1977 RA40 Toyota Celica ST Liftback

1977 RA40 Toyota Celica ST liftback. It is very rare to see these 40 years old Celica nowadays.

The second generation Celica's list of variants is surprisingly large and vast. Apparently there are about 70 variants being offered for this Celica throughout its lifespan in its home market in Japan from 1977 to 1981. This is a very short lifespan for a sports car which is only 4 years before its successor came. Amazing that in 4 short years, 70 different variants can be offered for a sports car. You can imagine the kind of strong economical position that Toyota was in back then to be able to do something like this. So many different combination of parts were made for this long list of second generation Celica variants and it was only sold for a short 4 years.

Only two body style was offered in Japan which is the coupe body style and a liftback body style like the one pictured here. However for some markets like those in western countries, a cabriolet body style was also offered. Engine options were plenty for this Celica with about 10 different kinds of engines offered across its lifespan, ranging from a base 1.6 litre engine to a 2 litre engine for the Japanese market. The American market engine options topped out at a larger 2.4 litre engine.

Although this second generation Celica is not as popular or as expensive as the first generation Celica, it still carries its own charm and unique styling that could no longer be found in modern car designs today. Even its price for the local Malaysian used car market is much lower than the first generation Celica with many being sold under RM20k despite having a good condition.

History of the BNR34 Nissan Skyline GT-R

This is the history of the 5th generation Nissan Skyline GT-R, the BNR34. This album here will only focus on the Japanese market brand new models. 

All credits goes to the original owners of the photos.

The BNR34 Nissan Skyline GT-R was first released in January 1999. It is the successor of the previous BCNR33 Nissan Skyline GT-R. The BNR34 Nissan Skyline GT-R was sold from year 1999 to 2002. 

Like every other Nissan Skyline GT-R before it, the BNR34 Skyline GT-R is a more powerful version of the normal R34 Skyline as it had a stronger and reworked chassis, engine, transmission, brakes and suspension. The drivetrain of the BNR34 Skyline GT-R was also upgraded to a 4WD layout instead being of rear wheel driven in the normal R34 Skyline.

Design and styling wise, the BNR34 Skyline GT-R returned to a boxy, angular and squarish design, similar to the 3rd generation BNR32 Skyline GT-R. Meanwhile for its direct predecessor, the 4th generation BCNR33 Skyline GT-R had a curvy organic styling and design. 

The BNR34 Skyline GT-R's design and styling were also highly influenced by aerodynamic factors as this is one major sector where the BNR34 improved over its predecessor.

Similar to its previous two predecessors, the 3rd generation BNR32 and 4th generation BCNR33 Skyline GT-R, the BNR34 Skyline GT-R is also powered by the same 2.6 litre inline-6 RB26DETT engine parallel twin turbo system paired together with 6 independent throttle bodies. Official output figures for this engine would be 276hp with 392nm of torque. Horsepower figure remained the same as the BCNR33 Skyline GT-R but torque figure had been increased to 392nm from 368nm in the BCNR33. 

The major visual and appearance difference for the RB26DETT engine in the BNR34 Skyline GT-R would be its colour as it was painted in red instead of black like its predecessors. The wording on top of the engine was also changed to SKYLINE GT-R NISSAN instead of NISSAN TWIN CAM 24 VALVE on its predecessors.

The brakes for the BNR34 Skyline GT-R are similar with its predecessor the BCNR33 Skyline GT-R as they are Brembo brakes with 4 pistons up front and 2 pistons at rear. 

Visual difference between the BCNR33 and BNR34 brakes would be the colour as the BNR34 had gold calipers with red BREMBO wording instead of black calipers with white BREMBO wording on the BCNR33. 

The wheel size for the BNR34 Skyline GT-R was also upgraded into 18 inch with 245/40/R18 Bridgestone Potenza RE040 tyres. Its predecessor the BCNR33 Skyline GT-R had 17 inch wheels with 245/45/R17 Bridgestone Potenza RE010 tyres.

The transmission is one of the major upgrade for the BNR34 Skyline GT-R as it was equipped with a 6 speed manual transmission made by Getrag.

Like the BCNR33 Skyline GT-R, the BNR34 Skyline GT-R also adopted a similar double wishbone suspension setup on all 4 sides. 

The electric driven Super HICAS rear wheel steering system that helps to steer the rear wheels to improve handling was also equipped on the BNR34 Skyline GT-R.

