Godzilla has arrived
Few cars can truly claim the cross-media fame and dominance that the Nissan Skyline R34 can. Aptly nicknamed “Godzilla,” the R34 made headlines anywhere it showed up, from Fast & Furious to Gran Turismo to your local cars & coffee show. Once the R34 became legal to import into the U.S., it was game on for anyone who grew up driving this car on their PS2 and now had enough disposable income to bring it to their driveway. This particular example on Exotic Car Trader with only 14,024 kilometers (8714.11 mi) is pretty much the ideal spec, and it can be yours if your wallet can swing it.
Exotic Car Trader
A legend in the flesh (or metal)
This 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R is a V-Spec (Victory Specification) model, which gave it the much lauded ATTESA (Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All-Terrain) E-TS Pro AWD system and an active rear LSD. While AWD is nothing new these days, the way Nissan did it in the 90s was pretty advanced. The ATTESA system used two accelerometers mounted under the center console, which sent lateral and longitudinal data to the ECU. The ECU then controlled power delivery to the front wheels via an electronic torque split converter. The “Pro” version was introduced as an option on the R33 GT-R but became standard on the R34. While it kept the accelerometers, it added the aforementioned hydraulic active limited-slip rear differential.
That AWD system was further complemented by Nissan’s Super-HICAS (High Capacity Actively Controlled Steering) all-wheel steering system, which used a hydraulic or electric actuator to turn the rear wheels in the same direction as the front wheels when driving over 50 mph.
It’s finished in the quintessential Bayside Blue and sports a Nismo-style body kit, which includes a Nismo-style Carbon Fiber hood and front bumper. The rear has the just-as-classic adjustable 2-stage rear spoiler with a carbon lip, while the Advanced Aero System adds front & rear carbon fiber diffusers. This R34 sits on 18” Nismo wheels, as they all should, wrapped in Nitto NT05 and backed by Brembo 6-Piston front and 4-Piston rear brakes, with slotted brake rotors.
Exotic Car Trader
Under the hood is the RB26DETT 2.6L Twin-Turbo Inline-6 engine that has long been a JDM holy grail, mated to a Getrag 6-speed manual transmission. Aftermarket modifications are limited to an air intake, ARK performance exhaust, and Fwin radiator. As for horsepower output, Nissan claimed 276 hp but only to abide by the Japanese automakers’ gentleman’s agreement not to make a car faster than that. Independent tests carried out by automotive publications, however, showed that the power output was closer to 327 hp.
The interior remains largely stock, thankfully, meaning you won’t find a quick-disconnect NRG steering wheel here. The JDM gods smile upon us with bucket seats, mild carbon fiber interior trim, and that incredibly 90s 5.8″ multifunction LCD screen. The dashboard does, unfortunately, house an aftermarket Carrozzeria touchscreen radio head unit, but that’s nothing that a quick eBay search can’t fix.
Exotic Car Trader
Final thoughts
Of the 11,578 Nissan Skyline GT-R R34s produced, 4,193 of them were V-Spec models. Given its fame and relatively low production numbers, R34s command a hefty price, and this one is no different. The seller is asking $349,999, which, if you ask me, is questionable at best. Then again, this is an extremely low mileage example in the spec that most enthusiasts drool over, so perhaps I’m just not the target audience for an R34. If that’s a good price for you, and you can pick up the car from Auburn Hills, Michigan, we would gladly accept your invitation for a ride. Thanks in advance!
About the author
Gabriel Ionica
Senior Editor, Autoblog