The Z-tune, R400, and, of course, Brian O’Conner’s electric blue R34 from 2 Fast 2 Furious are a few particularly uncommon Nissan Skylines. But there is only one Godzilla that is genuinely as uncommon as a unicorn: the magnificent R33 LM.
The silhouette of this squat, wide-arched R33 may be recognizable to Gran Turismo players from the opening movie of the first game. Since then, every episode of the racing franchise has featured a similar vehicle. But unlike the fantasy realm of pixels where several copies can coexist, there is only one hard copy in existence.
It is kept at Nissan’s magnificent Zama DNA garage. A carefully crafted toy box stuffed to the gills with the Japanese manufacturer’s back catalog. We also met the LM there for a brief one-on-one conversation.
We begged and begged to be allowed to drive it, but that was not possible. Even Carlos Ghosn, the biggest of all Nissan bigwigs and chairman, president, and CEO, has never been permitted to operate a vehicle.
Even still, we continued to plead, threaten, and even consider stealing it in order to experience driving without a PlayStation controller.
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What is the price of an R34?
The Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R example with the chassis number BNR34-006741 is a base model, but it still has all the GT-R features, such as the RB26 DETT, ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive, and more. This is not a V Spec or a M Spec, which begin around $180,000 for a low-mileage model and can reach as high as $500,000 in some cases.
With 103,250 kilometers (64 156 miles) on the clock, this Nissan R34 GT-R is painted in white (paint color QM1). The timing belt, water pump, and spark plugs were replaced as part of a major service performed on the vehicle on March 23, 2017, at a certified Nissan dealer. The vehicle’s odometer read 100,340 kilometers (62,348 miles) at the time.
The automobile has a few nice improvements but is otherwise mainly stock. A full NISMO aero kit, featuring a front aero bumper, side skirts, rear under-spoiler set, carbon pillar garnish, and GT shift knob, is one of the numerous NISMO goodies that are included. A lightweight flywheel, a sports clutch, a clutch cover, and other NISMO components are also available.
R33 is it legal?
First things first, we want to set the record straight and say that several Skyline models offered in the US, mostly under the ‘Infiniti’ brand, are in a whole different league.
You’ve probably heard the untrue allegations that the later-model Nissan Skyline R33 and R34 GT-Rs are currently prohibited from entering the US.
We’ve heard some of the more frequently cited responses, like “Because they’re right-hand drive” and “Because they’re moving so quickly the Police can’t catch them.”
If a vaping Honda owner offers either defense at the neighborhood meet, politely leave the room and give them the link to this article.
First off, the R32’s legalization in the US demonstrates that right-hand drive vehicles are not prohibited there.
Even the US Postal Service has frequently used RHD vehicles, despite the fact that they are by no means ubiquitous, mostly for the ease of access to the curb.
The US import restrictions are completely to blame for the Nissan Skyline’s unlawful importation for usage on public roads for two very straightforward reasons.
In the US, how many R33s exist?
The Nissan Skyline R33 can now be legally brought into America because it is older than 25 years. One of the first Type Ms to reach the United States is this one.
You probably already know about the legendary Nissan Skyline R33 and how, as of last year, you may now legally import one into America if you’re into Japanese modern classics. R33s have recently exceeded the 25-year mark, which permits vehicles that old or older to be imported, regardless of whether they comply with FMVSS standards. One of the first vehicles to cross the border was this 1993 Nissan Skyline Type M, which is currently for sale on Craigslist.
This R33 Skyline is one of approximately 3500 that have entered the United States of America since the model turned 25 and is believed to be the first one to do so. It was reportedly imported into North Carolina on August 3, 2018. The automobile is a Japanese import with right-hand drive and kilometer-reading gauges; at the moment, the odometer reads 81,000km, or roughly 50,000 miles.
An RB25DET 2.5-liter turbocharged straight-six engine with 247 horsepower and 217 lb/ft of torque powers this instantly identifiable coupe. A 5-speed manual transmission transfers this power to the rear wheels, enabling a 0-60 sprint in about 6 seconds. This Type M has enough power to be enjoyable even though it is not a sought-after GT-R type.
This vehicle “shares many parts with the 1993 240SX and 1993 300ZX and is one of the simpler to maintain Skylines in the United States,” according to the advertisement. The timing belt was serviced 12,000 miles ago, and the spark plugs, fuel filter, and oil were changed recently. This car now benefits from a valid “Shaken” test certificate, which indicates that it is still allowed to drive in its home country until June 2019. All road cars in Japan are required to undergo Shaken, a safety assessment that is infamously challenging to pass.
