☆ ☆JAGUAR F-TYPE R AUDI TT RS NISSAN SKYLINE GT-R R34

MOTORST RS

SPORTSCARS DESTINEDFOR GREATNESS

Note from the Editor

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 car has brought a new, younger generation into Jaguar ownership. The F-Type R is the car that the previous XK should have been, compact, powerful, 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 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 age.

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 overlooked by many enthusiasts. The 5 cylinder engine note is very reminiscent of the Audi Quattro rally greats and it also has the performance to keep its bigger brother, the Audi R8 honest. Prices hover at just over £20,000 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 ensure it is a desirable car so grab one now while few realise their potential.

Our third car is an all time favourite of mine, the Nissan Skyline GT-R R34. This is the last GT-R to bear the famous Skyline name and represents the pinnacle 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 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 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 to prevent a continuous escalation in power (which was seen in German makers over the same period). Even in standard form the R34Skyline GT-R is an exceptional, dramatic drive. Prices aresteadily rising and will continue to do so. This isn’t a just acar for the nostalgic, it still is a formidable track or roadpartner.

Raj Hunjaneditor@motor-stars.com

EditorRaj Hunjan@motorstars

ContributorsPeter Hindle

James OsborneBarry IvesIan Smith

Simon Williams

Advertising Enquiries+44 (0)20 3022 5807

sales@motor-stars.com

Managing DirectorFiona MacKay

www.motor-stars.comfacebook.com/motorstarsmag

@motorstars

© 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.

by Barry Ives

NISSAN

GRAN TURISMOGENERATION

SKYLINE GT-R34

T-R ownership for me started with the R35. I have owned three R35s in succession. Through the GTR Owners Club forum (GTROC) I started to learn about the earlier versions of Godzilla. My first classic Skyline GT-R keys were for an R32

that was running 700bhp, however I did find it quite dated and quite quickly settled on the R34 which I found easier to live with. The R34 took me on a trip back towards my early car buying days where everything was more analogue and about the driver, car and conditions! The R34 blends the old and the new perfectly, with technology as well as manual input required. I purchased the R34 Skyline GT-R in early 2015 and don't profess to drive it a lot as it only goes out in dry weather, the fact we don't have much helps keep the miles down to around 2,000 per annum. However most drives when they occur are quite spirited and certainly remind me of why I bought such a vehicle. My car is a 1999 model which is highly tuned by a well respected Japanese tuner that goes by the name of Hosaka Tuning Factory. The GT-R is finished in white with carbon bonnet, wings, splitter, boot and wing.

After researching online, I started to understand R34's and the various specifications and modifications that make a good car. I decided that my R34 would need to be something special and out of the ordinary to float my boat, as they say. I took a trip to Harlow Jap Autos, who, despite their name, are not actually in Harlow! HJA always seem to have a great selection of R34’s in stock, as well as more on the way at any time. On my initial visit I didn't find what I wanted, the cars were good but just not special enough for me, I was looking for more than a mildly tuned stock car. Ozz at HJA promised to update me with any special cars as they became available. One day a few months after my visit I received an email with the details of the Hosaka GT-R that I now own. Straight away I knew it was special, it looked menacing and aggressive compared to others I had seen. The specification sheet read like a dream wishlist from just about every top Japanese tuners parts bin. I believe the cost of the Hosaka build was 15 million Yen excluding the base car (~£90,000). The GT-R was in Japan, so I hastily sent a deposit by bank transfer to secure the car, unseen and untested.

