention and to avoid traditionally “upmarket” marques up on people”, it is loud. The problem is after seven years I’m looking down their nose at you, but I find it quite funny. I’ve used to the sound, so off boost, on motorways, I think it is gone for the “in your face” look, because within reason, I can acceptable, whereas friends with more modern cars think it is compete with those “upmarket marques” - or maybe it’s just “a bit bumpy and a bit noisy”, but you just raise your voice a midlife crisis? slightly whenever you have a passenger. Although I would have to say the GTR is great on winding roads, tight B roads can prove a little too small for such a big car… after all, they are 1.5 tonne Nissan Bluebirds to most people. Even in standard form, the car feels great and with the modifications to suspension and brakes, mine instils confidence to push the car harder and harder. One myth to dispel - the car does not drive itself and is not “impossible to spin”. I have spun twice and gone wide once on track, two of those cost me dearly, so I know from personal hands-on experience! Overall, the Skyline GT-R is confidence inspiring, but you do need to learn what the GTR is telling you. The car does feel weirdly like it is oversteering as you initially turn into the corner with the active 4WD and steering. If you push too hard on entry, it can understeer. I feel at ease at almost every speed and my only complaint (and I would emphasize this is due to my bad driving rather than the car) is that if you do lose the backend and manage to recover it, you need to be ultra-quick otherwise the car snaps back in the other direction quickly & violently. I think I’ve caught oversteer three or four times on track but on every occasion, it has snapped back in the other direction. Apparently, you have to anticipate this, but that is easier said than done! The best feature of the exterior has to be the twin “after burner” rear lights because, until the last couple of years, there was nothing else on the road that looked close to it. Although there are a couple of modern cars which now have a pair of rear lights which look similar from about 6-800 yards away. Otherwise the aggressive 90’s square styling is my favourite “feature”. I don’t like the R34 interior much, but I suppose if I have to pick something, it would be the Multi Function Display, which I think everyone associates with the R34. The car never gets dull or boring for me, but I suppose I’m not one of these people who has a project, finishes it and then has to sell the car immediately and start the next project. Having said that, I do like to tweak little features every few months. The exterior was finished about a year ago, but I am busy having a pair of handles carbon coated. These days, it is more about maintenance; ensuring the engine, brakes, steering and suspension are refreshed regularly so the car is in good road and track condition. After going through the pain of an engine rebuild or you discover what we call “Skyline tax”, when trying to replace something you think will be cheap and easy to find, the adrenalin rush returns soon as you get behind the wheel on a clean dry day with very little traffic around and you forget the pain and remember why you love the car so much. Through the GTR Owners Club, I have met lots of addition to shows like JAE, Autosport International at the NEC, Goodwood and a host of UK tracks, I’ve been lucky enough to travel to Spa Belgium, Nurburgring, Mondello Ireland, Isle of Man, Clermont Ferrand France (Michelin Test Track) and Le Mans for track events and been on two European tours with the Club, which included Monaco, France, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Croatia, Austria, Slovenia. Old ladies shudder at the noise, lads ask you to “rev it”, men say “nice car” and kids say “how much bhp has it got” [normally followed by “not enough, my mate’s got one with 1000bhp”]. Sadly, you also get things like “has it got neons” and various references to Fast and Furious but I bet you most Skyline owners secretly love the attention even if they tell you they are “fed up of people asking how much bhp has it got”. The real problem is owners who decide to make up their own bhp figures because they want to impress people, so any car with less than 750-1,000bhp must be standard! Like most other cars, if you keep it in standard form and look after it sensibly, I find them to be very reliable. Once you go beyond standard, it depends how far you push the car. To some extent, you are looking for the next weakest link in the chain, once you go too far beyond standard. A lot of people will tell you that you can go up to 420bhp without doing very much at all to the car, about 500bhp with some careful mods, but beyond this, you begin to find enhancements then need stronger parts, more regular maintenance, more attention to start-up and cool down procedures. One word of caution – if you have a Japanese import, you need to keep on top of the dreaded rust. All Skylines have a problem with the front suspension mounts and (front and rear) arches if you do not look after them, but regular undersealing for the whole car is a must! My modifications are designed for track and fast road. The braking and suspension modifications work very well and although the engine power improvement is a real buzz, it was probably the improved cooling which helped most in allowing me to push a little more for a little longer. If I was to list all the modifications, I’d probably need to start another article. Let’s just say, in its present form, the car is fast enough for me - I really don’t have the skill to handle much more power without doing myself some serious damage. I use and recommend DaveW at The GTR Shop. Chris Conley in Sunderland did the leather and Leon at EPRacing supplied some of the carbon parts. There are a host of other tuners and garages across the UK and if anyone visits gtr.co.uk they will see a plethora of forum posts about people’s experiences. R34s have appreciated because the R33s were imported in the thousands and became “too popular” reducing their prices accordingly. Many owners sold their R33 and found getting an R34 too difficult/expensive and moved to other marques. Some, later, discovered the new Nissan GTR and as their prices begin to reach an affordable level for enthusiasts, people have really got into them. As a result R34s are rare and they seem be holding the price very well. Like the R32, I think good standard R34s will become a classic over the next 5-10 years and I hope modified R34s will keep their value, due to the rarity factor! Money no object – I would have plenty of hypercars, maybe a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution for track days (most UK tracks can be a little small for the GT-R), classic American muscle Mustang/Ford GTO or for the rarity factor again – Nissan Skyline KPGC110 (2000GTR). I’d also have the Nissan GT-R, it is a phenomenal car but, I get a slight feeling of comfort and safety from the GTR until going at such a speed that an accident would kill me rather than damage the car. The R34 gives me that sense of “if I get this wrong it will be a little painful and quite scary…hang onto your pants” but without instant death and I kind of like that! REASONS TO BUY A NISSAN SKYLINE GTR The Skyline GT-R that the Playstation generation grew up with and are now seeking out. History all the way back to 1969 with the original rear wheel drive Skyline GT-R, nicknamed "Hakosuka”. Extremely well proportioned and timeless design. Very rare sight outside of Japan. Prices have been relatively stable for the last decade and are now starting to rise for all variants. Bold styling and functional aerodynamics make this a true enthusiasts car. NISSAN GTR 4 Seats | FRONT Engine | AWD

