1999 SKYLINE R34 GT-R

What were the main reasons you bought this car? 
The R34 has been a dream car for as long as I can remember. I would have liked a Spec’d model but I’m happy with what I got for the money. 

When did you buy it? 
August 2016. A friend who imported cars and parts from Japan had contacts look at one or two cars that popped up at auctions most weeks. 

How do rate the overall condition? 
When I got it, a seven, and now an eight. It’s still some way off where I want it to be. 

The design features you like most? 
The bulkiness and aggression of the square front and the staunch stance with those powerful rear guards. 

Your longest trip in the car? 
Probably Auckland to Sandy Bay, north of Whangarei. 

How often do you use it?
At least every fortnight. I do like to enjoy the car.

Has it exceeded your expectations in any ways?
I love the car but was initially a little disappointed with the power. I’ve owned lighter and quicker cars before. Everyone envisages these cars to be extremely quick, and they certainly have the potential to be.

What improvements have you made so far?
I’ve replaced the bonnet, bootlid, exhaust and undertray, and I’ve added the rear wing, sill extensions and 20-inch Rays alloys (from an R35). The inside is little changed except for the removal of the old GPS system and Japanese radio, and the addition of a new gear shifter.

Do you have long-term intentions with your car?
Definitely. I don’t expect to part with it. A full engine build is on the cards and one day I’d like to fit a sequential gearbox. The new engine will have a 3.0-litre block, 2.6-litre twin-cam head, a large single turbo, bigger intercooler and a fuel system upgrade. A reason for the separate motor is that if I ever get the urge to sell the car, I can return it to completely standard.

Does this model have an Achilles heel?
The engine is the last of the in-line sixes for the Skyline. They ironed out a lot of the oil pump issues that they had in earliers models. Oil starvation and bottom end bearings can be things to watch for. The R34 was the only model that got the six-speed manual gearbox; it’s suitably strong.

Have you owned other Nissan models?
Several, including a non-GT-R Skyline and a Sylvia with 335kW at the rear wheels.

Would you be more likely to buy an American or an Italian car?
An older American classic.

What was the first car you drove, and where did you drive it?
Nana’s Suzuki Alto around a Christchurch cul-de-sac.

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