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1996 Nissan Skyline R33

The GT-R name was revived by Nissan in 1989 following a 16-year hiatus with the Skyline R32. The Australian motoring publication 'Wheels' gave it the nickname, 'Godzilla,' in its July 1989 edition. Built specifically to contest Group A, the original R32 GT-R Skyline dominated the Australian racing scene, which ultimately led to its banishment from the ATCC. Debuting at Mallala in June 1990, the R32 race program was run by Gibson Motorsport and from the outset, proved it had the potential to be a race winner. By 1991, everything came together for the team and drivers Jim Richards and Mark Skaife, dominating the opposition, including a win at the all-important Bathurst enduro. The Skyline continued its winning ways into 1992, despite rules that increased minimum weight and reduced boost bar.

In 1995, an R32 GT-R driven by Motoharu Kurosawa became the fastest road-legal production car on the Nürburgring's Nordschleife circuit. The following year, the record was broken by an R33 GT-R V-Spec model driven by Dirk Schoysman.

The road-going R32 GT-R was powered by a twin-turbo RB26DETT DOHC in-line six allied with a sophisticated 4WD system and HICAS all-wheel steering. Production of the R32, which began in 1989, continued until the advent of the R33 (Spec 2) evolution of the Skyline series in August 1993. The R33 was considered the safest model at that time due to its internal crash bars and airbag system. The styling was penned by Kozo Watanabe, and production ran through 1998.

Slightly heavier than the R32, the R33 was again available in sedan and coupe body styles. The wheelbase measured 107.1 inches, and the coupe had an overall length of 182.7 inches, the sedan at 185.8 inches, and the GT-R at 184.1 inches. Both rear and four-wheel drive configurations were available. A standard viscous LSD or optional active limited slip differential was available. The active LSD system was standard on all V-Spec R33 GT-R Skylines and available on some ECR33 GTS-25t models.

The GTS was equipped with a 2.0-liter RB20E SOHC inline-6, the GTS-25 and GTS-4 received the 2.5-liter RB25DE I6, and the GTS-25t received a turbocharged version of the RB25DE engine producing 247 horsepower. The GT-R was powered by a 2.6 liter (2,568cc) RB26DETT twin-turbo 24 valve inline-6 with an ECCS Multi-Point Electronic Fuel Injection system and developed an advertised 280 PS. Brembo brakes were used on all R33 GT-Rs.

Nissan created a limited edition model in 1966 called the NISMO 400R equipped with a road-tuned version of Nissan's Le Mans engine. It produced 400 horsepower and was paired with a stronger six-speed Getrag gearbox.

The Tenth generation of the Skyline - the R34 - was introduced in May 1998.

by Dan Vaughan

GT-R Coupe
Chassis number: bcnr33021185

This 1996 Nissan Skyline R33 GT-R is in highly original condition and is powered by a 2.6-liter twin-turbocharged 24-valve inline 6-cylinder engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission. It has a right-hand drive configuration, an all-wheel drive configuration, a rear spoiler, four-wheel disc brakes, 17-inch factory wheels, and new Nitto NT555 tires. It is finished in white with a gray interior.

by Dan Vaughan

GT-R Coupe
Chassis number: BCNR33-022602

The Nissan Skyline GT-R was introduced in 1989 and was built specifically to contest Group A. It dominated the Australian racing scene, earning the nickname 'Godzilla' and, ultimately, banishment from the ATCC. The R32 made its debut in June 1990 at Mallala and although it showed early potential, it wasn't until 1991 that everything came together for the team and drivers Jim Richards and Mark Skaife, winning the Bathurst enduro.

For 1992, race regulations reduced boost bar and increased minimum weight, but the R32 was able to overcome and continued its winning ways, including a repeat victory at Bathurst.

In road-going guise, the R32 came equipped with a twin-turbo RB26DETT in-line six engine paired with a 4WD system and HICAS all-wheel steering. Production began in 1989 and continued with the advent of the R33 evolution of the Skyline series, debuting in August 1993. The styling of the R33 was penned by Kozo Watanabe and production ran 1993 to 1998.

In 1995, Motoharu Kurosawa drove the R32 GT-R around the Nürburgring's Nordschleife circuit and claimed its fastest road-legal production car title, a record broken in 1996 by a R33 GT-R V-Spec model, driven by Dirk Schoysman.

Tommykaira

Founded in 1968 as Tomita Auto, it would eventually become Tommykaira, earning a reputation for its tuning car prowess. Tommykaira was launched in 1986 by its founders Tomita Yume Koujou and Kikuo Kaira, which is where the moniker Tommykaira came to fruition.

With the Nissan Skyline GT-R, Tommykaira offered 3 stages of treatment, the entry-level being the 'Look' package, followed by the medium 'Basic' package and the top-of-the-line variant called the 'Full Spec R.'

This particular 1996 Nissan Skyline R33 GT-R 'Tommykaira' R is finished in Sonic Silver (KR4). It is believed that sixteen examples of the 'Full Spec R' models were built. This package consists of a bespoke aero kit including front bumper, side skirts, rear bumper and a rear spoiler with a carbon fiber center section. It rides on TK branded multi-piece 18-inch alloy wheels, has a sports exhaust system, and its engine delivers an impressive 400 horsepower (up from the standard 276 horsepower). The interior houses a TK custom steering wheel, shift knob and special gauge cluster and sports meters. Exclusive options made available to the 'Full Spec R' package and included in this example include the optional Tommykaira Sport seats, quick connect club harnesses, enhanced braking option (Brembo ARB), sports radiator, and carbon fiber taillight garnish.

This Skyline R33 GT-R currently has 65,730 kilometers (40,842 miles) on its odometer.

by Dan Vaughan

Coupe

There were 102 V-Spec and 86 non-V-Spec examples produced. This Skyline R33 LM Limited is number 79 (total) and number 46 of the non-V-Specs. It was built exclusively in BT2 Championship Blue.