Rare 4-Door Nissan Skyline R33 GT-R Autech 40th Anniversary Edition

A rare Sonic Silver 1998 Nissan Skyline (R33) GT-R Autech 40th Anniversary Edition arriving at Supercar Sunday at Los Angeles Pierce College. Built to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the original Skyline built by Prince Motor Company in 1957, the Autech Edition combines the R33 GT-R’s RB26DETT engine, 5-speed manual transmission, Brembo brakes, and ATTESA all-wheel drive system with the four-door R33 Skyline’s bodywork with revised rear doors and fenders. It was the first four-door Skyline GT-R since the PGC10 introduced in 1969. This example is one of 416 Autech 40th Anniversary Skyline GT-Rs built and has been modified with a Nismo front bumper, Enkei GTC01 wheels, aftermarket exhaust, and Recaro seats.

I'm not going to lie, this car had me completely fooled. I've always loved the Skyline GT-R and I knew that the earliest GT-R generation was the only one to offer a four-door variant, meaning any other four-door Skyline would naturally not be a GT-R even if it has convincing bodywork upgrades. Or so I thought. When this R33 pulled up, I filmed it knowing without doubt that it was not a real GT-R. (The funny thing is that, with Skyline GT-Rs now an increasingly common sight here, sometimes it's actually more interesting to see lesser variants that fewer people care to import!) Then I overheard someone talking to the owner about it being a rare factory special edition. So back at home I did a little research... and let's just say my mind has been blown. There is, in fact, such thing as a real 4-door R33 Skyline GT-R, and I had just crossed paths with one thinking it was some kind of replica. Most car enthusiasts agree that there's something very attractive about combining the things we typically associate with exotic supercars - high performance, racy looks, and a legendary nameplate - with a practical layout that can fit the whole family and a good amount of luggage. I don't imagine such a rare car actually being used as a daily driver, but the added practicality certainly helps with persuading your significant other that you're managing the family budget well. I ended up spending a lot more time than expected engaging in conversations with other car enthusiasts at the event, and I won't deny my heart sank a little when I saw this car leaving in the distance before I had a chance to get a closer look. Hopefully I'll cross paths with it again!

Would you choose this rare 4-door R33 Skyline GT-R over a standard 2-door version? Leave a comment on YouTube and let me know!