Chassis Code Explained
| Segment | Meaning | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| B | Body type | Full-size (B-platform Skyline) |
| C | Body style | Coupe body variant |
| N | Drivetrain | ATTESA E-TS AWD |
| R | GT-R designation | GT-R flagship |
| 33 | Generation | 33rd-generation Skyline |
The extra 'C' (coupe) in the BCNR33 code compared to BNR32 reflects the R33's revised body-style classification system.
Key Takeaways
- ATTESA E-TS PRO — Nissan says this drive system was adopted for the all-new R33 GT-R in January 1995.
- V-Spec equipment — Nissan says the V-Spec's standard equipment included Brembo brakes and 17-inch BBS wheels.
- Corrosion checks — Hagerty UK directs buyers to inspect the suspension turrets, boot floor, jacking points, bonnet, boot lid, and rear wheel arches.
Technical Specifications
Engine Options
| Chassis | Engine | Displacement | Power — JDM | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| r33 | RB26DETT | 2568cc | 280 PS @ 6800 rpm (factory cap) | Revised ceramic turbines; stronger oil pump drive; GT-R V-Spec and N1 |
| r33 | RB25DET | 2498cc | 250 PS @ 6400 rpm | DOHC 24V turbo I6; GTS-25T; later Series 2 received NEO head |
Livability
- Headroom
- 37.2" (coupe, varies by gen)
- Adequate front; rear coupe headroom tight
- Rear Seats
- 2 adults short-trip
- Coupes are 2+2; sedans more usable
- Cargo
- 10-12 cu ft (coupe)
- Sedan trunks larger; spare tire well intrudes
US Import Eligibility
This chassis became eligible for US import under the 25-year rule in 2018. Calculate import costs →
Variants & Trims
| Generation | Trim | Engine | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| R33 (1993-1998, tenth gen) | Skyline GT-R V-Spec (BCNR33) | RB26DETT 2.6L DOHC twin-turbo I6 | Active LSD; ATTESA E-TS Pro; set 7:59 Nordschleife production-car record in 1995 |
| R33 (1993-1998, tenth gen) | Skyline GTS-25T (ECR33) | RB25DET 2.5L DOHC turbo I6 | RWD; 250 PS; coupe and sedan; longer wheelbase than R32 |
| R33 (1993-1998, tenth gen) | Skyline GT-R NISMO 400R | RB-X GT2 2.8L stroker twin-turbo I6 | 44 units built; 400 PS; widebody; Nismo development showcase |
Should You Buy a Nissan Skyline R33?
Why You'll Love It
- ATTESA E-TS PRONissan says ATTESA E-TS PRO was adopted as the drive system for the all-new R33 GT-R rolled out in January 1995.
- V-Spec hardwareNissan says the V-Spec's standard equipment included Brembo brakes and 17-inch BBS wheels; its RB26DETT is an inline 2.6-liter six-cylinder DOHC twin turbo.
Why You Might Not
- Corrosion and water-ingress inspectionHagerty UK directs buyers to inspect the suspension turrets for corrosion or bulging, the boot floor for damp, the jacking points for crushing, and the bonnet, boot lid, and rear wheel arches for corrosion.
- Heavily tuned cars need specialist assessmentHagerty UK recommends a specialist inspection for a heavily tuned R33 GT-R.
Who Should NOT Buy This
- Buyers unwilling to inspect the suspension turrets, boot floor, jacking points, bonnet, boot lid, and rear wheel arches for corrosion or damage.
- Buyers considering a heavily tuned R33 GT-R without arranging a specialist inspection.
