Lightweight factory homologation special 1999 Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R V-Spec...

1999 Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R V-Spec N1 'Mine's Tribute'
Chassis no. BNR34-003085

2,568cc DOHC Twin-Turbo Inline 6-cylinder
ECCS Multi-Point Electronic Fuel Injection
650bhp (See Text) at 6,800rpm
6-Speed Manual Transmission
4-Wheel Independent Suspension
4-Wheel Power-Assisted Disc Brakes

*One of approximately 38 R34 V-spec N1 models built
*Lightweight factory homologation special
*Features extremely rare Mine's Motorsports parts, including engine
*Original N1 engine and plethora of other original parts included
*Built as a tribute to the famous Mine's R34 Demo car
*Japan's 'Forbidden Fruit' supercar now on American shores
*Tuned for additional power, response, and reliability

THE NISSAN SKYLINE GT-R

Routinely voted by various classic car magazines as one of the greatest Japanese cars of all time, Nissan's high-tech Skyline GT-R burst onto the motoring scene in 1989 to universal acclaim. Built specifically to contest Group A, the original R32 GT-R Skyline dominated the Australian racing scene, earning the nickname 'Godzilla' and ultimately, banishment from the ATCC. Debuting at Mallala in June 1990, the R32 race program was run by Gibson Motorsport and from the outset it was clear the car had the potential to be a race winner, but it wasn't until 1991 that everything came together for the team and drivers Jim Richards and Mark Skaife crushed the opposition, including a win at the all-important Bathurst enduro. Despite increased minimum weight and reduced boost bar for 1992, the Skyline continued its winning ways, famously scoring a repeat win at Bathurst in the toughest condition - and a hostile reception from the crowd when Richards and Skaife took the podium.

In road going form, the R32 was powered by a twin-turbo RB26DETT in-line six allied with a sophisticated 4WD system and HICAS all-wheel steering, the R32 was a devastating road car. On paper, these cars were stated to produce 276hp, however these were usually underrated numbers to please the limiting laws in Japan. Unofficially the Skyline held the lap record on the legendary Nurburgring Nordschleife. From 1995 through 1998 brought in yet another iteration of the venerable Skyline GT-R, the R33 version was introduced. The R33 brought a much-needed redesign and a wonderfully more modern look. The R33 was the eighth generation of Nissan's Skyline and was mechanically similar to the R32 Skyline, though the four-cylinder option was dropped. The R33 saw handling improvements; it is typically faster than the earlier car around most racing circuits. The R33 was offered in coupe and sedan body styles, as well as in a range of variants, with notable examples such as the GTS, GTS25-T, and the legendary GT-R. The R33 Skyline was built until 1998 and was succeeded by the R34 Skyline for the 1999 model year.

Enter the world-famous R34, widely considered to be the best and most desirable iteration of all Nissan Skylines. The R34 was the final evolution of the Skyline GT-R, with improvements built upon every previous generation Skyline all rolled up into one amazing package. These packages did vary in power, capabilities, and rarity. The BNR34 series of Skylines could be ordered in standard, V-spec, V-spec II, M-spec, V-spec II Nür, M-spec Nür and finally in the most rare, focused, and desirable package of all: the V-spec N1.

THE CAR OFFERED

The Nissan Skyline GT-R V-spec N1 is the rarest, most powerful, fastest, quickest, and lightest-weight production R34 Skyline GT-R. As a homologation special for the Super Taikyu N1 racing series, only 38 R34 N1 models were sold to the public, making it the rarest and most desirable of the myriad production Skyline GT-R models. Generally sold only to race teams and tuning shops seeking the highest-performing model of the Skyline GT-R, it is extremely uncommon to find a carefully preserved N1 street car available for sale. A veritable time machine on wheels, this era-correct Skyline GT-R V-spec N1 represents a particularly unique opportunity, having been carefully built as a part-for-part recreation of and tribute to the legendary Mine's Motorsport N1 demo car - perhaps the most famous R34 N1 of them all.

