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Fans of the R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R are in for a treat as five Godzillas go under the hammer at Broad Arrow’s upcoming Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este Auction.
The sale, on the banks of Italy’s Lake Como on May 16-17, also includes two examples of JDM hero, Honda’s NSX, with both a 2009 Type S (below left) and a 2003 Type R (below right) being offered. Honda only made 209 Type S NSXs, and 140 Type Rs, so both are expected to have bidders getting fast and furious.
Broad Arrow
Broad Arrow
It’s the Skylines that are the stars, however, with the Godzilla group anticipated to set some serious numbers, despite none having a reserve price. “The market for JDM vehicles is thriving around the world, with great interest in some of Japan’s most iconic models among serious international collectors,” says Joe Twyman, vice president of sales EMEA Region for Broad Arrow Auctions. “This is surely one of the widest selections of significant JDM cars offered in a single auction and we are tremendously excited to offer this lineup of era-defining cars in our second sale as the official auction partner of the Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este.”
Here’s a closer look at the GT-Rs up for grabs.
Broad Arrow
First up is a 1999 GT-R finished in Midnight Purple—a wild color-shifting hue that looks turquoise at times. The engine is upgraded to 2.8 liters and fitted with a GReddy turbocharger, which gives it a claimed 690 horsepower. 18-inch Nismo LMGT4 wheels and a GT limited-slip differential are installed, and the car has covered 43,376 km (26,953 miles)—all in its native Japan. Broad Arrow estimates a hammer price of €325,000-€400,000 ($382,000-$470,000).
Broad Arrow
From 2001 there’s an M-Spec edition, which is one of only 366 examples built. Named after chief engineer Mizuno, the car rides on Ripple Control comfort dampers for more of a GT feel. This one comes in Silica Brass over a black leather interior and has travelled 23,000 km (14,290 miles) since new. It could be yours for between €450,000 and €600,000 ($528,000-$705,000) reckons Broad Arrow.
Broad Arrow
Also from ’01 is a V-Spec III Nismo S car, which is ridiculously rare. Just 14 were made, absolutely slathered with Nismo parts and putting out 394 hp. Classic Bayside Blue paint, and white wheels, along with only 11,000 km (6835 miles) on the clock make this one of the most desirable of the lot. €500,000 to €700,000 ($587,000-$822,000) is the estimate.
Broad Arrow
A 2002 GT-R V Spec Nür is next. It’s one of 156 cars painted JWO Millennium Jade, and fitted with the N1 -spec engine, with bigger turbochargers and an output of 325 horsepower. With a carbon fiber hood it’s lighter than standard, and boasts stiffer suspension, a gold valve cover and a 300 km/h speedometer. One of the last R34 GT-Rs built, Broad Arrow suggests it could sell for €375,000-€450,000 ($440,000-$528,000).
Broad Arrow
Lastly is the most extreme Skyline of its era. The 2002 CRS by Nismo was rebuilt as part of the Omori factory’s Clubman Race Spec restoration program, introduced in 2013. Following a full nut-and-bolt resto in 2022 this car came out even better than new. Upgrades include a 2.8-liter F-Sport R motor, with 493 hp, Nismo dampers, a sports radiator, and a Weldina NE-1 muffler kit. There’s a R-Tune carbon hood, forged aluminum RAYS wheels with Brembo brakes from the later R35 model, plus various Z-Tune body mods. Inside, there a set of Nismo instruments, which are no longer made. Fewer than 20 cars went through the CRS program, making this one of the rarest GT-Rs in the world. That’s reflected in Broad Arrow’s estimate of €700,000-€850,000 ($822,000-$998,000).
Check out the entire auction lineup at Broad Arrow.