Chassis Code Explained
| Segment | Meaning | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| BCNR33 | GT-R family | 1997 GT-R V-Spec coupe, and also the 1998 four-door GT-R Autech Version 40th Anniversary |
| ECR33 | GTS25t sedan | 1997 GTS25t Type M four-door with the RB25DET |
Codes are those Nissan's heritage pages attach to specific exhibited cars. Because the four-door Autech GT-R also uses BCNR33, the C cannot be decoded as proof of a coupe. Nissan does not give a letter-by-letter breakdown in the sources used.
Editorial notes
Key Takeaways
- R33 is the ninth-generation Skyline: main range August 1993, GT-R January 1995.
- E-TS PRO is documented on the V-Spec, so a base GT-R should not be given the V-Spec drive specification.
- BCNR33 also covers the four-door GT-R Autech Version, so the code alone does not mean a coupe.
- Nissan's Nürburgring time is 7:59.887, set by a factory prototype with a roll bar; it is not a certified production-car record.
- NISMO advertised the 400R at 99 cars; Hagerty reports 44 built. Treat both as unaudited.
- Not every ordinary R33 is rear-drive: the GTS-4 is naturally aspirated with four-wheel drive.
Background
Ordinary range
Both main bodies grew beyond Japan's small-passenger-car limits, and Nissan reworked the multi-link suspension. The 1993 introduction table lists the RB20E GTS at 130 PS, the RB25DE GTS25 at 190 PS (Type S 200 PS) and the RB25DET GTS25t at 250 PS, with transmissions varying by grade. Nissan's 1997 ECR33 GTS25t Type M sedan measures 4,720/1,720/1,360 mm on a 2,720 mm wheelbase, weighs 1,410 kg and runs 205/55R16 tyres.
GT-R, V-Spec and the Autech four-door
The BCNR33 launched in January 1995, separately from the 1993 range. Nissan's 1997 V-Spec example has the 2,568 cc RB26DETT at 280 PS and 368 Nm, measures 4,675/1,780/1,360 mm and weighs 1,540 kg. The GT-R Autech Version 40th Anniversary, shown at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show and launched in 1998, seats four behind bespoke rear doors and fenders, weighs 1,560 kg and carries the same engine rating and BCNR33 code.
Nürburgring time and the 400R
Nissan records 7:59.887 at the Nürburgring in a factory prototype with an aluminium roll bar; the lap date is not stated, and it is a development result, not a certified production-car record. NISMO's 400R is a complete car based on the GT-R V-Spec with a 2,771 cc RB-X GT2 at 400 PS. NISMO advertised 99 cars and Hagerty reports 44; neither is an audited ledger.
Technical Specifications
Engine Options
-
BCNR33 GT-R V-Spec coupe 1997 example
RB26DETT- Displacement
- 2,568 cc
- Aspiration
- Twin-turbo
- Power
- 280 PS @ 6,800 rpm
- Torque
- 368 Nm @ 4,400 rpm
- Transmission
- 5MT
ATTESA E-TS PRO. 1,540 kg.
-
BCNR33 GT-R Autech Version 40th Anniversary four-door, 1998
RB26DETT- Displacement
- 2,568 cc
- Aspiration
- Twin-turbo
- Power
- 280 PS @ 6,800 rpm
- Torque
- 368 Nm @ 4,400 rpm
1,560 kg.
-
ECR33 GTS25t Type M sedan 1997 heritage example
RB25DET- Displacement
- 2,498 cc
- Aspiration
- Turbo
- Power
- 245 PS @ 6,400 rpm
- Torque
- 274 Nm @ 4,800 rpm
1,410 kg.
-
R33 NISMO 400R complete car
RB-X GT2- Displacement
- 2,771 cc
- Power
- 400 PS @ 6,800 rpm
- Torque
- 47.8 kgm @ 4,400 rpm
Based on the GT-R V-Spec.