G

“The specification sheet read like a dream wishlist”

HOSAKA R34650-720bhp at the wheels, depending on boostSilkoline Pro 15-50 Plugs NGK BKR NGK8EIX

EngineHKS 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 bearingsHKS metal head gasket kitHKS V Cam Step 2EX Cam HKS 264 ° Step 2NISMO collector tankNISMO oil pumpSARD Injectors 800cc/min x6HKS upgraded fuel PumpHKS F CON V PRO GoldNISMO engine mountsHKS GT-RS × 2 turbinesARC twin Entries large core intercoolerHKS intake pipesTRUST oil coolerTRUST air filtersKOYO aluminium 3 layers radiatorARC radiator shroudSARD air-separator system,Hosaka tuning factory original oil separator systemTOMEI exhaust manifoldHosaka tuning factory original turbine outletHosaka tuning factory original full titanium exhaust systemSARD sports catalyser Driveline/wheels and tiresNISMO Coppermix twin plate competition clutchNISMO mission mountsNISMO front GT LSDNISMO rear GT LSDFinal gear ratio 4.1Rays TE37 10.5JDUNLOP Direzza 03G 265/35/18 tyres Suspension/BrakesStoptech Front Trophy big brake kit 2 piece full floating 380mm discsPFC 06 front brake padsBrembo Lotus rear calipers with Dixcell 2 piece full floating 355mm discsProject mu rear padsIKEYA Formula full pillow and armsPCR Hosaka tuning factory original adjustable suspension kitHKS Kansai service strut tower bar InteriorDriver's seat: Recaro SPG 3Passenger’s seat: Recaro SR 3Cusco 4 point roll cageKey's Steering wheelTRUST boost controllerHKS Electronic Valve-timing ControllerNISMO odometerNISMO shift knob Exterior/othersHKS Kansai Carbon BonnetVOLTEX carbon GT WingTop Secret front bumperHASEMI Sport rear canardHASEMI Sport side skirtsCraft Square carbon exterior mirrorsOPTIMA yellow top battery

stock BMW 3-Series. Once warm the car is not overly noisy on tick over, there's just a constant pop from the exhaust to let everyone nearby know of the imminent departure. My R34 is built for quick response and once warm when you hit the throttle the rev counter will just fly round to near 9,000rpm in

any gear, it's just so flexible and without a hint of turbo lag, a testament to Hosaka tuning and the very expensive and prized V Cam system that is fitted.The noise at full chat is intoxicating from the inside so God knows

what it's like outside. I don't let anyone else drive it so have never heard it from that perspective, I can only imagine it sounds like a jet fighter on a low pass. Handling wise it is like a go kart, every input is met with an immediate change in direction, increase or decrease in speed, there is no slack in any of the controls. 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 up!

It's funny but as I approach my two GT-R’s I normally have both sets of keys, if I just want to drive for the sheer sake of driving it's always the R34 that wins, generally a drive with no purpose other than to drive, says it all really. If I'm actually going somewhere then it's normally the R35 that wins out. The Hosaka R34 is set up as a track car really but still remains very compliant and road useable. It's the only road car I've owned that feels and handles like a lightweight slicks and wings car. The R35 just munches journeys and is easy to drive quite quickly whilst having all the modern toys. Across county I don't think there is anything between them but one just does it and the other needs driving, I will let you work out which is which There is nothing special or complicated about starting an R34 GT-R, just turn the key and it erupts into life, catch the throttle and after a few gentle blips the car will idle like a

“The noise at full chat is intoxicating”

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 feedback and connection the car gives. Although it's very stiff due to the track focused set up it never feels nervous even when it starts to follow ruts and lines, although these do have an effect on it, its progressive and does not cause panic. From the outside there are just so many interesting angles and features to look at on the R34 GT-R body. From the vented wings and bonnet to the functional cooling ducts in the bumper and front splitter. The mix of carbon and white

paint is perfect, some don't like the stickers but there removable so who cares? Sometimes it makes me feel like I am buttoned up the wrong way, a fifty-three year old in a twelve year old’s car but then why not, I couldn't afford it when I was twelve! The R34 Skyline GT-R car is always exciting, even when not moving or running, sometimes I open the garage door just to be excited then close it again. People walk into lampposts, fall off pavements and always want to talk to you no matter 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 Japan was so extensive, I wasn't left with much to improve. I have updated the front end to the Z Tune style, which I am now very happy with. The specialist I use are Kaizer in Kent and Exclusive Tuning in Herts, both these outfits are at the top of their game when it comes to the GT-R. Parts wise the big and highly regarded brands are NISMO, HKS, Narprec, Sard, Koyo, Hasemi, Kansai, Thrust, Voltex, Top Secret, Stoptech, Brembo, ARC, RAYS, Ikeya and F1 Carbon. At the moment everything with a GT-R badge on it just seems to be on the up, from the early R32 right up to the R35. In terms of everything before the current R35, the finite