Nissan's four wheel drive system, the ATTESA E-TS  was also equipped to the BNR34 Skyline GT-R. ATTESA stands for Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All-Terrain. It is a complicated system that adjusts torque split through various sensors to monitor driving conditions such as road and speed conditions.

As mentioned earlier, the aerodynamic of the BNR34 Skyline GT-R was much improved over its predecessor, the BCNR33 Skyline GT-R. Over here you can see that flat underbody panels were added to the BNR34 Skyline GT-R to improve aerodynamic.

The dashboard of the BNR34 Nissan Skyline GT-R. 

Although the BNR34 is considered as a road going racing car, it still came with a good amount of interior features such as a digital climate control panel, electric powered retractable side mirrors, 4 air bags and a LCD Multi Function Display at the centre of the dashboard.

The mileage odometre on the BNR34 Skyline GT-R was also changed to a digital display unit instead of an analog unit on its predecessor. 

The RPM tachometre on the V-Spec variant is also slightly different as readings below 3000RPM are compressed in scale. 

The BNR34 Skyline GT-R no longer uses additional analog gauges to display engine information and readings as it had an LCD panel to display all these information. There are several mode selection choices to display on the LCD screen.

The LCD Multi Info Display (MFD) panel on the BNR34 Skyline GT-R shows several kinds of reading such as :

1. Boost pressure 

2. Throttle input

3. Injector output

4. Engine oil temperature

5. Radiator water temperature

For V-Spec models, additional engine intake and exhaust temperature are also shown on the MFD panel.

The front seats of the BNR34 Skyline GT-R were also upgraded to semi bucket seats that provides more additional side support and two harness holes compared to the seats on the BCNR33 Skyline GT-R.

During launch, the BNR34 Skyline GT-R can be had in the normal variant or the higher spec V-Spec variant that stands for Victory.

The BNR34 Skyline GT-R V-Spec variant had several differences compared to the normal variant such as: 

1. ATTESA E-TS PRO 

2. Active LSD

3. Front diffuser

4. Rear carbon diffuser 

5. Brake air duct

6. Stiffer suspension setting

7. Intake and exhaust temperature shown on MFD

8. Different RPM tachometre

The year 1999 BNR34 Nissan Skyline GT-R, also known as Series 1 was available with several colour options which consists of :

1. Bayside Blue (TV2)

2. White (QM1)

3. Sonic Silver (KR4)

4. Athlete Silver (KV2)

5. Black Pearl (GV1)

6. Active Red (AR2)

7. Lightning Yellow (EV1)

Active Red (AR2), Lightning Yellow (EV1) and Sonic Silver (KR4) are considered as rare colours as they were only available for Series 1 BNR34 Skyline GT-R.

The BNR34 Skyline GT-R can also be had in an even higher performance variant known as V-Spec N1. 

The V-Spec N1 was only available in white (QM1) paint and was based on the V-Spec cars. Externally, it had very little visual difference with the V-Spec variant. It had upgraded performance parts while some creature comforts were removed to reduce weight. 

The performance related upgrades for the V-Spec N1 would be:

1. N1 engine block (stamped 24U)

2. N1 ball bearing steel turbochargers

3. Larger rear brakes and rotors (322mm)

4. Larger engine oil cooler 

For the removed creature comforts, it would be:

1. No rear fog light

2. No rear wiper 

3. No UV Cut Glass

4. Reflector door markers

5. Resin hand brake lever

6. Resin centre console lid

7. No rear boot lid trim

8. No audio system

9. No air conditioning system

10. No remote control key

11. No glove box lamp

12. Black unpainted side mirrors

A special limited colour BNR34 Skyline GT-R known as Midnight Purple II (LV4) was released at the end of January 1999. It had a limited production run with special kind of purple paint that gives out a different hue depending on lighting conditions.

Few months later in October 1999, another special limited colour BNR34 Skyline GT-R was released. The Midnight Purple III (LX0) was also a limited production unit and it had a different kind of colour hue compared to the earlier Midnight Purple II (LV4). 

The wheels for the BNR34 Skyline GT-R Midnight Purple III were also painted in a lighter shade of silver compared to the normal BNR34 wheels.

In October year 2000, the BNR34 Skyline GT-R was updated with several changes and was known as Series 2 from now on. 