US Import Eligibility
NHTSA's safety exemption starts 25 years from each car's manufacture date under 49 CFR 591.5(i). EPA's separate age provision requires the original engine configuration or an eligible EPA-certified replacement engine and emissions system. State registration rules vary. Canada counts its 15-year federal age exemption by manufacture month and year. Check the car's documents before shipping. Calculate import costs →
Sources: 49 CFR 591.5 (eCFR) ; EPA: learn about importing vehicles and engines ; EPA: importing vehicles and engines guidance (NEPIS) ; CBSA Memorandum D9-1-11
Variants & Trims
| Generation | Trim | Engine | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| R33 (1993–1998, ninth generation) | GTS, GTS25, GTS25 Type S and GTS25t | RB20E, RB25DE, RB25DET | 1993 introduction table: 130, 190, 200 (Type S) and 250 PS. Transmission varies by grade. |
| R33 (1993–1998, ninth generation) | GTS-4 (four-wheel drive) | RB25DE 2.5L DOHC inline-six, naturally aspirated | November 1993 table: five-speed manual or four-speed electronic automatic. |
| R33 (1993–1998, ninth generation) | GTS25t Type M sedan | RB25DET 2.5L DOHC turbo inline-six | 1997 ECR33 example: 245 PS, 274 Nm, 1,410 kg, 205/55R16 tyres. |
| R33 (1993–1998, ninth generation) | GT-R | RB26DETT 2.6L DOHC twin-turbo inline-six | Launched January 1995. 280 PS, five-speed manual. |
| R33 (1993–1998, ninth generation) | GT-R V-Spec | RB26DETT 2.6L DOHC twin-turbo inline-six | ATTESA E-TS PRO documented on the V-Spec. 1997 example: 368 Nm, 1,540 kg, 245/45ZR17. |
| R33 (1993–1998, ninth generation) | GT-R Autech Version 40th Anniversary (four-door) | RB26DETT 2.6L DOHC twin-turbo inline-six | 1997 show car, launched 1998. Four seats, own rear doors and fenders, BCNR33 code. |
| R33 (1993–1998, ninth generation) | NISMO 400R | RB-X GT2 2.8L (2,771 cc) | Advertised limit 99; Hagerty reports 44 built. 400 PS; 400R-exclusive parts not sold generally. |
Should You Buy a Nissan Skyline R33?
Why You'll Love It
- The RB26DETT with V-Spec hardware Nissan rates the twin-turbo 2,568 cc engine at 280 PS and 368 Nm, and documents ATTESA E-TS PRO on the V-Spec.
- A larger, more settled body Both body styles grew, and Nissan's 1997 examples share a 2,720 mm wheelbase, with the multi-link suspension reworked for the new car.
- A four-door GT-R exists The GT-R Autech Version 40th Anniversary seats four, with its own rear doors and fenders carrying the GT-R's widened rear body.
- A published reference lap Nissan documents 7:59.887 at the Nürburgring in a factory prototype, with the test car's identity stated.
Why You Might Not
- Suspension-turret corrosion Hagerty UK says trapped water between metal layers can rust the turrets from the inside out, so bulging matters as much as visible rust.
- Figures vary between sources Nissan's 1997 GTS25t Type M example lists 245 PS, while a historical introduction table lists 250 PS for the grade.
- Rare-edition parts are limited NISMO says 400R-exclusive parts marked in its equipment chart are not available for general sale.
Who Should NOT Buy This
- Anyone who assumes every R33 GT-R has the V-Spec's ATTESA E-TS PRO: Nissan attributes it to the V-Spec.
- Anyone buying a claimed 400R without NISMO documentation: the advertised limit is 99 and Hagerty reports 44.
- Anyone who treats 7:59.887 as a production-car record: Nissan's page describes a factory prototype.