supply of decent cars ensure that they won't fall in value significantly. I've already been offered over £50,000 for my one-off R34 GT-R and that's not enough. There are more “older” R35 owners with disposable income that are seeking

the thrills of the more analogue R34 whilst still keeping their R35, this is also keeping demand up. At the time of writing, I own

an R35 with 670bhp, a Mitsubishi Lancer EVO 7 Wide Body with 722bhp, a slicks and wings Juno race car as well as the R34. I am constantly considering other cars to add to my collection. At the moment I have a deposit on a Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera but will keep the R34 alongside it, so I will have the best of all worlds!

“the finite supply of decent cars en-sure that they won't fall in value”

“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!”

aving owned two R33 Skylines (a GT-R and GT-S) previously, it was a pretty obvious step to get a R34 Skyline GT-R. I loved the performance of the R33, but the looks had become a little outdated, so the R34 was, respectively, an easy

option. I knew what I was getting into rather than having to start again with a new marque. As I already knew I wanted an R34, it was simply a case of finding the right one. I expected to be saving for about two years before I would be ready to buy one, but one year in, a friend mentioned to me that someone was selling a red R34 on the GTR forum and had dropped their price to an incredibly low £19,000. Without being rude to the previous owner, the photographs were awful – looked like dirty gold wheels on a dull red car, but I saw the potential. I really didn’t have the money, but it seemed too good to be true so I jumped in the car and drove from the North East to Bolton the next weekend. The owner needed to sell the car quickly. It had been serviced by Rod Bell (a well respected tuner in the GTR community) and after a quick chat with Rod to confirm details, I knew it was a good car. I chanced my luck, explained I had not saved enough money yet, offered him a lower figure and reluctantly, he agreed a

price with me and the deal was done! Mine is a 2000 R34 non-V Spec in Active Red with two previous UK owners (and a Japanese owner who tracked the car regularly, as I could tell from race harness hooks under the seats!). In terms of the cosmetic modifications, I unfortunately got the dreaded “car porn” bug a few years ago, I could not stop adding carbon fibre to the car! This included custom made carbon badges, a modified rear spoiler and V Spec lower front undertray. Unfortunately the carbon addiction continued internally. Skylines have a very dull, grey interior, apart from later R34s, so although leather is not always the best for trackdays, it does give a sense of refinement compared to standard. I’m not one of these people who are manic about polishing their engines – it is there do a job and a long as it does it, I really don’t care how it looks - but I am grateful of the excellent work done by my tuner over the years. In short, the car is running just under 500bhp with a fully forged engine, upgraded turbos, cooling and baffled sump. Other modifications include adjustable Ohlins DFV road and track suspension - which is expensive, but awesome! There are also endurance racing brakes with Porsche Carrera Cup discs and a V Spec rear undertray.

H

by Ian Smith

NISSAN

CARBON OBSESSION

SKYLINE GT-R34

I’ve owned the R34 for almost 7 years - the longest I have ever owned a car, which says a lot about how good I think they are! To be absolutely honest, I do not drive it half as often as I wish I did because, having initially discovered my love of track days, I decided to spend some considerable time and money setting the car for track performance without, hopefully, losing the ability to drive it easily on the road. That means the car can spend months in the garage being “fettled”. It’s not a trailer queen, but I only drive it on weekends and during the week in dry weather - I probably do 5,000 miles per annum. It doesn’t matter whether you hate it or love it, you cannot deny the GTR has “presence” but you can argue whether that is aggressive, sporty or just plain chavvy! Those who are concerned about what other people think, tend to keep the car as close to standard as possible to avoid unwanted attention and to avoid traditionally “upmarket” marques looking down their nose at you, but I find it quite funny. I’ve gone for the “in your face” look, because within reason, I can compete with those “upmarket marques” - or maybe it’s just a midlife crisis?

