2002 Nissan GTR - M Spec Nur

Nissan introduced the R32 Skyline GT-R in 1989 as an attempt to recapture the glory of the GT-R name. Initial models included the 1969-1971 “Hakosuka” Skyline GT-R and the 1972-1973 “Kenmeri” Skyline GT-R which borrowed research from motorsports and set new standards for street performance. But in the ensuing years Nissan did not produce a GT-R version of the R30 or R31 Skyline. After 16 years off, the R32 Skyline GT-R marked a return to prominence for the once storied nameplate. Its key developments included a twin-turbocharged 2.6-liter “RB26DETT” inline-six engine, as well as an intelligent ATTESA four-wheel drive system and Super-HICAS rear-wheel steering. Nissan planned for production of roughly 5,000 R32 GT-Rs in total, however, due to a wave of demand and the booming Japanese economy, sold more than 44,000 over the following five years.

Nissan produced the R33 Skyline GT-R from 1995-1998 with a longer wheelbase, restyled body and minor upgrades to the powertrain. But the real update came with the 1999-2002 R34 Skyline GT-R. This model featured further upgraded mechanicals, an iconic boxy design with a raised rear wing, and an upgrade from a five-speed manual transmission to a Getrag six-speed. There were multiple special editions. The V-Spec or “Victory” spec XX, while the V-Spec II, and the N1 featured a stronger engine block. Among the special editions was the M-Spec Nür, which attempted to combine performance and luxury in what executives considered the ultimate, versatile R34 GT-R. Perfect for spirited driving as well as a night on the town, the M-Spec Nür sought to highlight the well-rounded DNA of the “R-chassis,” as all Skyline GT-R models were known.

For sale here is a 2002 Nissan R34 Skyline GT-R M-Spec Nür. A rare version of the third and final evolution of the R-chassis Skyline GT-R lineage, it is finished in Nissan’s factory Millennium Jade over a black leather interior. It is powered by a twin-turbo 2.6-liter inline-six engine with a collection of upgrades to the engine, suspension and brakes known as the S-Tune S1 package. Producing an estimated 395 hp over the standard R34 GT-R rating of 276 hp, power is sent to all four wheels through a six-speed Getrag manual transmission and Nissan’s groundbreaking ATTESA four-wheel drive system. Seller states the car currently has a New Jersey title.

The M-Spec Nür was produced as a rare limited edition of the R34 Skyline GT-R. It stands for “Mature,” denoting the leather upholstery inside the cabin. Yet at the same time, the Nür refers to the famous Nürburgring circuit in Germany, where Nissan engineers conducted untold hours of testing to develop the R34 GT-R. The M-Spec Nür came with numerous engine upgrades, bigger brakes, a tighter suspension and titanium exhaust among other on-road enhancements.

This example also received the S-Tune S1 upgrade package from the Nismo Omori factory. Nismo is the performance arm of Nissan, focused on racing programs and high-performance street upgrades. Only a handful of R34 GT-R have received the S-Tune S1 package from Omori, and this example is likely the only M-Spec Nür to have that honor. (Nearly all others were more common V-Spec or V-Spec II models.)

Culturally, the Skyline GT-R became a beloved icon in films and video games around the world. The popularity of the Playstation game Gran Turismo introduced the GT-R to countries outside of Japan, while appearances in The Fast & The Furious made the R34 Skyline GT-R a star in particular. Fans began to associate Paul Walker, the star of the films, with the R34 GT-R. His character Brian O’Connor preferred the R34 GT-R as a street racing weapon because of its ability to produce huge horsepower through tuning. This, in addition to other pop culture such as Internet street racing videos and printed manga out of Japan, cemented the car’s status as the king of Japanese performance.

By the mid-2000s, the main rivals to the Skyline GT-R had all fallen by the wayside. Toyota stopped producing the Mark IV Supra in the ‘90s, and Honda had not significantly upgraded its NSX, with a new generation, either. That left the Skyline GT-R as the only major Japanese sports car that continued development into the 2000s, with the R34 GT-R. Performance shops capitalized by tuning the R34 GT-R and its RB26 engine to their full potential. Nissan also offered an in-house tuning program through its Nismo performance house. Nismo aftermarket parts produced at the hallowed Omori factory became a hot commodity. Some models could even received the S-Tune S1 package for a comprehensive collection of Nismo parts, as well as tightening and upgrading to all vehicle components. The result was considered a nearly new car, armed with additional horsepower and refinement through a variety of alterations. Only one M-Spec Nür edition R34 GT-R ever received the S-Tune S1 package, according to GTRregistry.com. It was named the S-008-a.

Today, the R34 GT-R is held in the highest esteem by fans of Japanese cars, as well as cars from the 1980s and 90s. Of its many variations, the M-Spec Nür editions are regarded as among the most desirable, with models successfully imported into the U.S. fetching $250,000 or more as a baseline. By contrast, however, the S-Tune package is not as widely known. Most who know of the Nismo Omori factory would be considered special cases of GT-R and Nismo die-hard fans. Therefore the combination of an R34 M-Spec Nür with the S-Tune S1 package should appeal only to serious GT-R collectors – however, those in the know will likely yearn to own a true 1-of-1 R34 GT-R that cannot be replicated.