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FOR SALE

1997 Nissan Skyline GT-R (R33)

£32,450

Smart Presentation | ~£8,000 Spent in last 5 Years | Gearbox Rebuild

  • Mileage~67,205 on clock
  • Transmission5-Speed Manual
  • Engine2.6-litre
  • LocationDunstable

£32,450

1997 Nissan Skyline GT-R (R33)

Premium Classified Sale

Video #2

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy
Consigner and Editor

Incredible performance, reliability, and precise handling make the R33 GT-R a legendary figure in the JDM community.

The evolution of the Skyline GT-R is firmly based in Nissan's motorsport legacy, where remarkable performance and cutting-edge technology contributed to the GT-R's status in Japanese domestic market (JDM) history. Since its first version debuted in the late 1960s, it has undergone continuous evolution and development, particularly after the revival of the GT-R nameplate in 1989 with the third generation R32.

The R33 was introduced in 1995 and gained attention as the first production car to achieve a sub-8 minute lap time at the Nürburgring. This milestone, combined with the rising interest in Japanese supercars, allowed it to be the first Nissan GT-R model to be officially brought into the UK. The R33 GT-R is celebrated for its adaptability as a grand tourer, a daily driver, and an outstanding performance car, which resulted in numerous GT-Rs being imported into the UK.

This 1997 Series 3 BCNR33 Skyline GT-R was imported into the UK in 1999 and appears to have avoided both drifting and heavy modification throughout its ownership. Nicely presented in white with a grey velour interior, significant attention has been given to its mechanical components, including a rebuild of the gearbox and a thorough overhaul of its twin-turbo RB26DETT six-cylinder engine.

Reassuringly the car includes a collection of invoices documenting nearly ~£8,000 spent since 2020.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Marcello the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

EXTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Exterior

Its excellent crisp-white finish makes it noticeable a meticulously maintained example.

Wheels and Tyres

The 18-inch Ultralite 009-Daiki gun-metal metallic chrome six-spoke alloy wheels complement the car beautifully. They are in decent condition, showing only slight signs of wear.

The Kumho tires are all from 2006 and exhibit even tread wear.

Bodywork

The exterior of the Skyline appears in excellent condition, with no visible signs of panel damage, corrosion, or misalignment. The panel gaps are consistent. It features a carbon fibre bonnet that exhibits minor signs of wear. All doors function smoothly, opening and closing without any hindrance.

The underside of the car is well-maintained, having received treatments for rust and waxoyl. The floor pan, wheel wells, engine bay, and boot floor all look solid. A custom aluminium undertray has been installed.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

The white paint job offers excellent coverage, with the sunlight revealing only light surface swirls. Being really picky, the nearside rear lower arch features a minor touch-up along with a few small scratches on the boot, but the rest of the car is blemish-free.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The windscreen is decent, and all the glass and door seals are in good condition. We noticed minor scratches on the driver's side glass. The lights and lenses seem fine, showing slight signs of wear in some areas.

The car features a carbon fibre lip and has been re-coated with a premium UV epoxy resin. The lower grille, rear spoiler, and other body trim pieces are in good condition and securely attached.

The front bumper has been repainted and fits smoothly with the body, displaying a consistent color match. The rear bumper looks good overall, showing some minor paint cracks in certain areas, but neither bumper has any noticeable scratches or blemishes.

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INTERIOR VIDEO
Video #2

Interior

Maintaining a significant amount of its original factory features, the interior remains pleasantly authentic and has been looked after.

Seats and Carpets

The grey velour seats have held up nicely, displaying some marks and creases in certain areas but exceeding the expectations for a vehicle of this vintage.

The carpets are intact and completely dry.

The boot carpet exhibits slight discoloration but has been equipped with new clips.

It includes GT-R motif driver mats.

Dashboard

The dashboard, facia, and center console are well-designed and seem to lack any aftermarket modifications. With the exception of some drilled holes on the passenger side of the center console, the plastics are in good condition.

The dials, controls, and switches are tidy and seem to be all original, functioning properly. The speedometer has been adjusted to display MPH and has been properly soldered.

The door cards are securely attached and show minimal signs of wear. The headlining and interior trim are in good order.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering column mount has some scratches, and the steering wheel rim displays mild signs of wear.

The leather gaiter on the gear lever has some tears, but the knob is in good condition.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO
Video #2

Mechanics

The RB26DETT engine, the heart of the car, has been exceptionally well-maintained and presents like a show car.

Engine and Gearbox

The cold start process went smoothly, and the durable RB26DETT engine started up without any issues. It maintains a steady idle with no undesirable sounds. After the exhaust condensation dissipated, the engine ran without any smoke for the duration of our visit. Furthermore, all dashboard warning lights stayed off.

Marcello emphasised that the engine is a completely stock ~280bhp with standard turbos, and the restrictor pill is still in place. It has undergone significant work and received multiple new components, including a new N1 oil pump, enhanced Dayco cam belt, N1 water pump, and pulley tensioner. The engine was removed (as the engine bay was repainted) and equipped with new seals and wiring connectors. The injectors were cleaned, tested, and fitted with fresh seals.