Externally, the Series 2 is very similar with the Series 1 with the major difference being the front bumper signal indicators changed to clear indicators instead of orange indicators in Series 1. 

For Series 2 BNR34 Skyline GT-R, the VIN plate had been changed to silver and the engine bay was painted according to the body colour unlike Series 1 with blue VIN plate and black painted engine bay.

The rear brakes for Series 2 were also upgraded to larger size with larger rotors, from 300mm to 322mm, which is the same as the ones found on the earlier V-Spec N1.

For the Series 2 BNR34 Skyline GT-R, the V-Spec variant had been replaced by the V-Spec II.

There aren't many major difference over here except for the front hood that was made out of carbon fibre with a NACA duct vent.

Colour options for the Series 2 BNR34 Skyline GT-R had been changed slightly with Active Red (AR2), Lighting Yellow (EV1) and Sonic Silver (KR4) removed from the lineup. One new colour was added to the lineup, White Pearl (QX1). The colour options for Series 2 are:

1. Bayside Blue (TV2)

2. White (QM1)

3. Sparkling Silver (WV2)

4. Athlete Silver (KV2)

5. Black Pearl (GV1)

6. White Pearl (QX1)

The BNR34 Skyline GT-R V-Spec N1 was replaced by the V-Spec II N1. It doesn't have much changes except for the earlier listed Series 2 changes and the major change could be black unpainted carbon fibre hood with NACA duct vent.

In May 2001, a new variant was added to the BNR34 Skyline GT-R lineup. Known as M-Spec, it was marketed as a more comfortable and luxury version of the BNR34 Skyline GT-R. The M on the M-Spec stands for Mizuno, which who happens to be Nissan's Chief Engineer back then. 

The M-Spec was based on the V-Spec II but with several changes such as the removal of the carbon fibre hood and was replaced by the normal aluminum hood.

Being a comfort oriented car, the M-Spec had a different type of suspension and rear stabiliser bar compared to other BNR34 Skyline GT-R. The shock absorber is a special ripple control shock absorber.

Interior wise, the seats for the M-Spec were wrapped in leather with heated seats function. 

The interior stitching for the M-Spec are all gold coloured as well.

The BNR34 Skyline GT-R M-Spec can be had with 4 different colour options:

1. Silica Brass (EY0) 

2. Black Pearl (GV1) 

3. Pearl White (QX1)

4. Sparkling Silver (WV2)

Silica Brass (also known as Silica Breath) EY0 is the signature colour for the M-Spec as it is only available for the M-Spec cars.

It is also during this time in May 2001, the Athlete Silver (KV2) colour option was dropped from the BNR34 Skyline GT-R lineup. 

Other colour options remained the same with Silica Brass (EY0) added to the lineup for M-Spec cars.

In January 2002, two new variants were added to the BNR34 Skyline GT-R lineup. Known as Nür spec that stands for Nürburgring, the famous race track in Germany. 

The Nür spec BNR34 Skyline GT-R can be had in two different variants which is the V-Spec II Nür and M-Spec Nür.

The Nür spec variants had their RB26DETT engine painted in gold with a gold VIN plate. 

The engine itself came with many N1 spec items such as :

1. N1 engine block

2. N1 turbochargers

3. N1 weight balanced pistons

4. N1 piston rings

5. N1 reinforced conrods 

6. N1 oil pump

7. N1 water pump

8. N1 exhaust manifold

9. N1 air hose

The N1 ball bearing steel turbochargers, N1 block and N1 pistons found in the Nür spec cars. 

The speedometre reading of the Nür spec cars were also increased to 300kmh instead of 180kmh found in other BNR34 Skyline GT-R.

The BNR34 Skyline GT-R Nür Spec can be had with the colour codes of the late Series 2 cars with some special exception. 

The Silica Brass (EY0) colour still remains an exclusive M-Spec colour, hence is only available for the M-Spec Nür variant. 

A new colour, Millennium Jade (JW0) is the exclusive colour for the Nür spec variants, available for both the V-Spec II Nür and M-Spec Nür.

Lastly, the BNR34 Skyline GT-R is a very iconic car itself. It is likely the most famous Skyline GT-R ever and it is also the last car that carries the Skyline GT-R nameplate as the newer R35 Nissan GT-R had lost the Skyline name. 

The BNR34 Skyline GT-R was heavily featured in movies, video games and various kinds of media that gave rise to its popularity, even among non car enthusiasts. Prices of BNR34 Skyline GT-R had been rising every year with no signs of decline shows how popular the demand is for this car. 