Like any other turbo engine, I am careful about not bringing the car on to boost until it is warm. Noise wise, again, I may be a little different to most owners because I had a custom-made exhaust to ensure it was under the 105dB limit for track days so I wouldn’t say I wake up the street, but I have to think about revving the engine too early in the morning as one neighbour loves the sound while the other neighbours aren’t so happy! To me, it’s just a pleasant deep gurgle waiting to erupt. Once the engine has warmed up, the GTR drives fairly comfortably but a tad firm. The R34 has very good throttle response, although you must use plenty of throttle right at the bottom end and be careful once the turbos come on boost if you are not used to them. The car always feels well planted and rarely unstable – although it always feels more surefooted at speeds way beyond the legal limit, due to the aerodynamics. Once the car hits boost there is no “sneaking up on people”, it is loud. The problem is after seven years I’m used to the sound, so off boost, on motorways, I think it is acceptable, whereas friends with more modern cars think it is “a bit bumpy and a bit noisy”, but you just raise your voice 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 GTRThe 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.

Engine cylinders / capacity 6 / 2569 Carbon Emissions

CO2g / km NA

Powerbhp / rpm 276 / 6800 Miles Per Gallon 20.1

Torquelb ft / rpm 289 / 4400 Wheel & Tyres

Width / Sidewall / Diameter245 / 40 / 18245 / 40 / 18

Max Speedmph 165 Weight Distribution

Front : Rear 52 : 48

0 - 60seconds 4.7 Track width

Front / Rear 1480 / 1490

0 - 100seconds 12.5 Wheelbase 2665

Weightkg 1540 Transmission 6 speed manual

Power to Weight Ratio 180 Drivetrain

Engine position / Driven wheels Front / All

DimensionsLength / Width / Height 4600 / 1785 / 1360 Price New

GBP 54,000

Years Produced 1999 - 2002 Number ProducedGlobal 12,175

4 Seats | FRONT Engine | AWDThe R34 Skyline GT-R was released in 1999 and is actually closer to the R32 than the R33 in terms of wheelbase. It was determined by Nissan that a shorter wheelbase would increase the dynamic ability of the car, as some thought the R33 was slightly too bulky. All R34 GT-Rs came equipped with a version of the ATTESA E-TS system (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All-Terrain). A

computer monitors the cars movements ten times per second to sense traction loss alongside a three-axis G-Sensor. Up to 50% power can be directed to the front wheels. This system actually made the R34 GT-R handle like a rear wheel drive car, with the added safety net of all wheel drive if things got out of control. The current R35 GT-R still uses this technology today.

NISSAN GTR

Special Edition Model - Number ProducedV Spec - 1,308 | V Spec UK - 80 | V Spec N1- 37 | V Spec II - 5,512 | V Spec II Nur - 750 | V Spec II Nür - 750 | V Spec II N1 - 18

M Spec - 228 | M Spec Nür - 250 | V Spec II Nismo Z Tune - 19

Nis

san S

kyli

ne

GT-

R

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 temperature. The GT-R V·spec model added two extra features to the display: intake and exhaust gas temperatures. The R34 GT-R V-Spec models come equipped with the ATTESA E-TS Pro system and an Active LSD at the rear, while standard GT-R models come with the non-Pro system and a conventional mechanical differential. The V spec model also had firmer suspension and lower ground clearance, thanks to front and side splitters, as well as a rear carbon fiber air diffuser, designed to keep air flowing smoothly under the car.

