by Four-door versions of the legendary Nissan Skyline GT-R generations R32, R33, and R34 have always remained in the shadow of their two-door siblings. They were considered more practical, rarer, and usually not as performance-oriented. However, there is an exception – a special modification that was in no way inferior to the standard coupe.
The Unique GT-R Autech
This is a special version of the four-door R33 Skyline, developed by Nissan’s tuning division – Autech. The car was not a simplified version; it fully shared key components with the two-door R33 GT-R, including the engine, transmission, and suspension. The model was officially presented at the Tokyo Motor Show in 1997, timed to coincide with the 40th anniversary of the Skyline model.
Technical Specifications
Under the hood of the Autech version lies the same iconic engine as in the coupe – the 2.6-liter inline six-cylinder RB26DETT twin-turbo engine. The stated power was 276 horsepower, and torque was 271 pound-feet. These figures are due to the Japanese gentlemen’s agreement of the time, and the engine’s real potential is significantly higher. All-wheel drive was implemented via the ATTESA system and a 5-speed manual transmission.
Engine: 2.6L RB26DETT twin turbo inline six
Power (stated): 206 kW (276 hp) at 6800 rpm
Torque (stated): 368 Nm (271 lb-ft) at 4400 rpm
Transmission: ATTESA all-wheel drive, 5-speed manual
Suspension: Multi-link front and rear
Brakes: Ventilated discs front and rear
Tires: 245/45ZR17
Dimensions: Length 4755 mm, Width 1780 mm, Height 1380 mm, Wheelbase 2720 mm
Weight: 1560 kg
A Rare Specimen
Only 416 such cars were ever built, and none were originally intended for sale in the USA. However, there is now an opportunity to purchase one of them. At least two cars from 1998 are currently on the market, and one of them is already on American soil.
A Specimen with History
Car number 247 out of 416 has 239,939 kilometers (approximately 148,470 miles) on the odometer. For any Skyline GT-R, let alone a limited edition, this is significant mileage. Remarkably, despite its age and mileage, the car remains almost entirely original. The only modification is a Fujitsubo exhaust system. The exterior shows minor signs of use: damage to the front bumper, a scratch on the left fender, a crack on the sill, and wear on the driver’s door. The interior also shows wear on the driver’s seat, steering wheel, and gear shift boot.
Market Offers
This particular GT-R Autech is offered by Import Auto Center in South Carolina for $44,985. This is a moderate sum for such a rare and mechanically clean example, considering the mileage and cosmetic flaws. For those who value lower mileage, there is another option. JDM Expo offers a cleaner car for export at a price of $78,500. Its mileage is only 57,788 kilometers (approximately 35,907 miles). The higher price reflects the excellent condition and preservation of this specimen, although it has not yet been delivered to the USA.
The availability of such cars on the market underscores their growing collector value. They represent a unique combination of sedan practicality and the legendary racing performance of the GT-R lineage. The high mileage of one of the specimens attests to the reliability of the design, even under intensive use. The price difference between the two offered cars clearly illustrates how condition and mileage affect the value of collectible Japanese sports cars on the modern market. Demand for such rare models is likely only to grow over time.