Even Nismo themselves bought used units of the BNR34 Skyline GT-R and rebuild them into more powerful variants like this Z-Tune example pictured here. There are still many other Nismo tuned variants of the BNR34 Skyline GT-R such as the Clubman Race Spec being one of the newer Nismo variants. Even though they were rebuilt from used BNR34 Skyline GT-R, these Nismo tuned examples were sold at a much higher price than brand new BNR34 at the the dealership back then. 

If there is one car that Nissan is most famous for, the BNR34 Skyline GT-R is probably the one that deserves this title. A car that many car enthusiasts and even non enthusiasts dreamed to own at some point in their lives.

GD Mazda 626 Sedan

A facelifted GD chassis Mazda 626 sedan, which also goes by the name Mazda Capella in Japan. The 626 / Capella is a car that competes in the D segment sedan market with other Japanese rivals such as the Toyota Corona, Nissan Bluebird and Honda Accord.

Is there anything special about this GD chassis 626 / Capella? Nothing too outstanding or unique as it is an ordinary car back in its days. Is it forgotten and under appreciated by people today? Yes for sure.

Now, back to the car itself. The GD 626 / Capella is the 4th generation car that carries the Capella nameplate though in some market, it was named as 626. It was offered with a few kinds of body style which consists of a 4 door sedan like the one pictured here, 5 door liftback / hatchback sedan, 2 door coupe and a 5 door wagon. Though there is a slight variant of the 5 door wagon which goes by the name 5 door van. The main variants itself like the sedan, liftback / hatchback and coupe were manufactured from 1987 to 1991 until its successor came. The wagon carried on for 10 years until 1997 while the van lasted until 1999.

The several choices of GD Mazda Capella sedan for the Japanese market with 1.8 and 2 litre petrol engine options and a 2 litre diesel engine option.

There are plenty of engine options for this car which ranges from 1.6 litre to 2.2 litre petrol engines. There's also a 2 litre diesel engine option as well. Most are front wheel driven but 4WD variants were available as well.

If there's one single remarkable feature of this GD 626 / Capella, it is likely the 4WS system. The GD 626 / Capella is one of the few pioneering Japanese cars that implemented the 4 wheel steering system, not too long after the 3rd generation Honda Prelude that was famous for being the first mass production car that had this system.

Equipment wise, the GD 626 / Capella is well equipped car especially for higher spec variants. There are features like tilt steering wheel, 4 power windows, air conditioning with automatic controls and even an optional automatic adjustable suspension system. Of course, not each and every GD 626 / Capella were equipped with all these features but it is indeed possible to spec it up that way if you're in certain markets such as Japan. Certainly not bad at all from a small car maker like Mazda to be able to offer such options back in 1980s.

The interior of the GD Mazda 625 / Capella.

Option list for the GD Mazda 626 / Capella which includes the automatic adjustable suspension system, air conditioning with automatic controls and sunroof.

The GD Mazda 626 / Capella isn't really a commonly seen car in Malaysia today. Not many are for sale either and from what I checked, the prices for these cars are at down bottom levels. Most are being sold at under RM5k even when some of them still look quite decent for a car that is over or close to 30 years old.

Credits to the original photo owner for all the photos in this post.

Link to original Facebook post below :https://www.facebook.com/ClassicAutomobileRenaissance/posts/2647531505290955?__tn__=-R

History of the BCNR33 Nissan Skyline GT-R

This is the history of the 4th generation Nissan Skyline GT-R, the BCNR33. This album here will only focus on the Japanese market models. 

All credits goes to the original owners ofthe photos. Special thanks to Aki Itoh himself for the information and photos that he provided at his blog in http\://www.r33gt-r.com/

The BCNR33 Nissan Skyline GT-R was first released in January 1995. It is the successor of the previous BNR32 Skyline GT-R. The BCNR33 Skyline GT-R were sold from year 1995 to 1998.

The BCNR33 Skyline GT-R is a more powerful version of the normal R33 Skyline as it had a stronger and reworked chassis, engine, transmission, brakes and suspension. The drivetrain of the BCNR33 Skyline GT-R was also upgraded to a 4WD layout instead being of rear wheel driven in the normal R33 Skyline.