The R34 Skyline GT-R was released in 1999 and is computer monitors the cars movements ten times actually closer to the R32 than the R33 in terms of per second to sense traction loss alongside a three- wheelbase. It was determined by Nissan that a axis G-Sensor. Up to 50% power can be directed to shorter wheelbase would increase the dynamic the front wheels. ability of the car, as some thought the R33 was This system actually made the R34 GT-R handle slightly too bulky. All R34 GT-Rs came equipped with like a rear wheel drive car, with the added safety net a version of the ATTESA E-TS system (Advanced of all wheel drive if things got out of control. The Total Traction Engineering System for All-Terrain). A current R35 GT-R still uses this technology today.

Engine 6 / 2569 Carbon Emissions NA cylinders / capacity CO2g / km

Power 276 / 6800 Miles Per Gallon 20.1 bhp / rpm

245 / 40 / 18 Torque 289 / 4400 Wheel & Tyres lb ft / rpm Width / Sidewall / Diameter 245 / 40 / 18

Max Speed 165 Weight Distribution 52 : 48 mph Front : Rear

0 - 60 4.7 Track width 1480 / 1490 seconds Front / Rear

0 - 100 12.5 Wheelbase 2665 Nissan Skyline GT-R seconds

Weight 1540 Transmission 6 speed manual kg

Power to Weight 180 Drivetrain Front / All Ratio Engine position / Driven wheels

Dimensions 4600 / 1785 / 1360 Price New 54,000 Length / Width / Height GBP

Years Produced 1999 - 2002 Number Produced 12,175 Global

The Skyline GT-R and GT-R V·spec R34 models were released in January 1999. The RB26 engine remained from the previous generation R33 but with the valve covers painted glossy red. The R34 GT-R came with a 5.8" LCD display in the dashboard, which shows seven different live readings of engine and vehicle statistics such as turbocharger pressure, oil and water The V·spec version was imported into the UK in early temperature. The GT-R V·spec model added two extra 2000 with a number of modifications carried out on the features to the display: intake and exhaust gas car. These included 3 additional oil coolers, revised temperatures. The R34 GT-R V-Spec models come ECU map, full Connolly leather interior, underbody equipped with the ATTESA E-TS Pro system diffusers, stiffer suspension, active rear limited slip and an Active LSD at the rear, while standard differential, extra display feature on the in car display. GT-R models come with the non-Pro system In October 2000, Nissan released the V·spec II, and a conventional mechanical differential. 1999 replacing the V·spec. The V·spec II has The V spec model also had firmer suspension increased stiffness in the suspension

