What Tuner Dreams are Made Of: 1996 R33 Skyline GT-R 400R
First legal import ever was just sold stateside. With only 40 Skyline 400Rs ever made, this is one of the most desirable collectible GT-Rs anywhere.
There are few abbreviations in the automotive world that create as much chatter between enthusiasts as “GT-R”. When Nissan decided to revive the coveted GT-R name after a 16-year disappearance with the R32 Skyline model, it solidified its legacy as the performance flagship of the brand.
The R32 Skyline GT-R was everything any Nissan fan could ask for. Its dominant performance capabilities earning the GT-Rs its first official use of its now trademarked “Godzilla” nickname.
So when it was time for the R33 model to debut, the next generation had some serious shoes to fill stemming from the success of the R32. Considering its place in the overall legacy of the GT-R, the R33 usually tends to be the least appreciated of the late 80s to early 2000s GT-Rs.
However, this rare 400R model we just recently found for sale (now sold) in Cypress, California, will eliminate any doubt of the R33 not being worthy amongst its peers. This might be one of the most beautiful and desirable factory-built GT-Rs anywhere in the world.
Only 40 verified 400 R examples exist in production. This is the only one in the US.
Many dedicated Nissan enthusiasts have waited many years in order to be able to finally get one of these magically 400R models into the United States. This year finally allowed for 1996 models and older to be eligible for legal import.
Back in 1996, Nissan collaborated with their Motorsport division (NISMO) in order to show off a bit of their race-prepped prowess. As if the standard GT-R itself wasn’t fast enough, they modified the vehicle extensively to go even faster.
Sporting a fully-forged and stroked endurance engine derived from the GT1-class race car, the 400R achieved a conservative and reliable 400 HP output. This special edition RB26DETT inline-six was dubbed the “RB-X GT2” and was developed specifically for the 400R.
Let’s not forget that this same engine in the standard GT-R supposedly only made 276 HP- the 400R with a 124 HP increase over stock. However, this was far from the end of the heavy modification this special model received. NISMO truly cut no corners with this one.
Truly a race car for the road and it shows both inside and out
The 400R is perhaps one of the most heavily modified factory special edition vehicles ever. Motorsport ECU, Carbon-fiber driveshaft, bigger oil and intercoolers, beefy twin-plate clutch, all the V-spec GTR components- all upgrades on the 400R.
The chassis was graced by beautiful front and rear titanium strut braces, reinforced bushings all around, more aggressive springs, and upgraded dampers. The already massive Brembo brakes further improved with NISMO brake pads and an upgraded master cylinder.
One of the most stunning upgrades without a doubt has to be the immaculately crafted NISMO LM GT1 forged wheels. These motorsport wheels were a massive 50mm wider both front and rear at 18×10 squared, allowing for near unlimited levels of grip with this power level.
To match the increased width of these wheels, NISMO grace the 400 R with the complete body makeover, all inspired from the GT1 race car. The front and rear bumpers were all aggressively widened along with the fender flares and side skirts. The 400R has serious presence.
Ultimate Road-going Skyline R33 Ever Built?
It’s actually impressive how extensive the details are that saw either upgrade or modification on this special edition R33. From the titanium shift knob to the characteristic “400R” striping along the side, every aspect of this performance giant has been touched.
So best believe that these all these varied upgrades were never cheap! The MSRP price of a 400R back in 1996 was over $110,000 (adjusted for inflation) compared to $82,000 or so for a standard R33 GT-R.
Unfortunately, this beautiful grey example we have the listing for did not state the sale price. However, we would be surprised to see this amazingly rare model sell for any less than $200k considering the demand for these classics.
Being the only 400R in the U.S., realistically the seller could have stated any price in their mind conceivable and buyers would have had to settle for that price. It’s not like you can just find another one!
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