1998 Nissan Skyline HR-34 GT

Highlights 

• A more affordable and practical version of Nissan's iconic R34 GT-R

• Rare and interesting model

• Long, advisory-free MOT

• Decent, usable condition throughout

• Potential simple rolling project

Overview

Everybody knows about the Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R, even those who couldn't care less about car culture. It's an iconic model that has passed from JDM folklore into everyday common consciousness thanks in part to its proliferation in popular media. We're looking at you, Fast and Furious...

But few people are aware that the R34 came in a number of different guises aside from the fire-breathing, twin-turbo GT-R – one of them being the HR34 GT. Featuring two extra doors than its performance oriented brother and fitted with a 2.0-litre, naturally aspirated straight-six, the HR34 GT was, and still is, a much more affordable and practical variant of one of Nissan's most legendary offerings.

Way more usable and fuel-efficient, the HR34 GT retains a commanding presence and still has a fairly decent level of performance thanks to that RB20DE NEO engine. For those not au fait with Nissan naming conventions the RB refers to the family of engines (in this case a collection of straight-six four-strokes) whilst the 20 indicates it as having 2.0-litres of displacement and the DE means dual overhead cam and electronic fuel injection. The NEO is Nissan's version of Honda's VTEC system - Nissan Ecology Oriented Variable Valve Lift and Timing. So now you know.

But enough nomenclature nonsense, let's talk about the car we have available. This is a 1998 Nissan Skyline HR34 GT that was imported from Japan and first registered in the UK in 2019. Fully road legal it has been used by the seller as a daily driver throughout their ownership and is reported as driving well with a smooth, quiet and reliable engine.

The vendor tells us that there are various service invoices and maintenance receipts, including parts imported directly from Japan and the documentation has been kept up to date since the car arrived in the UK. There are a few minor cosmetic and mechanical issues to address but the car appears solid and in decent overall condition so whether you need a more interesting whip for the daily commute or a quirky rolling project this Skyline makes for a rare and characterful JDM classic. 

History and documentation

• 1998 model year

• Japanese import

• In current ownership since February 2024

• V5C present and correct

• First registered 01/07/1998

• First registered in the UK 01/03/2019

• Advisory-free MOT until 03/03/2026

• HPI clear

Interior

• The interior presents well generally with typical wear and tear for the car's age and mileage

• The cloth seats appear free from damage and are wearing well

• The headlining is in good condition and does not sag

• The plastic trim and steering wheel have some noticeable cosmetic wear but nothing out of the ordinary

• Door cards are in good shape

• The vendor states that there are no major electrical issues or faults but the central locking system occasionally misses the passenger side door when locking from the driver’s side and the rear driver's side window is currently stuck and does not lower

• The vendor informs us that the air conditioning is fully functional

• Large red fog light switch fitted under the steering wheel

• The car is fitted with a Panasonic CD stereo head unit

• The boot area is clean and tidy and the car comes complete with space saver spare wheel and tyre

Exterior

• Again, the bodywork and silver paint are in generally good condition commensurate with the car's age and mileage

• There are some minor scratches around the body, mostly from bushes according to the vendor, as well as some wear to the door handles but nothing apparently major or structural

• The vendor states that the rear panel around the boot light has been professionally repaired due to rust

• Some slight surface corrosion where the boot lid meets the body

• The original front bumper has been replaced with a new body kit as part of a GT-R-style conversion by the current vendor

• The 18” Wolfrace Eurosport alloy wheels are serviceable but not in great cosmetic condition with all four having some degree of curb rash

• The vendor informs us that the tyres still have usable tread but are due for replacement soon

• The car appears to be solid underneath with no signs of damage but there is some surface rust to note 

Mechanical

• 153bhp, 2.0-litre straight-six engine

• Four-speed automatic gearbox with overdrive

• Rear-wheel drive

• Electronic stability control

• After market exhaust

• The engine bay presents well with no signs of significant rust or build up of grime

• The vendor informs us that the front bushings are cracked which causes some steering wheel wobble at around 40–60mph but it doesn't render the car unusable

• The vendor states that there is a slight squeaking from the belts upon start up

• The vendor also tells us that the car starts first time, every time and runs beautifully, pulling  smoothly and driving well

• The brakes are reported to be responsive with solid stopping performance

Summary

Let's be honest, owning a Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R is not in the realms of possibility for most of us mere mortals but that needn't stop you from enjoying a less lairy version with the added bonus of improved efficiency, reliability and practicality. 

Restore this HR34 GT back to its original spec or tidy it up and carry on with the aesthetic tweaks but whatever you decide you'll have a rather unique and compelling Japanese modern classic that's both inherently usable and still really rather provocative.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located near Bristol.