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With more beloved JDM cars finally becoming old enough to import, auction prices are naturally going up. That’s how you get R34 Skyline GT-Rs edging close to half a million dollars. However, not every Skyline commands a sky-high premium—even some limited-edition models are still reasonably priced. And this week on Bring a Trailer, there’s one up for grabs: a 1995 Nissan Skyline Impul R33-R.

It’s not a GT-R, but a Nissan Skyline R33 GTS-25t still offers a lot for enthusiasts

A white 1994 R33 Nissan Skyline GTS-25t parked by a building
1994 R33 Nissan Skyline GTS-25t | Bring a Trailer

Although the terms seem synonymous for some, not every Nissan Skyline is a GT-R. The 2003-2007 Infiniti G35, for example, is technically a Skyline, just not a GT-R. But that doesn’t mean the non-GT-R models have nothing to offer. Nor does it mean they don’t borrow anything from their more iconic brethren. Case in point, the R33 Nissan Skyline GTS-25t.

Admittedly, the Nissan Skyline GTS-25t doesn’t get all of the R33 GT-R’s performance features. For one, unlike the GT-R, it has RWD, rather than AWD, Hagerty reports. And it doesn’t have the GT-R’s 276-hp 2.6-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six ‘RB26DETT’ engine. Instead, it has a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline-six ‘RB25DET’ engine rated at 247 hp and 217 lb-ft, Silodrome reports. Hence the ‘25t’ in the name.

However, the R33 Nissan Skyline GTS-25t does have several enthusiast-friendly features. Like the GT-R, it has Nissan’s ‘HICAS’ all-wheel steering, Toprank Importers reports. It also has four-wheel disc brakes with ABS and a standard limited-slip differential. Plus, GTS-25t buyers could order their cars with the optional active LSD from the R33 GT-R, Sunrise Cars reports. And while an automatic was available, the standard transmission was a five-speed manual.

As a result, although it weighed more than its R32 GTS-t predecessor, the R33 Nissan Skyline GTS-25t is still a fun car to drive, JBSkyline reports. It’s well-balanced and more stable than the R32. It also has better brakes and an improved suspension setup, Road & Track points out. And unlike the R32, it’s available in sedan form.

The 1995 Nissan Skyline Impul R33-R on Bring a Trailer

A silver 1995 Nissan Skyline Impul R33-R in a parking lot
1995 Nissan Skyline Impul R33-R | Bring a Trailer

However, for some, the standard R33 Skyline GTS-25t wasn’t quite special enough. This brings us to the 1995 Nissan Skyline Impul R33-R currently listed on Bring a Trailer.

Impul is a Japanese tuner founded by Nissan factory driver Kazuyoshi Hoshino, CarThrottle explains. Impul is to Nissan what Mugen is to Honda: an independent tuner that only works on one brand’s cars. That makes the Nissan Skyline Impul R33-R roughly the equivalent of the Mugen Civic Si. Except instead of a Civic, it’s a Skyline GTS-25t.

The gray-and-black front sport seats and black dashboard of a modified 1995 Nissan Skyline Impul R33-R
Modified 1995 Nissan Skyline Impul R33-R front interior | Bring a Trailer

As a Skyline GTS-25t, this 1995 sedan has power windows and locks, A/C, a rear wiper, and a rear spoiler. And as a Nissan Skyline Impul R33-R, it has a body kit, BBS wheels, sportier seats, and stiffer sway bars. It also has an Impul stainless-steel exhaust, an Impul aluminum shift knob and pedals, slotted front brake rotors, and a front strut-tower brace.

This 1995 Nissan Skyline Impul R33-R isn’t stock, though. It has aftermarket coil-over suspension, an aftermarket Bluetooth touchscreen stereo with Bose speakers, a turbo timer, an R34-spec ignition coil, rear-window tinting, a Momo steering wheel, and carbon-fiber wrap on the B-pillars. And it has a few imperfections, including exterior scratches, some clear-coat failure, a tear in the driver’s seat, and some cub rash and rust on the wheels.

The rear 3/4 view of a silver 1995 Nissan Skyline Impul R33-R in a parking lot
1995 Nissan Skyline Impul R33-R rear 3/4 | Bring a Trailer

On the plus side, this 1995 Nissan Skyline Impul R33-R has only done approximately 124,000 miles. And Bring a Trailer notes the seller recently changed the oil as well as the transmission and differential fluids. They also replaced the fuel filter, spark plugs, and suspension ball joints.

It’s a limited-edition JDM bargain

As of this writing, this 1995 Skyline Impul R33-R is listed on Bring a Trailer at $11,050 with three days left in the auction. That’s a rather low price for any R33 Skyline, including the GTS-25t. In comparison, the cheapest GTS-25t Japanese Classics sold cost $13,995. And the most expensive example, a modified Type M, cost $26,495.

Plus, the R33-R is a rare model. Impul only made 200 Impul R33-Rs; this 1995 car is #75. That makes it not just an affordable Skyline, but a fairly unique one, too.

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MotorBiscuit Staff Writer, Producer - Sedans & Coupes

Matthew Skwarczek

Matthew Skwarczek started blogging in 2015 and focuses his writing on motorcycles and engineering science. A graduate of Northwestern University, where he earned his Master’s in Chemical Engineering, Matthew served as an applications engineer for BASF before joining MotorBiscuit in 2019.

In Matthew’s words, the visceral nature of riding requires you to be in the moment. Combined with his fascination in the analytics surrounding the building and designing of cars and bikes, both modern and classic, you’ll find his voice blends functionality and phenomena. He rides motorcycles and bicycles often, photographing them as well.

Matthew has contributed to Oppositelock and is now an alumnus. He plays Dungeons & Dragons and reads sci-fi and fantasy in his spare time, and appreciates the works of Peter Egan, Sam Smith, Brandon Sanderson, and Alex Goy.