Due to these improvements, the engine looks very impressive, aided by the color-coordinated rocker covers and new SFS Performance hoses. This meticulous attention to detail includes a full renewal of stainless steel bolts along with new brackets and plastic clips.

The gearbox performs in the usual Nissan manner - smooth and precise, and Marcello has not reported any problems with the clutch. The gearbox has been overhauled with new forks, synchros, bearings, and seals. A new Stage 1 clutch has been installed, along with an original Nissan thrust bearing and new clutch plates in the rear transfer case. Both front and rear differentials were taken out, inspected, cleaned, and filled with new oil. Additionally, new Nismo engine and gearbox mounts were installed.

Suspension and Brakes

The vehicle is equipped with Tein adjustable coilovers, all set to the factory ride height. At lower speeds, the car moves smoothly without any thuds or undesirable sounds.

The Skyline brakes operate smoothly and evenly, without any wobbling or vibrations. The brake servos have been taken out, cleaned, polished, and coated with wrinkle paint. The ABS unit has also been taken out, cleaned, and polished.

The Drive

Because the vehicle has a SORN applied, we were unable to conduct a thorough road test at any significant speed; however, we did manage to enjoy a relaxed drive around the industrial area. Just as easy to drive as a Micra, the Skyline showcases all the positive attributes associated with the Nissan brand, coupled with the expected flair and performance linked to the Skyline legacy.

The car operates smoothly, with no mechanical vibrations when the engine accelerates purposefully. The steering is accurate, with no pulling or noises, and the HICAS rear steering system is reported to function flawlessly. Marcello’s meticulous care for the car’s essential parts and upkeep indicates it is in excellent mechanical condition, as he has not indicated any problems regarding leaks, oil pressure or engine temperature. The engine cooling fan did not activate, and the dashboard warning lights stayed in check.

Electrics and Other

Although the car remains pleasantly standard, it has received a few appropriate upgrades. These enhancements comprise of an Alpine stereo featuring 6x9 speakers and upgraded door speakers, a rare Blitz Nur Spec R exhaust, and an Apexi air filter.

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Video #2

History and Paperwork

It includes 20 years' worth of invoices and spending totaling ~£8,000 since 2005, which features a gearbox rebuild.

The vehicle is thought to have been privately imported from Japan and registered in the UK in July 1999. It includes a collection of invoices from the last ~20 years, detailing maintenance and aftermarket parts.

Since acquiring the car in 2020, Marcello has invested nearly £8,000 into it, much of which is detailed in the Mechanical section of the listing. Notable invoices consist of a gearbox rebuild, an oil pump sourced from an Australian specialist, clutch components from the Nissan dealership, an engine and gearbox refit, a complete set of engine hoses, a binnacle cluster repair and conversion, and a strip and repaint of the front bumper and engine bay. Marcello has shared a series of photos illustrating the gearbox rebuild and engine-out work at various stages of the refurbishment.

The vehicle was serviced in 2021, along with a water pump and cam belt kit, and has only covered approximately 200 miles since then. It comes with the V5 registration document, a collection of MOT certificates dating back to 2002, and two keys.

The last MOT expired in October last year (no advisories) and not renewed since due to the lack of use, however, Marcello will ensure the car has a fresh MOT prior to the new owner collecting the car.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
05-10-2023 MOT 67,180
03-06-2021 MOT 67,133
21-05-2021 Service
21-05-2021 Gearbox rebuild
08-09-2021 New Cam Belt/Water Pump and oil pump
24-02-2018 MOT 67,105
11-03-2017 MOT 67,040
11-03-2016 MOT 66,722
19-06-2008 MOT 66,360
26-05-2007 MOT 64,443
17-06-2006 MOT 62,441
08-06-2005 MOT 59,815
09-11-2004 MOT 56,211
06-02-2003 MOT 52,903
22-01-2002 MOT 47,990
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Key Details
  • ModelNissan Skyline GT-R (R33)
  • Transmission5-Speed Manual
  • Reg Date1997
  • First UK Reg. Date22-07-1999
  • CC2568cc
  • Mileage67,250 on clock
  • HistorySince 2004
  • ColourWhite
  • Interior ColourGrey
  • Interior TrimVelour
  • Chassis #BCNR33041892
  • Engine #RB26
  • Last Service21-05-2021
  • MOTNew Prior to Collection
  • MOT ExemptNo
  • Road Tax ExemptNo
  • HPi ClearYes - all clear
  • Former Keepers10
  • Tyre BrandKumho
  • Tyre Age2006
  • # of Keys2
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • Owned~4 years, 6 months
  • Key FeatureCondition
  • Vehicle RegistrationR651 YEC
  • Fuel TypePetrol
  • Body Type2-door Coupe
  • Auction ID2494
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Video #2

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos

Insurance Quote


Average annual insurance premium for a like this is via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

*Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid .

Vehicle Location

Dunstable

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