Like its predecessor, the BCNR33 Skyline GT-R is powered by the 2.6 litre inline-6 RB26DETT engine though the engine control unit (ECU) of the BCNR33 had been upgraded to 16 bit from 8 bit on the BNR32 Skyline GT-R. The RB26DETT uses a parallel twin turbo system paired together with 6 independent throttle bodies. Official output figures for this engine would be 276hp with 368nm of torque.

The BCNR33 Skyline GT-R came equipped with double wishbone suspension on all 4 sides. They came equipped with Brembo brakes with 4 pistons up front and 2 pistons at rear.

The BCNR33 Skyline GT-R was also equipped with an electric driven Super HICAS rear wheel steering system that helps to steer the rear wheels to improve handling.

The four wheel driven BCNR33 Skyline GT-R came equipped with the ATTESA system which stands for Advanced Total Traction Engineering System for All-Terrain. But it was more than just a normal ATTESA system because it was named as ATTESA E-TS PRO. It is a complicated system that adjusts torque split through various sensors to monitor driving conditions such as road and speed conditions.

The dashboard of the BCNR33 Skyline GT-R.

Even though the BCNR33 Skyline GT-R is considered as a road going racing car, it wasn't a car with poor interior features.

The BCNR33 Skyline GT-R came with safety features like a driver's airbag (passenger airbag is optional) and rear seat belts. There are also features like electric powered retractable side mirrors, digital climate control panel and three gauges that measures front torque, engine oil temperature and boost pressure.

The BCNR33 Skyline GT-R was also sold in a higher spec variant known as V-Spec that stands for Victory. The V-Spec variant had several differences compared to the normal BCNR33 Skyline GT-R such as :

1. Active rear LSD
2. Faster ATTESA ECU
3. 10mm lower suspension
4. Stiffer spring and rebounding rates
5. Active LSD light on the dashboard
6. V-Spec rear sticker
7. Bridgestone Expedia S-07 tyres instead of Bridgestone RE010 tyres on the normal BCNR33.

The BCNR33 Skyline GT-R was also available in a higher performance version known as the V-Spec N1.

The V-Spec N1 was only available in white and was based on the V-Spec cars. One notable feature of the N1 would be the two air intake ducts on the front bumper, next to the license plate mount. The N1 spec had several performance upgrades compared to the normal and V-Spec BCNR33 Skyline GT-R.

1. Turbo chargers used metal turbines
2. Thickness of piston second land increased from 4.0mm to 4.6mm
3. Changes to material used in con-rod bearings
4. Strengthened air inlet hosing
5. Use of air cooled oil cooler
6. Larger vanes in water pump
7. Strengthened areas around cylinder boss head bolt boss.
8. Thinner piston ring gap (top and second - from 1.5mm to 1.2mm)
9. Changes to cam profiles (the exhaust side overlap - 0 to 5 degrees)
10. Placement of 2 engine cooling slits
11. Air ducts in bumper
12. Elimination of screen in bumper
13. Placement of "hood top molding"
14. Use of multiple oil coolers (optional)
15. Change to shape of rear spoiler
16. Use of CFRP (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) front undercover.

Even though there are many performance upgrades for the N1 spec, it also removed several creature comforts compared to the other BCNR33 such as no radio, no rear window wiper/washer, no UV blocking windows, no passenger airbag, and no air conditioning in order to reduce weight.

The year 1995 BCNR33 Skyline GT-R is also known as Series 1 as from next year onward, changes had been made to the BCNR33 and it will be called as Series 2 after that.

These are the colour options for the Series 1 BCNR33 Skyline GT-R which consists of :

LP2 – Midnight Purple
BN6 – Deep Marine Blue
QM1 – White
KL0 – Sparkling Silver
KN6 – Dark Grey Pearl
KH3 – Black
AN0 – Super Clear Red (special order optional color)

In 1996, some changes were made to the BCNR33 Skyline GT-R and it was known as Series 2. Externally it is pretty much the same as Series 1 with the exception of the "SKYLINE" lettering below the rear bonnet becoming more pronounced.

The interior itself received several changes compared to Series 1. The changes would be :

1. Addition of front passenger airbag as standard

2. Steering wheel design

3. Shape and material of dashboard surround

4. Shallower centre console

5. Removal of coin slot next to the side mirror controls

6. Relocation of rear antenna switch

In terms of colour option, most remained the same with a few changes.

