Any JDM fan knows just how special Nissan’s R34 Skyline GT-R is. An icon of road, track and video game screen, it’s a holy grail car for which nearly all Japanese car enthusiasts. But what if there was a level above the “regular” 1999-2002 GT-R? A car that’s not just pricey and hard to find, but nearly unobtainable. Well, welcome to the world of NISMO.
Nissan Motorsports International (NISMO) has been the highly successful racing division of Nissan since 1984. As Nissan’s hold on racing grew, NISMO also dabbled in the production car realm, with important cars like the R32 GT-R NISMO which it used to homologate the chassis for its highly successful run in Group A racing. Later, the folks at NISMO stepped up their game offering a production R33 (1995-98) GT-R with real deal Le Mans competition technology in the form of the 400R. Since the late 1990s, NISMO has offered sharper versions of many Nissan models. It has also become the place to send your standard GT-R for full restoration. And while you’re at it, some major upgrades.
This is where the Clubman Race Spec (CRS) comes in. These are not individual cars for sale by Nissan, but rather customer cars that have been sent back to NISMO for upgrading. While there are many specifications to choose from, the CRS was built with the philosophy that this could be a car you can drive hard at the track, but be civilized enough to drive home. Fans of the 911 GT3 are well acquainted with this concept.
On the exterior, it’s very clear that this is not an average GT-R. A set of carbon fenders and front bumper in the style of the legendary Z-Tune spec GT-Rs as well as a lightweight carbon hood are instant standouts. Aerodynamic performance is also enhanced by a carbon diffuser, keeping air from getting trapped under the car.
Scratch below the surface and the list of enhancements keep on coming. A set of big Brembo brakes have been fitted with special carbon air deflectors to channel air to cool the rotors. Handling is enhanced by a full OHLINS suspension and a special titanium NISMO strut brace. Power comes from a variety of NISMO built engines based on the RB26DETT engine from the 450 horsepower R2 to the nearly 500 horsepower R4 with a sublime exhaust note coming from a fully titanium N1 exhaust system.
So just how rare is a CRS spec GT-R. Well, with under 20 believed to have been produced, seeing one of these in the wild is a cause for excitement, let alone one that is for sale like this one that will appear at Broad Arrow’s sale at the Monterey Jet Center this coming August. It is reported to be the only CRS GT-R produced in GV1 Black Pearl Metallic.
Starting life as a GT-R V-Spec, this CRS was sent to NISMO for upgrade in 2023. The list of changes is extensive, and includes the larger 2.8 liter R4 engine block plus turbos from the R3 to make for a stout 465 horsepower track missile that still retains its NISMO component warranty. Completing just 32 kilometers since restoration and upgrade, this is believed to be one of NISMO’s most recent CRS builds.
So what’s this one expected to bring? Broad Arrow is estimating a stout $700,000-$850,000, which would put it at one of the most expensive Skylines ever to sell at auction. Considering that standard production R34s have reached the half-million dollar mark, standard NISMO restorations are rumored to cost hundreds of thousands not to mention and the waitlist to have your R34 turned into a CRS is undoubtedly years long. The hefty price tag to have a truly special car and skip the line is probably worth it to a number of JDM enthusiasts.
I love it and can’t afford it.