Nissan Skyline GT-R Skyline Nissan and lower ground clearance, thanks to front and (even stiffer than the original V·spec) side splitters, as well as a rear carbon fiber air diffuser, 2000 and had larger rear brake rotors. It also designed to keep air flowing smoothly under the car. comes equipped with a carbon fiber hood equipped with a NACA duct, In February 2002 the Skyline GT-R V·spec II which is lighter than the aluminum that all Nür and the Skyline GT-R M·spec Nür were 2002 other GT-R hoods are made from. Also different released. The Nür was named after the on the V·spec II was an iridium center console and Nürburgring, where the Skyline was aluminum pedals. The seats were upholstered with developed. The Nür model featured an improved black cloth rather than the gray cloth used on previous RB26DETT based on the N1 racing engine. The R34 GT-R models, and the amber turn lenses were standard turbochargers were upgraded to larger replaced with white versions. With the exception of the versions with a slight increase in boost and the ceramic carbon fiber bonnet, the standard trim level GT-R also blades were replaced with steel versions. This has received these updates. increased lag, but to compensate the turbo's durability was improved while being able to handle a bigger boost increase.

What the motoring press said

“It sounds like a blast and “What’s a surprise is the speed ”You've got to drive it it is. At first, though, it’s this Skyline can carry into proactively and hold your unnerving. The R34 has an corners, the traction it musters nerve though. An easy car to entirely different feel to a out of them, and the discovery drive at eight tenths, it's Scooby or an Evo. It feels that you can ride this torrent one that makes bigger and like an altogether tougher, of momentum. Of course, you have bigger demands of you the bigger, heavier car. And to ease off for tight bends, further you're willing to those SUPER HICAS four-wheel heel-and-toe your way to lower push it. And that's what steering responses appear to gears and drive in the knowledge makes it so compelling. It's be artificially darty. Much that you might have to slow for not a car you master on first of the high-tech hardware is the unexpected, but so forceful acquaintance. Or even second designed to make it feel old- is the Nissan’s punch, so fluent or third. You keep learning tech simple and honest.” its mastery of curves, that you with it, always aware it's don’t want roads to end.” got a whole lot more to give EVO, 2007 if you've got the balls.” Autocar, 2005 PistonHeads, 2013 Options

Ideal Specification

The Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 came well equipped as standard like most Japanese cars of the era. Standard items included electric windows, electric folding mirrors and climate control. Many cars that are in the UK will have an immobiliser and alarm but this was not available from the factory as an option so will be an aftermarket system. When buying a Skyline GT-R our recommendation is to ﬁnd a totally standard interior car with original paintwork as these will be the most collectible in the future.

Exterior Colours

In total, there were thirteen colours available for the R34 Skyline GT-R TV2 - Bayside Blue QM1 - White KR4 - Sonic Silver KV2 - Athlete Silver GV1 - Black Pearl AR2 - Active Red EV1 - Lightning Yellow LV4 - Midnight Purple II LX0 - Midnight Purple III WV2 - Sparkling Silver QX1 - White Pearl EY0 - Silica Breath

JW0 - Millennium Jade Nissan Skyline GT-R

Interior Colours

The R34 Skyline GT-R was available initially with grey cloth Recaro seats, which were later replaced with black cloth Recaro seats. The UK and M-Spec cars came with black or red leather seats. 2001 Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 Figures 58,000 miles, Cristal White, Black cloth seats, Nismo suspension, stainless steel exhaust, factory Buying one fitted front fog Prices for the Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 start at around lights. £28,000 and go up to around £50,000 for the late model V-Spec II NUR models and most other limited versions. The Nismo Z-Tune cars fetch around £28,000 £300,000 now. Prices for modified cars are in line or in excess of standard cars, provided the parts and work has been carried out by the well known companies. Our 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 V-Spec advice is to find a car in the colour and specification of 59,000 miles, Sparkling Silver, Black cloth seats, Nismo

your choice with the modiﬁcations that suit you. bodykit, Nismo front indicators. Nissan Skyline GT-R Skyline Nissan FUTURE VALUE ANALYSIS Nissan Skyline GT-R

PRICE £31,995 2001 March 2016

£54,000 £28,000 2001 Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 V-Spec II 48,000 miles, Bayside Blue, Black cloth seats, Apexi VALUE NOW EQUATES TO 52% OF exhaust system, ORIGINAL PRICE Mines carbon ﬁbre front panel PROJECTED VALUE IN 3 YEARS and carbon £25k-£40k ﬁbre vent in the bonnet.