LP2 – Midnight Purple

BN6 – Deep Marine Blue

QM1 – White

KR4 – Sonic Silver (replaced KL0)

KN6 – Dark Grey Pearl

KH3 – Black

AR1 – Super Clear Red II (special order optional color) (replaced AN0)

BT2 – Champion Blue (for LeMans cars)

The more pronounced "SKYLINE" lettering found on the Series 2 BCNR33 Skyline GT-R.

At this time, a special limited edition variant of the BCNR33 Skyline GT-R was released and was known as LM Limited. The LM Limited was released to commemorate Nissan's participation in 24 Hours of LeMans in 1996.

The BCNR33 Skyline GT-R LM Limited was painted in a special paint, BT2 - Champion Blue that is exclusive for this variant only. Like the normal BCNR33, it was available in normal and V-Spec form.

Some external changes for the LM Limited would be :
1. N1 Carbon fibre rear spoiler
2. N1 Front bonnet lip
3. N1 Front bumper ducts
4. Special GT-R decals on the C Pillar

A total of 188 units of the LM Limited were made by Nissan with 86 units of the normal variant and 102 units for the V-Spec.

The special GT-R decals on the C Pillar of the BCNR33 Skyline GT-R LM Limited

In 1996, the BCNR33 Skyline GT-R LM Limited is not the only limited model available for the BCNR33. Nismo themselves also released their own tuned version of the BCNR33 Skyline GT-R and renamed it as the Nismo 400R.

The Nismo 400R were sold at 12 million yen which is about slightly more than 2 times the price of any other BCNR33 Skyline GT-R. 44 units were built.

The Nismo 400R had a long list of difference compared to the normal BCNR33 Skyline GT-R as seen in this brochure here.

The GT-R emblem had been replaced by the 400R emblem. More aggressive aero kit in the form of bumpers, hood, wheel arches, side skirts and spoiler had also been added to the 400R. The wheels were also upgraded to 18 inch Nismo LMGT1 wheels with wider 275/35/R18 Bridgestone RE710 tyres.

Interior changes would be a metre cluster with 11,000RPM tachometre, 320kmh speedometre, Nismo triple gauges, titanium shift knob, 400R steering wheel and Nismo bucket seats.

Being a Nismo tuned machine, the 400R also received upgrade for all the mechanical parts such as the exhaust system, cooling system, power train system, suspension system and braking system. Even the headlamps had been upgraded to a HID lighting system.

The engine itself had been upgraded from the RB26DETT into the RB-X GT2 engine. Basically, it is a tuned, bored and stroked RB26DETT engine with 2.8 litre of displacement. Power had been bumped up to 395hp with 478nm of torque.

It appears that the Series 2 BCNR33 Skyline GT-R is a notable series for the BCNR33 because another limited variant of the BCNR33 was also made for this series. It is the Nismo GT-R LM. Don't confuse it with the earlier Skyline GT-R LM Limited because this is a completely different car.

First built in 1995, the Nismo GT-R LM is a special homologation model that was made to enable Nissan's participation in the 24 Hours of LeMans race. 6 units were made and only 1 unit was made as the road going model while the remaining 5 units were made for the LeMans race. It is a special car with a wide body kit and the drivetrain had been changed to rear wheel drive instead of being 4WD.

In year 1997, the BCNR33 Skyline GT-R was updated again and was known as Series 3.

External changes that were made for the Series 3 BCNR33 Skyline GT-R would be :

1. New projector xenon headlamps
2. Larger front lip spoiler
3. N1 front bumper ducts for all variants
4. Left grill at the front turn indicator were cut to maximize air flow for the optional oil cooler
5. Right reverse lamp was changed to fog lamp
6. Only the outer lamps lights up during braking

The new xenon projector headlamps of the Series 3 BCNR33 Skyline GT-R.

As seen in this photo, only the outer rear lamps lights up upon braking for the Series 3 BCNR33 Skyline GT-R.

Over here you can see that the reverse lamp is on the left and the rear fog lamp is on the right for the Series 3 BCNR33 Skyline GT-R.

The rear fog lamp and reverse lamp of the Series 3 BCNR33 Skyline GT-R.

The optional oil cooler and cut out left grill at the front turn indicator was shown here.

The ABS system for the Series 3 BCNR33 Skyline GT-R had been revised with a smaller actuator unit and reprogrammed logic to improve braking stability.