In February 2002 the Skyline GT-R V·spec II Nür and the Skyline GT-R M·spec Nür were released. The Nür was named after the Nürburgring, where the Skyline was developed. The Nür model featured an improved RB26DETT based on the N1 racing engine. The standard turbochargers were upgraded to larger versions with a slight increase in boost and the ceramic blades were replaced with steel versions. This has increased lag, but to compensate the turbo's durability was improved while being able to handle a bigger boost increase.

1999

The V·spec version was imported into the UK in early 2000 with a number of modifications carried out on the car. These included 3 additional oil coolers, revised ECU map, full Connolly leather interior, underbody diffusers, stiffer suspension, active rear limited slip differential, extra display feature on the in car display. In October 2000, Nissan released the V·spec II,

replacing the V·spec. The V·spec II has increased stiffness in the suspension (even stiffer than the original V·spec) and had larger rear brake rotors. It also comes equipped with a carbon fiber hood equipped with a NACA duct,

which is lighter than the aluminum that all other GT-R hoods are made from. Also different

on the V·spec II was an iridium center console and aluminum pedals. The seats were upholstered with black cloth rather than the gray cloth used on previous R34 GT-R models, and the amber turn lenses were replaced with white versions. With the exception of the carbon fiber bonnet, the standard trim level GT-R also received these updates.

2000

Model Evolution

What the motoring press said

“It sounds like a blast and it is. At first, though, it’s

unnerving. The R34 has an entirely different feel to a Scooby or an Evo. It feels like an altogether tougher, bigger, heavier car. And

those SUPER HICAS four-wheel steering responses appear to be artificially darty. Much of the high-tech hardware is designed to make it feel old-

tech simple and honest.”

EVO, 2007

”You've got to drive it proactively and hold your

nerve though. An easy car to drive at eight tenths, it's one that makes bigger and bigger demands of you the further you're willing to push it. And that's what

makes it so compelling. It's not a car you master on first acquaintance. Or even second or third. You keep learning with it, always aware it's

got a whole lot more to give if you've got the balls.”

PistonHeads, 2013

“What’s a surprise is the speed this Skyline can carry into

corners, the traction it musters out of them, and the discovery that you can ride this torrent

of momentum. Of course, you have to ease off for tight bends,

heel-and-toe your way to lower gears and drive in the knowledge that you might have to slow for the unexpected, but so forceful is the Nissan’s punch, so fluent its mastery of curves, that you

don’t want roads to end.”

Autocar, 2005

2002

Nissan

Skylin

e GT-R

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.

In total, there were thirteen colours available for the R34 Skyline GT-RTV2 - Bayside Blue QM1 - WhiteKR4 - Sonic Silver KV2 - Athlete SilverGV1 - Black Pearl AR2 - Active RedEV1 - Lightning Yellow LV4 - Midnight Purple IILX0 - Midnight Purple III WV2 - Sparkling SilverQX1 - White Pearl EY0 - Silica BreathJW0 - Millennium Jade

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.

Exterior Colours

Interior Colours

Options

Nis

san S

kyli

ne

GT-

R

Buying onePrices for the Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 start at around £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 £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 advice is to find a car in the colour and specification of your choice with the modifications that suit you.

2001 Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 58,000 miles, Cristal White, Black cloth seats, Nismo suspension, stainless steel exhaust, factory fitted front fog lights.

£28,000

Figures

1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 V-Spec 59,000 miles, Sparkling Silver, Black cloth seats, Nismo bodykit, Nismo front indicators.

£31,995

2001 Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 V-Spec II48,000 miles, Bayside Blue, Black cloth seats, Apexi exhaust system, Mines carbon fibre front panel and carbon fibre vent in the bonnet.

£34,995

PRICE

FUTURE VALUE ANALYSIS

Nissan Skyline GT-R

2001 March 2016

£28,000£54,000VALUE NOW EQUATES TO 52% OF

ORIGINAL PRICE

Projected value is based on storing the Nissan Skyline GT-R, or running less than 2,000 miles per year with annual specialist servicing to maintain the service record. This analysis is a guide only

and is based on our opinion of the market place, this value may be significantly different to actual

value in 3 years time.

