A little-known variant of the Nissan Skyline GT-R has quietly become one of the most valuable Japanese performance cars ever produced, with one example now listed at $1.1 million.
The car is the Nissan Nismo 400R, a rare high-performance version of the R33-generation Skyline GT-R that was never originally intended to become a collector icon. Today, however, its extreme rarity and engineering pedigree have elevated it into a seven-figure category.
The Skyline GT-R has long been regarded as one of the most influential performance cars to come out of Japan. Across multiple generations, including the R32, R33 and R34, the model developed a reputation for advanced engineering and dominant performance. The R32 GT-R in particular earned the nickname “Godzilla” for its racing success and capability.
Within the R33 generation, however, one variant stands apart from the rest.
The Nismo 400R was developed in 1997 by Nismo, Nissan’s in-house racing and performance division. The project was intended to push the limits of the Skyline’s legendary RB26 engine while showcasing the potential of the platform.
To achieve this, Nissan turned to REINIK, a tuning company with deep ties to Nissan’s motorsports programs. REINIK had built a reputation through its involvement with Calsonic R32 GT-R race cars competing in Australia and Japan, as well as its work connected to Nissan’s Le Mans efforts in 1995 and 1996.
For the 400R, the RB26 engine was significantly modified through boring and stroking, increasing its performance output. The final result produced 395 horsepower and 347 lb-ft of torque at 4,400 rpm.
With those upgrades, the Nismo 400R was capable of reaching a top speed of 186 mph, placing it among the fastest performance cars of its era.
Originally, Nissan planned to build 100 examples of the car. However, production of the R33 Skyline ended in 1998 as the company prepared to introduce the R34 generation. As a result, only 44 units of the Nismo 400R were ultimately produced.
All examples were sold exclusively in Japan, and only about half are believed to still exist today.
That combination of rarity, engineering pedigree and performance has transformed the once-overlooked model into a highly sought-after collector car. While a typical R33 Skyline GT-R averages around $73,000, the Nismo 400R now commands dramatically higher values.
One example currently listed through Broad Arrow Auctions carries an asking price of $1.1 million, highlighting how dramatically the car’s reputation and market value have evolved since its original release.
Via Broad Arrow Auctions
Eve Nowell