One to Buy: 1995 Nissan R33 Skyline GT-R N1 'Nismo 400R Homage'
Although the Nismo 400R was the ultimate R33-based Skyline GT-R that Nissan offered to the public, at the time there was insufficient demand to meet the projected sales target of 100 units and only 44 actually emerged.
Prior to the 400R’s arrival, the flagship R33 had been the Nismo-tuned N1 which was launched alongside the base GT-R and V-spec versions in January 1995. Like its R32 predecessor, Nissan’s latest iteration of the N1 theme was conceived to homologate an optimised competition variant (in this case for the Japanese GT Championship).
Based on the V-spec platform, the N1 was lightened, simplified and featured an enhanced, more tuneable engine. Less than 100 are believed to have been produced, all of which were painted QM1 White.
Set to go under the hammer at Bonhams’ Miami Auction on May 3rd is an R33 GT-R which started life as a standard N1 which was subsequently modified to incorporate an array of 400R and other custom features.
Built over the course of three years by Australian tuner Andrew Hannason of Legendary Garage, chassis ‘006529’ was cosmetically enhanced with genuine 400R bumpers, side skirts, a carbon hood, diffuser and rear spoiler. Rays Nismo LM GT1 wheels finished in white with blue accents were also fitted along with the seats and steering wheel from the 400R. Mechanically there are custom Garrett turbos with billet internals, HKS hard pipes, an HKS intercooler, a 400R exhaust, Ohlins adjustable coil-over dampers and R35 brakes.
Said to produce in the region of 800bhp, chassis ‘006529’ will be sold at No Reserve.
Reprinted below is Bonhams’ description:
Reprinted below is Bonhams’ description:
Chassis no. BCNR33006529
A limited homologation special developed by Nismo for the Japanese GT championship
Extensively modified by Andrew Hannason's Legendary Garage in Australia
Car number 29 of 55 V-spec N1 models produced
Modified to 400R visuals with a factory body kit and seats
Genuine 24U' N1 block, forged bottom end, tuned to a stonking 800bhp!
Rare and authentic Rays NISMO LM GT1 wheels
Shown at SEMA and featured by 'Top Gear' Magazine
A cult-classic supercar for the 'Playstation Generation' of petrolheads
THE NISSAN SKYLINE R33 GT-R N1
Following in the footsteps of a giant is no easy task, especially the Godzilla-sized giant known as the R32 Skyline GT-R. That is precisely the challenge Nissan engineers faced when developing the world-beating R32's replacement. While the new R33 was bound to live in the shadow of its illustrious predecessor, any worries about its abilities were quickly put to bed once it hit the road.
The Skyline R32 famously trounced all comers in Group A touring car racing but when the FIA introduced the 2-liter Super Tourer formula, Godzilla was left out in the cold. So, Nissan Motorsports (NISMO) developed its successor for the home-grown All Japan GT Championship, necessitating a new homologation special, known as the V-Spec N1, introduced in 1995.
All R33 N1s were finished in 'QM1 White', eschewing such frivolities as air conditioning, heated rear window, stereo, and ABS (not allowed under JGTC rules), while aero enhancements included an adjustable rear spoiler and carbon fiber undertray.
Nismo reworked the RB26DETT with a reinforced N1-specific 24U block, stronger all metal turbos replacing the ceramic units, new cams, oil cooler, and much more. The sophisticated chassis featured ATTESA E-TS PRO all-wheel drive, multilink suspension, active differentials, Super HICAS 4-wheel steering, front and rear strut braces, Brembo Brakes, and tuned damper/spring rates shared with the standard V-spec.
While rated at the same 276bhp as the standard car, actual output was likely well over 300bhp, but a gentleman's agreement among manufacturers prevented Nissan from speaking the truth.
Several special editions used the R33 platform, but the N1 is one of the rarest and most focused. It is said that just 87 cars were built, and none were sold to general consumers – you had to be a race team or Nissan insider to get your paws on the N1, so very few survive, and they are among the most coveted Skyline special editions; a cult-classic supercar for the 'Playstation Generation' of car enthusiasts.
THE CAR OFFERED
This stunning automobile represents one enthusiast's vision of the ultimate R33 Skyline GT-R, combining the brilliance of the rare race-bred N1 chassis with the Nismo 400R's muscular, iconic styling. Built over the course of three years by Australian tuner Andrew Hannason of Legendary Garage, this car is number 29 of the approximately 55 lightweight R33 GT-R N1 models produced by Nismo.
To realize his ultimate R33 GT-R, Hannason reportedly sourced genuine Nismo 400R bumpers, side skirts, carbon hood, diffuser, and rear spoiler, pumping up the aggression over the understated N1. 400R graphics and highly desirable Rays Nismo LM GT1 wheels, refinished in white with blue accents, provide the finishing touches on the QM1 White body. Inside, there are Nismo 400R seats, steering wheel and other rare, authentic Nismo fittings.
Of course, it's under the hood where things really take shape, in the form of a correct N1 engine block (identified by its '24U' casting number) with forged internals and a ported cylinder head, all built by Australia's Motorsports Mechanical. Custom Garrett turbos with billet internals breathe in through HKS hard pipes and intercooler, and out through an N1 port-matched manifold and 400R exhaust.
With myriad other internal and external improvements (documented in an accompanying spec sheet), the engine is said to produce a tarmac-rippling 800bhp at the wheels. With that sort of grunt and the N1's legendary handling – enhanced by this car's Öhlins adjustable coil-overs and 380mm brakes from an R35 – this spectacular GT-R is undoubtedly capable of worrying virtually any supercar built in the last 20 years.
Beyond its mind-melting spec, the build quality reflects the collective expertise and passion the Legendary Garage team poured into this car over three years. It has since been shown at SEMA in 2024 and was featured by Top Gear magazine.
With the ultra-rare lightweight V-spec N1 as its basis, this represents a rare opportunity to finally live your dream of owning one of the coolest JDM cars of all time. If only you could take it to Gran Turismo's Trial Mountain for hot laps!
