Like a lot of Japanese performance car icons, the the various different versions and iterations of Nissan Skyline GT-Rs can be a little difficult to decipher, especially once you get past the purely factory-built examples and enter the world of tuned and limited-run examples. Although the R32 was the original ‘Godzilla’ with Group A racing at its heart, it is the final R34 iteration that has become the most collectible in recent years.
As part of Broad Arrow’s Villa d’Este auction coming up this weekend (Saturday 16 May), a collection that consists of five of the most desirable variants has been consigned, joining some other incredible machinery at the Lake Como sale. Here are the highlights:
1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R
Estimate: €325,000-400,000
Finished in the highly desirable Midnight Purple II paintwork, this early R34 GT-R has been extensively modified in period by some of Japan’s best-known tuning specialists. Originally upgraded through NISMO and Ikeya Formula before receiving a major Hosaka Tuning Factory engine build, its RB26DETT has been enlarged to 2.8 litres and fitted with a GReddy T88 turbocharger, producing a dyno-tested 700PS. Despite the performance upgrades, it remains unusually well documented, complete with original Nissan service records and Japanese government modification approvals. With just over 43,000km believed from new, it represents a distinctly period-correct interpretation of peak Japanese tuning culture.
2002 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec II Nür
Estimate: €375,000-450,000
The V-Spec II Nür represented the ultimate factory evolution of the R34 GT-R, developed as a farewell model and named after the Nürburgring Nordschleife where the GT-R honed its reputation. One of only 156 finished in Millennium Jade, this example combines the uprated Nür specification – including larger N1 turbochargers, carbon bonnet and stiffer suspension – with remarkably preserved originality. Retained by a single Japanese owner for nearly two decades, it has covered less than 30,000km.
2001 Nissan Skyline GT-R M-Spec
Estimate: €450,000-600,000
Far rarer than many better-known R34 variants, the GT-R M-Spec was conceived as a more refined interpretation of the GT-R formula, blending performance with genuine long-distance usability. Softer suspension, heated leather seats and additional sound insulation distinguished it from the harder-edged V-Spec models, while still retaining the RB26DETT engine and ATTESA four-wheel-drive system. This example is one of only 122 finished in Silica Brass, a colour exclusive to M-Spec models, and has covered under 23,000km from new.
2001 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec II NISMO S-Tune
Estimate: €500,000-700,000
Arguably the rarest officially sanctioned R34 variant of all, the NISMO S-Tune was not a factory production model but a post-production Omori Factory conversion created for a select group of owners after R34 production had ceased. Just 14 were completed, with this car being number two. Based on a V-Spec II and converted in period by NISMO, it features a catalogue of S-Tune-specific components including revised turbochargers, bespoke camshafts, uprated suspension and a 400bhp version of the RB26DETT. It’s finished in Bayside Blue with white LMGT4 wheels.
2002 Nissan Skyline GT-R CRS by NISMO
Estimate: €700,000-850,000
The most extreme car in the collection is this extraordinarily rare Clubman Race Spec conversion completed by NISMO’s Omori Factory. One of believed fewer than 20 CRS restorations, it effectively represents a factory-rebuilt R34 GT-R, stripped, restored and re-engineered using NISMO’s most advanced components. Based on an M-Spec donor car, it uniquely retains its original leather-trimmed interior while gaining Z-Tune bodywork, R-Tune carbon panels and one of the ultra-rare 2.8-litre F-Sport R engines, producing 500bhp. It has covered just 262km since completion.
Further details
The Villa d’Este auction takes place on Saturday 16 May, and you can view the full catalogue at broadarrowauctions.com
