The Nissan Skyline had been around for quite some time before the GT-R name arrived, having been introduced as a variant of the base model. The R33 was manufactured from 1995-1998, with thousands of models produced. It succeeded the R32, and was succeeded by the R34 after 1998. While surviving models are neither rare nor hard to find, the ones for sale vary widely on the price, based on condition, mileage, and possible modifications and restorations. Dozens of the 1995 editions of the R33 have been sold within the past six months.

Read on to find out what the approximate value of a 1995 R33 Nissan Skyline GT-R is.

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High-Performance Origins Of The R33 GT-R

The Nissan Skyline GT-R began life as a high-performance variant of the base model Skyline. The Skyline GT-R dates back to 1969 at the Tokyo Motor show when it was first unveiled. The reception was positive enough that units were produced from 1969-1972. With its inline-six engine that could put out 160 HP, the first-generation Skyline GT-R was unprecedented in multiple aspects and was derived in many ways from the Nissan Prince R380 racing prototype.

It handled well via its four-wheel independent suspension and a four-valve Dual Overhead Cam engine. The first generation GT-R also achieved some fame and notoriety with its winning track record, managing to win 52 races within its first three years as part of Japan's domestic touring races. As a result of that success, later generations received the green light for production, leading to a two-door version being released in 1970.

Sadly, factors outside the Nissan's control, such as a global gasoline crisis, led to a pause in its production. That said, once the 1996 model year arrived, the 1995 R33 Nissan Skyline GT-R was introduced as a high-performance variant of the base model Skyline, and 16,668 units were manufactured by the time production finally concluded in 1998.

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How The R33 GT-R Evolved From Its Predecessor

A few things helped this vehicle stand out from its immediate predecessor, the GT-R R32. The R33 was considered to have superior weight distribution, optimized traction control, and better chassis stiffness, and it performed better, largely credited to a new all-wheel drive system known as “ATTESA E-TS PRO.” These were notable improvements from Nissan based on areas for improvement on the R32.

The R33 also had a slightly more updated engine than its predecessor did, and it showcased a five-speed manual transmission that would send power to all four wheels. The engine itself was a twin-turbo, inline-six, 2.6-liter engine. Once 1998 came around, the R33 was retired in favor of its successor, the R34, with more advanced displays and a more streamlined chassis.

The Painstaking Process To Assemble The R33 GT-R Engine

Crafting and piecing together the engine was an intricate task taken incredibly seriously. Units are built in Nissan's Yokohama, Japan facility, where a specialized team is brought together for the exclusive purpose of engine assembly. Four men, known as “the Takumi,” are in charge of this specific task. With a century's worth of experience among the four of them, these master craftsmen are able to hand-construct a GT-R engine and a plaque is displayed on each engine, showcasing the name of its builder.

The Price Range Of The R33 GT-R Swings Wide

For an intact model, the price can vary greatly, depending on condition, mileage, and other factors. Classic.com reported the average price of a 1995 R33 Nissan Skyline GT-R at $67,714, based on 26 sales. Among those sales, however, prices ranged anywhere between $37,750 to $235,200, which is a rather wide range. Most recently, a 1995 GT-R sold on May 13 for $58,000.

That said, prices can also vary at private sellers' discretion, and they may ask more based on mileage, condition, and possible restoration. For example, the aforementioned $58,000 sale was from a seller in Downey, CA, and the model had 13,049 miles and was restored. Another model was sold four months ago in Hillsborough County, NH for $53,133. That model had 22,991 mi and had modifications, but was not restored. A third model was sold in December 2021 for $75,000. Despite the high price, it only had 9,942 mi, though like the previous example, it was modified, but not restored.

This just goes to show how popular the R33 GT-R is among car enthusiasts. The Nissan GT-R is only one example of how Japan proved to the world that performance did not have to be exclusive to the wealthy, with six figure price tags. The GT-R took on super cars of its time in terms of performance, at an affordable price, while also leaving headroom in terms of performance for tuners to push the limits of the super car killer even further. It is why the Nissan Skyline GT-R is endearingly nicknamed as "Godzilla"!

Sources: classic.com, nissanusa.com,