Common Issues & Solutions
| Issue | Cause | Solution | Est. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension-turret corrosion | Hagerty UK says water can become trapped between layers of metal at the suspension turrets, allowing rust from the inside out. | Inspect the suspension turrets for corrosion or bulging before purchase. | Obtain a written assessment for any corrosion found. |
| Crushed jacking points | Hagerty UK directs buyers to inspect underneath for crushed jacking points. | Inspect the jacking points from underneath before purchase. | Obtain a written assessment for any damage found. |
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Critical Priority
High Priority
Generation History
Tenth generation R33 (1993-1998)
- Skyline GT-R (BCNR33) — longer wheelbase than R32
- Set Nordschleife production-car record at 7:59 in 1995
- ATTESA E-TS Pro with Active LSD on V-Spec
- Nismo 400R — 44 units, RB-X GT2 2.8L stroker
- Approximately 16,000+ GT-R units total
Twelfth generation V35 / GT-R R35 (2001-2007 (V35 sedan); 2007-2025 (R35 GT-R))
- V35 Skyline (2001-2007) sold globally as Infiniti G35; no GT-R
- R35 GT-R (2007-2025) marketed as 'Nissan GT-R'; catalogued here as the R35 Skyline generation
- VR38DETT 3.8L twin-turbo V6; GR6 dual-clutch transaxle
- Skyline nameplate continues as Infiniti G37 / Q50 sedan in V36 / V37
- R34 was the last car to wear the 'Skyline GT-R' badge; the R35 carried the GT-R bloodline forward as the 'Nissan GT-R'
Market Data
Production Numbers & Rarity
| Generation | Years | Total Built | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| R33 Skyline (all trims) | 1993-1998 | approximately 217,133 | All trims combined per WP source |
| R33 GT-R (BCNR33) | 1995-1998 | approximately 16,000 | GT-R variant only; Nismo 400R counts 44 of total |
Comparable Alternatives
Toyota Supra (A80)
Same era twin-turbo I6 performance halo; 2JZ-GTE legend; RWD only
Mazda RX-7 (FD3S)
Same era JDM halo; rotary 13B-REW; lighter and more agile, less torque
Nissan Silvia S15
Same Nissan-era platform with SR20DET; lighter and more affordable; drift culture
Subaru Impreza WRX STi (GC8/GDB)
AWD turbo peer with EJ20/EJ25; flat-four character; rally pedigree
The Buyer's Read
Nissan documented the R33 GT-R's ATTESA E-TS PRO system and, for the 1997 V-Spec, the 2,568cc RB26DETT inline-six DOHC twin turbo rated at 280 PS. Nissan says V-Spec standard equipment included Brembo brakes and 17-inch BBS wheels.
For condition, use Hagerty UK's inspection list: check the suspension turrets for corrosion or bulging, the boot floor for damp, the jacking points for crushing, and the bonnet, boot lid, and rear wheel arches for corrosion. A heavily tuned car merits a specialist inspection. Browse the R33 range.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When did the R33 GT-R launch?
- Nissan says the all-new R33 GT-R rolled out in January 1995.
- What system did the R33 GT-R use?
- Nissan says ATTESA E-TS PRO was adopted as the drive system for the all-new R33 GT-R.
- What should I inspect for corrosion?
- Hagerty UK directs buyers to the suspension turrets, boot floor, jacking points, bonnet, boot lid, and rear wheel arches.
Sources & References
Sources (12)
- JDMBUYSELL — Nissan Skyline: The Ultimate Guide (2026) — JDMBUYSELLVerified
- Nissan USA — Evolution from Skyline to GT-R — Nissan USAVerified
- Silodrome — Nissan Skyline GT-R History — SilodromeVerified
- Road & Track — The History of the Nissan GT-R — Road & TrackVerified
- Wikipedia — Nissan Skyline (model line overview) — WikipediaVerified
- Wikipedia — Nissan Skyline GT-R — WikipediaVerified
- Wikipedia — Prince Skyline (1957 origin) — WikipediaVerified
- Wikipedia — Nissan Skyline (R32) — WikipediaVerified
- Wikipedia — Nissan Skyline (R33) — WikipediaVerified
- Wikipedia — Nissan Skyline (R34) — WikipediaVerified
- Wikipedia — Nissan GT-R (R35 standalone model) — WikipediaVerified
- Hagerty — Definitive Nissan R32 GT-R Buyers Guide — HagertyVerified
Sources last verified: