If your first taste of JDM goodness came by way of gaming titles like Gran Turismo or Forza Motorsport, the name Tommy Kaira should ring a few bells. And now thanks to the wonders of online auction houses, you could soon sample the real thing - if you have a spare $65k that is.
Currently listed for sale on Japanese auction website Goo Net is a surprisingly clean, relatively low-mileage Tommy Kaira R Nissan R33 GT-R with an asking price of 4,950,000 yen, which at the time of writing converts to a smidgen under $65,000 in Kiwi money.
While the R33 is sometimes referred to as the ugly ducking of Nissan's Skyline family, it is far rarer than its R32 predecessor, and this Tommykaira version is even more exclusive.
Nissan built around 16,500 R33 GT-Rs between 1995 and 1998. In that same time the Japanese tuning house produced 400 Tommykaira GT-Rs. Further still, the R33 listed is said to be one 34 to be fitted with the company's full catalogue of parts.
Beyond the Tommykaira graphics on the flanks, this R33s is fitted with the company's six-piece bodykit and blacked out taillight surrounds. In the cabin is Tommykaira's own steering wheel, gear knob, instrument cluster (that went up to 10,000rpm) and Recaro seats.
Engine upgrades over the standard R33 GT-R include a new ECU, turbo, intercooler, radiator, intake, exhaust, clutch, strut braces and Ohlins coilovers specially tuned for the R33.
Unfortunately for the seller, there are two key problems with this R33 if it is to be confirmed as one of the 34 fully-appointed Tommykaira GT-Rs built.
Firstly, the listing doesn’t go into detail about what modifications have gone on under the hood, and from the photos it appears to be running Nissan's standard radiator.
Secondly the wheels are not consistent with Tommykaira's catalogue from the 90s. While the bronze Nismo five-spokes look the part, they are not standard kit and it appears the original 18" Tommykaira wheels are not included in this auction.
While that's bad for the dealer, it could end up saving the buyer thousands of dollars since its originality can't be confirmed. However, what is certain is that the R33 has travelled 64,000kms since it left the factory and the inspection report suggests its still in fine condition.
According the the third party appraisal, the GT-R earns earns full marks for body and exterior condition and four-stars for interior condition.