PROJECTED VALUE IN 3 YEARS

£20k £30k £40k £50k

£25k-£40k

2001 Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 M-Spec 57,000 miles, Silica Breath, Black Leather seats, Nismo indicators, Nismo exhaust, Nismo S-tune suspension.

£42,000

Nissan

Skylin

e GT-R

Clutch Kit £300Wheel bearingFront (each) £90Rear (each) £125

Brake Pads Front (pair) £80Rear (pair) £58Brake DiscsFront (pair) £250Rear (pair) £160

Tyres - Bridgestone Potenza 050Front (pair) £238Rear (pair) £238Wheels - 18” Alloy WheelsFront (each) £NARear (each) £NA

Manifold £600Cat back system (HKS) £600

DRIVETRAIN

SUSPENSIONAlternator £260Oil Filter £15Headlight unit (each) £250Rear light unit (each) £150Starter Motor £500

Parts Analysis

Below are the parts prices for the Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R sourced from several online GT-R specialists, the tyre prices are sourced from Blackcircles. All prices should be used as a guide only. Prices from Nissan will be different to those quoted. As you can see, prices for parts are not too bad, however availability of parts in the UK can be an issue.

The Nissan dealership network in the UK may struggle to order parts for you and even work on the cars so stick to the recommended specialists according to the online forums. In terms of costs, areas to be mindful of are the clutch, exhaust and brakes. Also the turbos will need to be checked to ensure they still work as intended.

DampersFront (pair) £350Rear (pair) £350SpringsFront (pair) £150Rear (pair) £160

EXHAUST

BRAKES WHEELS

OTHER PARTS

Nis

san S

kyli

ne

GT-

R

Buyer CheckpointsBrakesThe Brembo four pot front and 2 pot rear brakes are okay for regular road use, check the condition of the discs and pads to see if they still have plenty of life left. Also check that the brake fluid has been changed regularly.

Wheels & TyresMake sure that the original alloy wheels are present and undamaged. Wheels with a diameter of larger than 18 inches can upset the handling and suppleness of the ride. The tyres should be premium matching brand items, any differences in tread or size can affect the 4WD system. Check for uneven tread wear, which will indicate the suspension needing realignment.

BodyworkOriginally these cars were not undersealed because they don’t use salt on the roads In Japan. As a result if a car has been regularly used through winter in the UK check the rear arches, sills, boot floor and underside for corrosion. If a car has been undersealed this can mask rust. Freshly imported cars can also have corrosion issues so check over them too. The GT-R compares very well to other cars in terms of corrosion. No issues reported regarding the electrics or interior parts.

OwnershipServicing is recommended every 3-5,000 miles to refresh the oil. The timing belt and oil pump should also be changed every 60,000 miles or five years.

EngineThe stock RB26 was detuned from the factory to meet the Japanese 276bhp limit agreed by manufacturers, for this reason many now are at least lightly tuned to 400bhp or more. This shouldn’t deter you though, a well chosen aftermarket exhaust and air filter along with a mild engine remap shouldn’t impact the reliability of the engine whatsoever. The unit is proven to withstand over 100,000 miles in this state of tune without any issues. Even the ceramic turbos are strong items provided they aren’t run at over 1 bar of boost. Regular oil changes are a must though, so check that these have been carried out with high quality oil. If the car suffers from low oil pressure this could indicate internal engine problems so investigate thoroughly. The oil pressure sender/sensor can fail and give lower readings, but this is a cheap fix.

Clutch & GearboxThe standard six-speed Getrag gearbox is more than capable of coping with a lightly tuned engine, but if the car is pushing out more than 500bhp the transmission should be upgraded. Clutch life can be as much as 50,000 miles. If the synchros are on their way out, this will be most apparent on the 4th to 5th gear change during a test drive. The all wheel drive system has no common reported issues to worry about.

Suspension & SteeringNo specific issues reported but check all components including rubber bushings as they may need refreshing due to their age, if original items.

Nissan

Skylin

e GT-R