Common Issues & Solutions
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Suspension-turret corrosion | Hagerty UK identifies water trapped between metal layers as a cause of inside-out corrosion at the turrets on surviving Japanese-spec cars, including UK imports. | Inspect for bulging as well as visible rust, and get a written assessment of any corrosion found. |
| Boot floor, jacking points and panels | Hagerty UK advises checking the boot floor for damp from leaking seals, crushed jacking points, and the bonnet, boot lid and rear arches. | Lift the boot floor and inspect each area in person. |
| Engine, turbo and gearbox noises | Hagerty UK says to listen for knocks on a cold start, turbocharger bearing noise and gear-change crunching, which it associates with worn synchromesh. | Start the car cold, and seek a specialist assessment for any substantial modification. |
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Critical Priority
High Priority
Generation History
R33 generation span (Japan) (1993–1998)
- Ninth-generation Skyline; main range introduced August 1993
- Larger bodies with six-cylinder engines only
- Next generation's main range introduced May 1998
GT-R launch (BCNR33) (January 1995)
- Separate from the 1993 ordinary range
- V-Spec brings ATTESA E-TS PRO
UK GT-R sales announced (May 1997)
- Nissan issued an announcement for Skyline GT-R sales in Britain
GT-R Autech Version 40th Anniversary (1997–1998)
- Shown at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show; launched 1998
- Four-door GT-R sharing the BCNR33 code
Nürburgring development lap (1994 prototype)
- 7:59.887 in factory prototype 000055 with an aluminium roll bar
- Lap date not stated; not an unrestricted production-car record
Market Data
Reported Counts & Rarity
| Generation | Years | Reported Count | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| R33 NISMO 400R | Mid-1990s programme | 99 advertised; 44 reported | NISMO's advertised limit is a planned figure; Hagerty reports 44 examples. Neither is an audited ledger. |
In Pictures
The Buyer's Read
Decide between three different cars. The ordinary R33 is a larger six-cylinder Skyline with the RB20E, RB25DE or turbo RB25DET, and the GTS-4 adds four-wheel drive to the naturally aspirated engine. The BCNR33 GT-R, launched in January 1995, has the 280 PS RB26DETT and a five-speed manual, and the V-Spec is where Nissan documents ATTESA E-TS PRO. The four-door GT-R Autech Version of 1998 shares the BCNR33 code, so do not assume the code means a coupe. The NISMO 400R is a separate complete-car programme advertised at 99 cars, with Hagerty reporting 44; demand NISMO paperwork. Quote power in PS and match the grade to the number, since a 1997 GTS25t Type M example is listed at 245 PS while an introduction table says 250 PS. For inspection, start with the suspension turrets, where Hagerty UK warns of inside-out corrosion, then the boot floor, jacking points, bonnet, boot lid and rear arches. Start the engine cold and listen for knocks and turbo bearing noise, and expect gear-change crunch to point to worn synchromesh. Nissan's 7:59.887 Nürburgring time is a development result from a factory prototype, so use it as context, not as proof of what a showroom car does. NISMO's Heritage Parts terms exclude overseas use. For Japanese-specification cars used in Japan, the programme covers the R33 GT-R, but lead times can run to months.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How is a GT-R V-Spec different from a standard GT-R?
- Nissan attributes the move to ATTESA E-TS PRO specifically to the V-Spec, introduced with the January 1995 GT-R launch. Its 1997 V-Spec example has the RB26DETT at 280 PS and 368 Nm, weighs 1,540 kg and runs 245/45ZR17 tyres.
- Was there a four-door R33 GT-R?
- Yes. Autech showed the Skyline 40th Anniversary GT-R at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show, and Nissan says it launched in 1998. It has the RB26DETT, four seats, its own rear doors and fenders, and a smaller front spoiler with no rear spoiler. The anniversary is of the Skyline, not of the GT-R.
- What is the 7:59 Nürburgring time?
- Nissan records 7 minutes 59.887 seconds in a factory GT-R prototype, chassis 000055, fitted with an aluminium roll bar. Nissan calls it about 21 seconds quicker than its comparison with the previous generation. The page does not establish the lap date or an unrestricted production-car record.
- How many NISMO 400Rs were built?
- NISMO advertised a limit of 99 cars, which is the planned figure. Hagerty reports that just 44 examples were built. Neither is an audited ledger, so attribute whichever you quote.
- What makes the 400R different?
- NISMO describes an R33 GT-R V-Spec-based complete car with a 2,771 cc RB-X GT2 engine rated at 400 PS and 47.8 kgm. It lists a twin-plate clutch, carbon driveshaft, Bilstein dampers, a 30 mm lower ride height and 18-inch forged wheels. Retain PS: it is not 400 bhp.
- What did the ordinary R33 range offer?
- Six-cylinder engines only: RB20E, RB25DE and the turbo RB25DET. A historical introduction table lists 130 PS for the GTS, 190 PS for the GTS25 and 250 PS for the GTS25t, while Nissan's 1997 GTS25t Type M example lists 245 PS. The GTS-4 uses the naturally aspirated RB25DE with four-wheel drive.
- Were R33 GT-Rs sold outside Japan?
- Some were. Nissan issued an announcement for Skyline GT-R sales in Britain in May 1997, so R-chassis GT-Rs should not be described as sold only in Japan. UK-supplied cars' equipment differences are not covered here.
- Can an R33 be imported to the US?
- Federal safety rules allow a vehicle that is 25 or more years old, judged on each car's own age; a car built in August 1995 passed that in August 2020. EPA separately expects the engine to be the same model and configuration as originally installed.
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