2001 Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R

Whilst many of the Play Station generation will have first experienced the drama of the R34 GT-R V-Spec through Gran Turismo, it was an appearance in "The Fast and the Furious"  franchise that led to an explosion in global popularity for the R34 GT-R. Indeed, the late Paul Walker drove an R34 GT-R in '2 Fast 2 Furious', enhancing its almost cult status. But it was in the 'real' world where the R34 GT-R V-Spec would cement its reputation. Described by Evo Magazine as "A warrior-class performer" in its 2007 road test, where a standard R34 GT-R was pitted against the likes of a McLaren F1, Pagani Zonda, Ferrari F40 and Bugatti Veyron, the GT-R's reputation as a class-act remained intact.

It may not be able to claim the original “Godzilla” title as that remains with the R32 GT-R, but the newcomer definitely carried the torch, and arguably the R34 GT-R has become the most recognised car ever to emerge from Japan in their late-90s golden era. Synonymous with the late Paul Walker who had a true passion for the R34, managing to own 2 of the 14 examples to have been Federalized in the early 2000s. As soon as the Fast and Furious franchise used the GT-R as the hero car in their series, the popularity of the R34 surged worldwide and continues to remain on that upward trajectory to this day.

The R33 GT-R was a good car, but many found it to be too bulky in design and too heavy to be a worthy successor to the R32 GT-R, which the R34 sought to rectify and did so with flying colours. Released with a shorter, sharper design and the performance to match, it’s safe to say the bite truly matches the bark. For a car released in 1999, the R34 came crammed full of technology including a 5.8" LCD multifunction display in the dashboard, showing seven different live readings of engine and vehicle statistics such as boost pressure, oil/water temperature and throttle percentage among others.

It arrived with aggressive new styling, a stiffer bodyshell and a reworked version of the bulletproof and highly modifiable RB26DETT twin-turbo, inline-six mated to an all-new Getrag six-speed gearbox and transfer case. The electronically controlled Super HICAS rear-wheel steering system was retained. Unlike some other performance cars of the 90s, Nissan did not neglect the braking system and fitted Brembo brakes with 300mm vented discs.

This Sonic Silver, R34 GT-R Series I presents in excellent condition and has been maintained religiously throughout its 14-year, UK single ownership. As a Series 1 example, JDM-delivered car, it's one of just 2,709 Series 1s out of a production run of 11,578 cars. Within the history file there is every MOT since its 2008 import. The car has been serviced every year by GT-R Specialists, RB Motorsport, with all invoices on file including an engine refresh in 2018. Costing a whisker under £3,000, the head was skimmed, head gasket replaced as well as timing belts and idlers, giving full confidence to the new owner that the bulletproof RB26 is as ready for action as it's ever been.

With the way R34 GT-R prices have skyrocketed so easily into six-figures in recent years, this cherished, one UK-owner example is surely the last chance to acquire such a desirable car for a reasonable outlay, especially considering the 25-year import rule legalising these cars in the US means that values may well move on even further.