£34,995 £20k £30k £40k £50k

2001 Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 M-Spec Projected value is based on storing the Nissan 57,000 miles, Silica Breath, Black Leather seats, Nismo Skyline GT-R, or running less than 2,000 miles per year with annual specialist servicing to maintain indicators, Nismo the service record. This analysis is a guide only exhaust, Nismo and is based on our opinion of the market place, S-tune this value may be signiﬁcantly diﬀerent to actual suspension. value in 3 years time.

£42,000 Parts Analysis

Below are the parts prices for the Nissan Skyline R34 The Nissan dealership network in the UK may struggle GT-R sourced from several online GT-R specialists, the to order parts for you and even work on the cars so tyre prices are sourced from Blackcircles. All prices stick to the recommended specialists according to the should be used as a guide only. Prices from Nissan will online forums. be diﬀerent to those quoted. In terms of costs, areas to be mindful of are the As you can see, prices for parts are not too bad, clutch, exhaust and brakes. Also the turbos will need to however availability of parts in the UK can be an issue. be checked to ensure they still work as intended.

DRIVETRAIN BRAKES WHEELS Clutch Kit £300 Brake Pads Tyres - Bridgestone Potenza 050 Wheel bearing Front (pair) £80 Front (pair) £238 Front (each) £90 Rear (pair) £58 Rear (pair) £238 Rear (each) £125 Brake Discs Wheels - 18” Alloy Wheels Front (pair) £250 Front (each) £NA Rear (pair) £160 Rear (each) £NA

SUSPENSION EXHAUST OTHER PARTS Dampers Manifold £600 Alternator £260 Front (pair) £350 Cat back system (HKS) £600 Oil Filter £15 Rear (pair) £350 Headlight unit (each) £250 Springs Rear light unit (each) £150

Front (pair) £150 Starter Motor £500 Nissan Skyline GT-R Rear (pair) £160 Buyer Checkpoints

Engine Brakes The stock RB26 was detuned from the factory to meet the The Brembo four pot front and 2 pot rear brakes are okay for Japanese 276bhp limit agreed by manufacturers, for this regular road use, check the condition of the discs and pads reason many now are at least lightly tuned to 400bhp or to see if they still have plenty of life left. Also check that the more. This shouldn’t deter you though, a well chosen brake fluid has been changed regularly. aftermarket exhaust and air filter along with a mild engine remap shouldn’t impact the reliability of the engine Wheels & Tyres whatsoever. The unit is proven to withstand over 100,000 Make sure that the original alloy wheels are present and miles in this state of tune without any issues. Even the undamaged. Wheels with a diameter of larger than 18 inches ceramic turbos are strong items provided they aren’t run at can upset the handling and suppleness of the ride. The tyres over 1 bar of boost. Regular oil changes are a must though, should be premium matching brand items, any differences in so check that these have been carried out with high quality tread or size can affect the 4WD system. Check for uneven oil. If the car suffers from low oil pressure this could indicate tread wear, which will indicate the suspension needing

internal engine problems so investigate thoroughly. The oil realignment. Nissan Skyline GT-R Skyline Nissan pressure sender/sensor can fail and give lower readings, but this is a cheap ﬁx. Bodywork Originally these cars were not undersealed because they Clutch & Gearbox don’t use salt on the roads In Japan. As a result if a car has The standard six-speed Getrag gearbox is more than capable been regularly used through winter in the UK check the rear of coping with a lightly tuned engine, but if the car is pushing arches, sills, boot ﬂoor and underside for corrosion. If a car out more than 500bhp the transmission should be upgraded. has been undersealed this can mask rust. Freshly imported Clutch life can be as much as 50,000 miles. If the synchros cars can also have corrosion issues so check over them too. are on their way out, this will be most apparent on the 4th to The GT-R compares very well to other cars in terms of 5th gear change during a test drive. The all wheel drive corrosion. No issues reported regarding the electrics or system has no common reported issues to worry about. interior parts.

Suspension & Steering Ownership No speciﬁc issues reported but check all components Servicing is recommended every 3-5,000 miles to refresh the including rubber bushings as they may need refreshing due oil. The timing belt and oil pump should also be changed to their age, if original items. every 60,000 miles or ﬁve years.