Nissan Skyline GT-R tops Shannons Winter Auction

While Aussie muscle or European prestige usually leads the way at Shannons’ online auctions, that trend was broken at the winter auction this past August, when a late-model Japanese performance coupe significantly outperformed all others.

As in past Shannons auctions, heritage number plates were the top sellers overall at the eight-day timed online winter auction, with $431,000 paid for NSW plate ‘262’, $361,000 for NSW plate ‘929’ and $360,000 for Victorian plate ‘942’.

The top-selling vehicle was a rare ‘M-Spec Nür’ (for Nürburgring) variant of an R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R. One of two special editions marking the end of R34 production in 2002, the M-Spec Nür was powered by a NISMO-modified version of the RB26DETT engine with larger turbochargers that delivered around 246kW. Gold (instead of red) valve covers and specific interior touches, like different stitching and a 300km/h speedometer, also defined the M-Spec Nür against a regular R34 GT-R.

Imported into Australia in 2002 (the same year it was built), the auctioned GT-R M-Spec Nür had been optioned with heated sports seats, a heated windscreen, larger brake rotors, satnav and a six-speaker sound system when ordered. Subsequent alterations include an aftermarket exhaust system, oil cooler and triple core radiator. As consigned, the car showed only minor wear and patina, reflecting its 96,426km odometer.

With only 285 units built - 33 of which were in Sparkling Silver with black trim like this one - the rarity of the GT-R M-Spec Nür has made high prices the norm when one goes to market. The example in Shannons Timed Online Winter Auction was no exception, selling for $332,000.

The next best seller, a restored 1969 Ford XW Falcon GT automatic, made less than half that amount, selling for $160,000. Other cars to reach six-figure totals included a 1986 HDT VL Commodore SS Group A that made $131,000, a restored, RHD 1970 Ford Mustang Mach 1 that sold for $112,000, a 1983 Porsche 911 SC that made $110,000 and a modified 1968 Dodge Charger that went for $105,000.

For full results from this auction, go to Shannons