From the factory, the N1 model features all the trappings of a traditional homologation special. All N1 models were offered in just one color code, a single-stage QM1 White, due to it being the lightest weight and radiating the least amount of heat. The drivetrain of the N1 is built around the N1 engine block, a stronger block specially produced to withstand the rigors of circuit racing. The N1-specific forged engine internals breathe through higher-flowing factory ported N1 exhaust manifolds and larger R34 N1 turbos, making the R34 N1's power plant the most powerful in a production Skyline GT-R of any generation. Cooling is handled through an N1-specific water pump, while a higher pressure N1-specific oil pump feeds an N1-specific oil cooler located behind the passenger side front bumper. This particular example features a secondary oil cooler on the driver's side, along with an extended Mine's 8-liter baffled oil sump and Reimax oil pump on the installed engine, helping to maintain oil temperature and pressure through extended circuit sessions. In addition to the installed Mine's Motorsport Stage II N1 Complete Engine hand-built in Japan by Master Engine Builder Toshikazu Nakayama, the sale also includes the original, numbers-matching unit – unmodified from its original spec.

The N1 model also features significant weight reduction over other R34 models. Lighter weight materials are used in key areas of the interior, lowering the center of gravity. Luxury-oriented items such as interior leather trim, convenience lighting, floor climate control ducts, and trunk trim are omitted as are the radio, navigation, and air conditioning systems, though this example had factory Nissan air conditioning added as a dealership-installed option at the time of original purchase. Special N1-specific lightweight rear glass is installed, along with factory deleted rear wiper and rear fog light. Rounding out the performance increases, the V-spec N1 models had larger rear brakes from the factory, improving brake balance and resisting brake fade under performance driving.

This Skyline GT-R V-spec N1 was purchased by the consignor in Japan in 2016. As one of precious few examples sold to the road-going public, it has no known racing history. The primary notable history of the car comes while in the possession of its current, enthusiastic owner. Starting in 2016, it is reported that Skyline was disassembled down to the bare chassis for cleaning. Aside from a rock chip repair, the original lightweight single-stage paint was reportedly retained on the body, front fenders, trunk, and rear bumper. Over the course of six years, parts were meticulously acquired from all over the world to build an era-correct tribute to the famous Mine's N1 demo car. Based on research performed on a pilgrimage to Mine's Japanese headquarters in 2016, many dozens of out-of-production Mine's parts were accumulated to use on the reconstruction of this very special GT-R. This includes, but is not limited to, a complete era-correct Mine's Stage II N1 engine and drivetrain, complete Mine's carbon fiber aero package, extremely rare Mine's BBS magnesium wheels, limited-production Mine's titanium strut tower bar, and a host of other exceedingly rare and valuable parts. The depth and complexity of this build cannot be overstated - Mine's founder Michizo Niikura himself was shocked to see the details of this tribute when he and Master Engine Builder Toshikazu Nakayama inspected the completed car in 2022. The Mine's associates even inquired at the time to see if spares of the rarest parts - particularly the Mine's BBS magnesium wheels - could be acquired from the seller.

To honor the rarity and immaculate presentation of this vehicle, on 04/24/2022 the dashboard of this R34 was signed by Hiroshi Tamura, the original designer of the BNR34 Nissan Skyline GT-R. The vehicle was featured on the cover of DSport magazine as well as a feature in Motor Trend/Super Street.

The seller reports that no irreversible modifications have been made to the car. Critical original parts like the original numbers-matching engine, turbos, and special bodywork were all retained in their factory configuration and will be included in the sale. Included with the car is the original unopened 24U numbers-matching N1 long block, original N1 turbos, original carbon fiber rear diffuser, original aluminum hood, original front bumper, original rear wing, original seats, original steering wheel, original shift knob, original strut tower brace, original air inlet duct, original speedometer, original spare tire, original service booklet and warranty booklet, original N1 ECU for the vehicle, and original Mine's-tuned ECU for the installed engine.

The Mine's Stage II Complete Engine has been dyno tuned to 650 BHP on 100 octane fuel. The consignor states the engine is in sound mechanical condition with no known issues reported. The clutch - last inspected roughly 250km ago - is in good condition with no known issues in the transmission, clutch, or differentials. Similarly, the chassis and bodywork have suffered no known damage or rust. Save for a small chip repair, the paint on the body, doors, fenders, trunk, and rear bumper is original, while the front bumper, hood and side skirts have been repainted. The upgraded AP Racing brakes from Mine's are reportedly at mid service life. The vehicle's electrical system has no known issues. An aftermarket ECU is installed non-destructively to preserve the factory wiring harness. These rare, thoughtful, and masterfully executed modifications truly make this car into the "Ultimate Response Machine".

Rarely seen or offered for sale - especially in the United States - this Nissan Skyline GT-R V-spec N1 represents a spectacular and uncommon opportunity. With many N1 models...