Description
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The February Timed Online Auction on Thursday the 27th of February. Background:
The eighth generation of Nissan’s flagship performance model, the R32 Skyline, was rolled out in May 1989, immediately garnering huge press and public attention as it marked the revival of the iconic GT-R 16 years after the firm had discontinued it.
The new model was evidently more focussed, and was only available as either a two-door coupe or four-door hardtop sedan, all other body styles from previous ranges being dropped – or, rather, not revived. The R32 featured several versions of the RB-Series Straight-6 engines, also available with a 1, 800cc four-cylinder power unit. Most enthusiast interest was however focussed on the six-cylinder cars.
The GTS-t models were fitted with Nissan's RB20DET engine, which was a turbocharged 2-litre inline-six that generated 212bhp. This power was sent to the rear wheels via a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Despite rationalising the body-shape options, Nissan couldn’t quite help themselves when it came to doing the same with mechanical options. The GTS-t came in standard and TypeM configurations, with the TypeM having larger 5-stud 16" wheels, four-piston front calipers and twin-piston rears plus other minor differences. Another option was the fitment of HICAS four-wheel steer, with the rear wheels being hydraulically linked to the steering.
The Skyline was a light and compact car which not only meant it was a superb car to drive and manoeuvre – and appealed to performance fans globally - it was also neatly tailored to the Japanese domestic market, where car taxation and affordability relate to vehicle weight and size.
The car:
This Skyline was originally supplied to the notoriously fastidious Japanese market and was first registered in the UK in March 2022, the current custodian owning it since then.
The car is finished in a handily subtle shade of Gunmetal Grey over a dark grey cloth interior finished off with the original floor mats. J977 LMW has only covered 91, 000 miles in its lifetime, meaning just over an average of 2, 500 miles a year, which is absolutely nothing for any modern machinery and certainly not for the silky smooth 2-litre Turbocharged RB20DET six-cylinder engine, which is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.
As is so often the case with JDM imports, the unstinting attention to maintenance of Japanese owners is clearly evident and this Skyline is in spectacular condition, which belies its age. Regular maintenance has been carried out where necessary, with various new items being fitted, such as a full exhaust system and numerous suspension parts. The vendor advises that the radio currently doesn't work.
The car has an MOT until the end of January 2026, giving the car a long lease of life, in which to be used and enjoyed.
Location: Hampshire
Seller: Private
Photos: Professional
