1988 Nissan Skyline R31 GTS Autech

This rare example was advertised on craigslist USA in April 2018, asking only 15K which seems very reasonable. Only the second on our register - check out the GTS Autech R31 Skyine register here This car was imported into the United States by Import 25 back in late 2014 and I acquired it in the Spring of 2015. Because it was an import that was older than 25 years, nothing had to be conformed/changed when it came in. It is fully legal, currently titled (clean Arizona title in my name) and is insured under my collector's insurance. I have all of the original import/shipment paperwork as well. 

This car had some cool features from the factory, especially given the fact that it's from 1988. The car had some pretty standard features like power windows, locks, and mirrors, but unlike most cars from the late 80s (even including a lot of luxury brands at the time), this car had factory automatic climate control, power folding side mirrors, and a powered factory front aero spoiler/lip! 

The car has an aftermarket head unit (from Japan, so it doesn't work on the same radio frequencies), but it has an AUX plugin, so you can play your own music through it. It has upgraded Panasonic Carrozzeria speakers all around. 

Modifications:

- Jasma 3 inch exhaust, with test pipe (Still have the factory catalytic converter if you'd ever be inclined to put it back in)
- HKS mushroom air filter
- Blitz boost gauge 
- GReddy Profec boost controller
- GReddy turbo timer
- JIC Magic Coilovers
- Recaro seats with Bride rails
- ATC Volanti Sportivi Sprint Steering wheel
- Impul shift knob
- Impul instrument cluster
- Carrozzeria speakers
- HID bulbs in factory headlights with HID Raybrig fog lights

I replaced the timing belt, tensioner, idler pulley, and the water pump at 136,670 km with factory parts. I also replaced the fuel filter has well within the last couple weeks. The car runs and drives well and is a blast to drive! The sound of the turbo and the exhaust is beautiful, and it's a really special feeling cruising around in it. Due to its color and its styling, it's a relatively understated car and flys under the radar as many people don't know what it is. 

- JIC Magic Coilovers are leaky and need to be rebuilt (a few people have converted their R31s to accept S13 coilovers, which is a topic that has been covered on many R31 forums - could be a good option instead of finding replacement aftermarket R31 coilovers)
- The air conditioning is not functional and is still an R12 system. The air conditioning barely worked when I got the car, and it is probably low on refridgerant. 
- Tires have tread left, but they are old and have some dry-rot. 
- Paint is not the most pristine, but it's not terrible. Clear coat has some water spotting, and it appears that the passenger rear quarter panel may have been resprayed in the past. There are absolutely no signs of previous accident damage though. 

Despite this few flaws, the car is still very cool and runs/drives nicely. As stated, this is an Autech Version, of which only 201 were ever made, making this more rare than a GTS-R. It has a factory LSD, factory projector headlights, and 4 wheel disk brakes with ABS. All of the Autech cars were painted in CJ5 (Greyish Brown), all had the same gray/brown interior, and all were equipped with multipiece Volk mesh wheels. This received the RB20DET-R, which came with a Garrett turbo, front mount intercooler, external oil cooler, tubular exhaust manifold (sounds completely different than any other RB I've ever heard), and different internals. These engines are rated at 210 PS from the factory, but with the exhaust and the boost controller, this car makes 240 whp at around 11 psi. It definitely has potential to make even more power with a re-tune and more boost. 

This pretty much covers everything! There are two other Autech R31 Skylines for sale currently in the United States. One at Shinku Classics (at $22995) and the other at JDM Auto Imports (at $25900). Mine is a great value where I have it priced at and it is a very rare car with relatively low miles. While most will agree, the R31 is not as good looking as some other generations of Skylines (original Hakosuka, the R32, the R34, etc.), this particular car still serves an important part in Nissan Skyline history and is increasingly collectible as time goes on.