*** Interested parties should note, this vehicle was subject to a CAT C insurance loss in 09/2002 ***
Highlights
- Deceptively quick Group A homologation special
- Turbocharged, AWD, 230bhp hot hatch weapon
- Appealingly standard car inside and out
- MOT to October 2023 with no advisories
- O-60mph in 5.4secs, quicker than a Yaris GR
Please note that this car was registered as a Category C insurance write off on 3rd September 2002.
The Appeal
The Toyota Yaris GR may have been grabbing headlines and raiding wallets recently, but a road-going, high performance supermini certainly isn’t a new thing. Back in the early 90s Nissan performed the same trick with the similarly AWD, turbocharged Pulsar GTI-R. And it was quicker than the GR.
The GTI-R was developed to homologate Nissan’s WRC Group A rally car. Available for four years from 1990 less than 15,000 were built. There were different models available and the car evolved during its production run. But all worked to the same basic specification that delivered 230bhp through all the wheels, enabling this light, nimble road and rally weapon to despatch 60mph in 5.4secs.
This example was imported to the UK in May 2000. It is a GTI-RA Phase 2 model and presented to us in attractively standard specification inside and out. If you fancy a hot hatch that can run rings around most of the competition and surprise drivers of much bigger cars, then look no further.
The History and Paperwork
- First registered in the UK on 1st May 2000
- DVLA records indicate that this is a 1993 car imported in 2000
- The GTI-R was available in three different models - this is a GTI-RA with luxury equipment rather than the stripped out ‘base’ model
- Based on its chassis number it is a ‘Phase 2’ GTI-RA with various trim alterations for these later models
- The car’s chassis number and engine number confirm that it is a factory GTI-R
- Current owner since 24th March 2020
- 3 keys
- Alternator replaced in June 2022
- MOT to 31st October 2023 with no advisories and only 24kms covered since the test
The Interior
- Mostly standard interior in good, presentable condition showing only minor marks
- GTI-RA models gained luxury fittings including air conditioning, electric windows and mirrors and ABS
- Grey cloth interior with front sports seats, all well kept and only slight bolster wear on driver’s seat
- Deep pile grey carpets appear to be retrimmed and in clean, presentable condition
- Branded overmats
- Fabric trims to doors and rear area show well, with only very light staining visible
- GTI-R leather and Alcantara wheel with some wear
- Auxiliary dials to centre console for oil and turbo
- Switchgear in good condition and complete except for a missing switch on the centre console
- JVC stereo
- Gear gaiter slightly worn and some wear on leather gear knob
- Dashboard top in good condition with vinyl adhering to backing and no visible nicks or scuffs
- The right hand end of the dashboard shows some marks where the door has shut against it
- Glovebox lid shows some light scuffs
- Some delamination of the trim around the fan switch on the centre console
- Parcel shelf appears to have been retrimmed
- Sun visors presentable but with some staining visible
- Headlining is clean and undamaged with only very slight age-related marks
- Rear view mirror is beginning to delaminate slightly on the edges
- Apex turbo control unit let into the centre console
- Some trim appears to be missing on the left hand side of the driver’s footwell
- Scuffs on the tailgate plastic trim
- Spare wheel appears to be missing
The Exterior
- Black paintwork very presentable with standard unmodified bodywork
- Bodywork is well kept with only localised deterioration to note
- The marks around the car could likely be easily addressed and represent an investment in this rare car
- Rear tailgate spoiler and bonnet scoop and grilles differentiate this GTI-R from other Pulsars
- Smart Sparco white alloy wheels with Pirelli P Zero quality rubber
- Tow cover missing from nearside front of car
- Poor paint and light corrosion on the offside front arch and arch lip
- Bubbling on offside rear arch base
- Small area of bubbling on the swage line and base of the driver’s door
- Poor paint on nearside front wing lower edge, arch and sill edge
- Boot floor is solid with no visible corrosion
- Nissan mud flaps fitted
The Mechanics
- Remarkable 1,990cc SR20DET turbocharged 4cyl engine
- Develops 230bhp and delivers 0-60,ph in 5.4secs
- Nissan Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All-Terrain (ATTESTA) AWD system
- Uprated engine pipework
- Alternator replaced June 2022
Summary
Light, nimble and very quick, the Pulsar should have slayed the world’s rally stages. It didn’t quite manage that, but it was far more successful as a road car. Those qualities turned the diminutive GTI-R into a true Goliath-slayer.
A rare sight on British roads makes this GTI-R a particularly subtle motoring weapon. Pleasingly standard and with evidence of investment, this is a very usable and certainly exciting hot hatch.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
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BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection or delivery.
