Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec R33 1997

More than half a century ago, in Japan, a range of cars called the “Skyline” was born, which over the years became one of the symbols of the JDM movement around the world. It all started simply with the desire to create a reliable compact car, but then Nissan reconsidered the prospects of the model and… made truly “hot” versions of it. The Nissan Skyline GTR R32 and R34 secured their cult status almost immediately after their release, but there was a lot of controversy and different opinions about the R33, but now this car is considered a full-fledged member of the famous family.

In 1993, a new embodiment of the Skyline – the 9th body and 33rd designation – was presented to the world. However, the Japanese did not hurry with the GT-R version and its debut was postponed until 1995 – either they were afraid of not selling the remaining GT-R R32, or they did not have time to test all the mechanisms before the release of the “civilian version” on the market. Anyway, the new car quickly began to conquer the positions of its predecessor, which did not prevent critics from complaining a little about the rear of the car.

The car we are talking about today has a fairly classic history for such cars. Imported to Russia in 2008, when the grass was greener and there were significantly fewer “chops”. At first, the car was registered in Moscow, where it changed two owners. During its life in the capital, the car received forged pistons and was tuned on a stand with an excess of 1.35 bar – about 470 horsepower.

Now it has moved to Sochi. The current owner bought it because he wanted a fast, all-wheel drive coupe – and who, if not the GT-R, meets such requirements? The technical part was in good condition, but the paintwork was tired – it had to be repainted in the rear and the body underwent a deep polishing.


However, it didn’t stop there: Brembo F50 brakes and Ohlins suspension, which are essential for fast laps on the Sochi circuit, were installed. Rays CE28 wheels in size 18 x 9.5 ET20 fit perfectly with the body shapes. To enable the engine to consume more cold air, the Nismo intake was modified. With HKS GT-RS turbochargers (yes, there was no transition to a big single here) at a pressure of 1.6 bar, TOMEI 600cc injectors, and an Apexi Power FC ECU, 510 wheel horsepower was achieved!


The beauty of the true old-school sports salon from Nissan is highlighted by the Nismo instrument panel marked up to 320 km/h! Yes, such cars had every right to be part of the infamous Midnight Club, whose members organized races on highways at speeds far beyond 250 km/h.


However, all this is not the limit for this GT-R: since it now lives in Sochi, it has no offseason or wintering period – work on it never stops. I don’t think there are many R33s left in Russia, especially “in action” – the car really goes out on the Sochi circuit, really drives fast, and really stays on all-wheel drive and the rear-wheel steering system HICAS, as it was originally intended by Japanese engineers in the depths of Nissan. I believe that, like a good wine, this GT-R will only get better with age!