This Skyline is a nice example of a Japanese import that is essentially stock, which is uncommon. Only the intercooler, exhaust, and a set of Work alloy wheels have been modified on this vehicle.
Although the asking price of $25,000 may seem high, this car is nevertheless one of the first opportunities in America to legally purchase and own an R33 that isn’t a grey market vehicle.
What Skyline is the rarest?
Despite this reputation, the R33 GT-R has subsequently gained the same level of notoriety as the other two, and as a result, its price has risen dramatically.
The renowned NISMO 400R, which is not only one of the rarest vehicles ever produced by Nissan but is also probably the coolest vehicle ever, sits directly at the top of the R33 GT-R line.
Only 19 of the 40 NISMO 400R models built in 1996 are believed to still survive. While Midnight Purple may be the most well-known GT-R color, this was the final GT-R to ever be painted Deep Marine Blue, another fan favorite.
The 400R was a four-wheel drive vehicle with a 2.8-liter RB engine that generated 400 horsepower (298 kW). Power was transmitted to all four wheels via a six-speed manual transmission.
In addition to being extremely rare, this automobile included many NISMO components that could only be found on this particular model and could not be purchased separately.
The NISMO LMGT2 wheels on this vehicle serve as an illustration of this. Although they have subsequently been made, these incredibly rare wheels were only available for the 400R, and sets of them have been known to fetch over $20,000.
Given this, it should come as no surprise that the vendor is demanding a hefty sum for the vehicle; however, the current asking price of more than $3 million is well beyond the means of the majority of Skyline aficionados.
Which skyline is the cheapest?
The Nissan Skyline’s R32 generation, which replaced the R30 and R31, debuted in 1989. Sedans and coupes were still present, some with sta…
The Nissan Skyline’s R32 generation, which replaced the R30 and R31, debuted in 1989. Despite the continued production of sedans and coupes, some of which featured staid four-cylinder engines, this generation is most recognized for the GT-R nameplate’s reintroduction. The 2.6-liter RB26DETT twin-turbo six-cylinder engine of the R32 GT-R was coupled with all-wheel drive and four-wheel steering. With at least 276 horsepower, the R32 gained notoriety as “Godzilla,” the Japanese monster. The GTS, GTS-25, and GTS-t were some of the other noteworthy variations. The R32 GT-R was produced until 1994, even though the normal R32 Skyline’s manufacture ceased in 1993. The R33 Nissan Skyline, the following version of the Nissan Skyline, was unveiled in 1993.
A: On August 13, 2021, a 1994 Nissan Skyline-R R32 GT-R Vspec II sold for $150,000.
A 1992 Nissan Skyline Sedan sold for $8,800 on April 14th, 2018, according to sales records.
Is the R34 still prohibited?
10 Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 V-Spec II is still illegal Unless it’s an import from MotoRex, Gran Turismo and Fast and Furious fans will have to wait until 2024 to legally import the R34 Skyline to the United States because this model is still under the age of 25.
What is the price of a Skyline?
The base MSRP for the 2021 Nissan (Skyline) GT-R’s top variant is $113,540. The base MSRP for NISMO trims is $210,740.
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How many R33 GTRs exist in the US?
A high-performance version of the R33 Skyline, the Nissan Skyline GT-R was unveiled for the 1996 model year (late 1995 in Europe). The R33…
A high-performance version of the R33 Skyline, the Nissan Skyline GT-R was unveiled for the 1996 model year (late 1995 in Europe). The RB26DETT engine from the R32 GT-R’s successor, the R33 GT-R, had just minor updates. All four wheels received power from its twin-turbo 2.6L inline six engine through a 5-speed manual transmission. The R33 Skyline included Nissan’s HICAS four wheel steering technology in addition to all wheel drive. The bulk of R33 GT-Rs were produced as coupes, however to commemorate the Skyline’s 40th anniversary, Nissan and Autech produced a small batch of 416 sedan models. The Base Model, V-Spec, N1, LM Limited, and 400R were more noteworthy variations. The R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R replaced the R33 GT-R in 1998 after it had been in production for a short time. A total of 16,668 copies had been produced at the time of production’s cessation.
A: On August 14, 2021, a 1995 Nissan Skyline GT-R sold for $235,200.
A 1995 Nissan Skyline GT-R sold for $37,750 on May 11, 2021, according to sales records.