With only 33 of these cars ever made, and only 1 in this colour, there is an awfully large amount of anxiety when pulling out of a drive. But before we get to the juicy bits, a few facts. Class, pay attention.

NISMO (Nissan Motorsport) built 3 complete road cars prior to the 400R, including the R33 Type M , the bodykitted Micra and ending in the NISMO 10 year anniversary edition Nissan Silvia 270R. After the release of the 270R in 1994, Japan eased it’s regulatory restrictions imposed upon Japanese manufacturers. This was an ideal opportunity for NISMO to show the world what it was capable of. Skyline fever was high and the timing was great.

In 1996 Nismo released this 400R based on the BCNR33 GT-R. As a starting point, they channelled all their race expertise and technology into the car, turning it into possibly the most focused production car ever to emerge from Japan. With no price target, NISMO had free reign to construct their trophy to the world. What started initially as a 99 car limited edition run ended up with only 44 cars sold to customers, only 1 of these being the Championship Blue edition you see here.

New, this car was sold for over £100,000.00 and used 400R prices are still very high in the market, as they are traded based on brand-new vehicle prices. I remember 6 years ago seeing a 400R in the Sunday Times classified section with a cool £150,000 asking price. Europe had woken up to the might of the Japanese supercar and this was a powerful blow.

Stepping into the seat is a nerve racking experience. How does one treat a one off car such as this? A legend in motoring terms, the 400R was the epitome of the Skyline. A carbon sculpture. Some would argue, a piece of Motorsport art. Whichever way you look at it, you can’t deny neither its presence or its performance, for they are both gigantic in proportion. Decked out in complete NISMO aero-kit and wheels and the token Motorsport stripe down the sides ending in the iconic 400R symbol, it’s a wolf in wolfs clothing, for there is no deceit here. It walks the walk.

How does it drive? Well, the keen eyed among you will notice the engine is a little different. Based on a 2.8 ltr engine, the base is a lot more powerful than the stock RB26DETT. Not only different in character, but also in its execution. The mechanical, metallic sound is so race bred, coupled with the full NISMO exhaust, the car reeks chequered flag. The competition NISMO clutch and the G-Attack NISMO sports suspension means the car is no Budget rent-a-car in London traffic. With pot holes and traffic jams, if it wasn’t for shop window reflections, one would get very impatient. With a guaranteed and fully legal 400BHP, it takes a 200 metre blank in the road to remind you why you’ve just spent upwards of £70,000 for a Nissan.

Bear in mind this car is fully restricted, with a fully catalysed exhaust system and very modest ECU set up, there is great potential to turn this into a firebreather. Although 400BHP is a lot for a car, don’t forget, the Skyline is not a light car. An easily accessibly 600BHP would make it one of the best performers in the world. But we are talking in the world of Gran Turismo here, where there is a world of saving and loading. I would only abuse it’s originality if I could revert back to its original state. This car was meant to be as is. Buy it. Polish it. Cherish it.

Most of my time was spent in peaceful reflection. Standing next to a car that is unique in kind, I hope that whoever buys it has a very large bedroom.

Car is owned and for sale by Prospec Motorsport