If you asked me to describe my dream garage, it would be a lockup full of R34 Nissan Skyline GT-Rs, a couple of MkIV Toyota Supras, a Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution or two, and a handful of Subaru Impreza WRXs. Oh, and the walls would be covered with pictures of Mark Riccioni.
Although it’s just a dream for me, such a place exists in the real world, a few miles north of London. Welcome to Harlow Jap Autos (HJA).
For years, HJA imports JDM performance cars from Japan, ranging from ex-demo machines to ultra-rare models and everything in between. Late last year I was told that HJA was importing one of the 19 (currently) existing Nismo Clubman Race Spec R34 Skyline GT-Rs – the first to reach Europe. I had spoken to Arooj – who runs HJA with his brother Ozzy – about coming to see this beautiful car, but life kept getting in the way, so it never happened. Looking back now, I’m glad we kept postponing it.
Why? Well, a few weeks ago I saw another online post from HJA, which to my surprise announced that they are now two R34 Nismo CRS GT-Rs. The excitement went into overdrive as I quickly tried to arrange a visit. Luckily Arooj was more than helpful.
When the day broke, out of sheer excitement I missed the highway exit, adding ten minutes to the journey. But from the moment I walked into HJA, it was all worth it.
The first sight that greeted me was two beautiful Bayside Blue R34 Nissan Skyline GT-Rs in the lobby. Normally I would have drooled over it for hours, but this was not a normal day.
As I stepped through the glass doors into the main warehouse, I was confronted with a breathtaking sight: the two most beautiful Nissan Skyline R34 GT-Rs I had ever seen. Each CRS build was as unique as it was awe-inspiring.
For those who may not know, the Clubman Racing Spec R34 GT-R is a custom, complete rebuild of the final Skyline GT-R, manufactured by Nismo at its Omori factory based on individual customer preferences. These renovations are so extensive that the cars appear on the market without an odometer.
Dino presented the very first CRS R34 GT-R 10 years ago at Speedhunters, so check it out to find out everything about this exclusive model.
As mentioned, only 19 CRS R34 GT-Rs have been made since Nismo launched the Clubman Race Spec program. Here I was looking at two of them – 10% of total production to date – a Gunmetal Gray M specification and a Black Pearl V specification. Arooj was kind enough to show me through the cars…
The first was the M-spec, built in 2022 and originally commissioned by Garage Defend in Japan for an Australian customer. This is the CRS GT-R that initially prompted me to contact HJA.
The M-spec is a completely rebuilt engine, now powered by Nismo’s ultimate road car engine: the F-Sport R. This 2.8 liter RB26 features a GT500 RRR RB26/RB28 block, GT500 crankshaft, GT connecting rods, Z-tune pistons, R1 turbos and a Nismo ECU, among many more upgrades. It is estimated to produce 500bhp and 49kg/m (58kg/m is also reported) – perfect figures if you ask me. The costs? At launch in 2019, the F-Sport R engine had a list price of ¥7,150,000 (approximately US$50,000).
In addition to the engine, this M-spec is equipped with a dry carbon front bumper, fenders and an R-tune carbon hood. One of the coolest details is the visible carbon Omori Factory logo.
The car still has a 6-speed Getrag gearbox, but adds a Nismo Super Coppermix twin-plate clutch and 1.5-way LSD to the drivetrain. Handling is enhanced by Öhlins suspension, a Nismo titanium strut tower brace, R35 GT-R Brembo brakes front and rear, and more. RAYS-made 18-inch Nismo LMGT4 wheels in black look stunning against the fresh Gunmetal Gray Metallic (KAD) paint.
Inside, the interior remains largely true to the M specifications. Although there is an option for Recaro seats, I prefer the originals.
Next it was time for the latest CRS to emerge from Omori Factory – the Black Pearl Metallic (GV1) V-spec – commissioned by Ozzy and Arooj at HJA.
This car features similar upgrades to the M specification, but with one key difference: the engine. The R4 was developed based on the R3, but enlarged from 2.6L to 2.8L. It features an N1 block, GT crankshaft and connecting rods, N1 oversized pistons, R3 turbos, a Nismo ECU and more. It is believed to produce 500bhp and 55kg/m of torque.
Unlike the M-spec version, HJA’s V-spec CRS has had the entire interior retrimmed by Nismo. I prefer the smaller Nismo steering wheel that comes with it.
In a perfect world I would have given HJA the keys to the V-spec CRS. However, reality forced me to reluctantly say goodbye to these two beautiful machines.
As I wandered through the showroom, I felt like a kid in a candy store. I could easily spend weeks there. If I come across a few hundred grand I’ll be back for the Midnight Purple R34 GT-R that’s currently in stock.
Jathu Thillai
Instagram: jathuthillai
www.jtoncars.uk
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