Interior wise, minor changes had been made for the Series 3 BCNR33 Skyline GT-R such as :

1. Anti UV coating on glass
2. Door window glass changed to long life hydrophobic glass
3. Red accents on the interior instead of blue
4. Extra bracing at the rear floor area in the boot to improve body rigidity

The red accent on the door trim of the Series 3 BCNR33 Skyline GT-R. Red accents can also be found on the seats.

The additional bracing at the rear floor area in the boot of the Series 3 BCNR33 Skyline GT-R. It helps to improve body rigidity while at the same time, strengthening the rear crumple zone.

Colour options for the Series 3 BCNR33 Skyline GT-R remains the same as the Series 2 with the exception of BT2 - Champion Blue for the LM Limited not available.

LP2 – Midnight Purple
BN6 – Deep Marine Blue
QM1 – White
KR4 – Sonic Silver (replaced KL0)
KN6 – Dark Grey Pearl
KH3 – Black
AR1 – Super Clear Red II (special order optional color) (replaced AN0)

Autech, a Japanese tuner that specializes in tuning and modifying Nissan vehicles, similar to Nismo, released a special version of the Series 3 BCNR33 Skyline GT-R. It was known as Nissan Skyline GT-R Autech Version 40th Anniversary. Your eyes are not deceiving you, this is a 4 door sedan version of the BCNR33 Skyline GT-R.

To commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Nissan Skyline, Autech used a body of a R33 Skyline 4 door sedan, fitted it with the BCNR33 Skyline GT-R drivetrain and parts, effectively making it a 4 door sedan BCNR33 Skyline GT-R. The engine itself is also the same RB26DETT engine like the normal BCNR33 Skyline GT-R.

The front end of this car is the same as the 2 door coupe BCNR33 Skyline GT-R as the fenders, headlamps, grille, hood and bumper were carried over.

Of course, the body itself is not 100% the same as the normal R33 Skyline 4 door sedan as the rear fenders and doors had been widened by Autech to resemble the BCNR33 Skyline GT-R.

The rear end design such as the tail lamps, bonnet and bumper itself remained the same as the normal R33 Skyline 4 door sedan.

Just like the BCNR33 Skyline GT-R, the Autech Version 40th Anniversary had all the same parts and features carried over.

The wheels, brakes, suspension, bars, Super HICAS and ATTESA E-TS are the same. Though it is weird that the brochure did not name it as the ATTESA E-TS PRO.

Interior wise, the dashboard and front bucket seats of the Autech Version 40th Anniversary are the same as the ones found on the BCNR33 Skyline GT-R. The rear seats is a bit special as they are 2 seaters instead of 3.

Overall, the BCNR33 Nissan Skyline GT-R is a very special car itself. Many had overlooked it as the ugly ducking of the RB26DETT powered Skyline GT-R that consists of the BNR32, BCNR33 and BNR34 Skyline GT-R.

If you look at the history of the BCNR33 Skyline GT-R, you will find that this generation actually consists of a few unique traits that wasn't found on the BNR32 and BNR34 Skyline GT-R. It had a 4 door sedan Autech variant, a brand new fully tuned Nismo 400R model and a special wide body GT-R LM variant made for the LeMans. You don't really get these kind of variations for the older BNR32 and the newer BNR34. The Z-Tune model for the BNR34 is indeed a Nismo tuned model but those were actually recreated from used BNR34 models that Nismo themselves purchased back from owners, not an entirely new car like the 400R.

In terms of engineering and performance, the BCNR33 actually took a big leap compared to the BNR32 but when it comes to the BNR34, the leap wasn't really that big at all. Not even everything on the BNR34 is a step up from the BCNR33 like the headlamps because projector headlamps were totally omitted in the BNR34.

Design wise, the BNR32 and BNR34 had a squarish and boxy styling but only the BCNR33 had a curved organic styling which looks sleek for a sports car although some might say it makes it look tame compared to the aggressive boxy styling of the BNR32 and BNR34.

This post might not change people's mind about the BCNR33 but I hope that it makes people understand that the BCNR33 isn't really such a boring car like what people thought it was. The middle child of the RB26DETT powered Skyline GT-R may not be well loved by all, but it certainly stands and shines bright in its own unique ways, appreciated by those who can truly see what it is.

Lastly, thank you very much to my friend Aki Itoh for his great photos and information that he featured in his blog at http://www.r33gt-r.com/