If you were to ask me to describe my dream garage, it would be one filled with 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 in photos of Mark Riccioni.
Although it is only a dream for me, such a place does exist in the real world a few miles north of London. Welcome to Harlow Japanese cars (HER).
For years, SHE imports JDM performance cars from Japan, from ex-demo machines to ultra-rare models and everything in between. Late last year I got wind of the fact that HJA was importing one of the 19 (currently) Nismo Clubman Race Spec R34 Skyline GT-Rs in existence – the first to come to Europe. I had talked to Arooj – who runs HJA with his brother Ozzy – about coming to view this stunning car, but life kept getting in the way so it never happened. Looking back, I’m glad we kept putting it off.
Why? Well, a few weeks ago I saw another online post from HJA, which to my surprise announced that they were now two R34 Nismo CRS GT-Rs. Excitement was building as I tried to quickly arrange a visit. Luckily, Arooj was more than accommodating.
When the day came, I missed my exit on the highway out of sheer excitement, adding another 10 minutes to the trip. But the moment I walked into HJA, it was all worth it.
The first thing I saw were two beautiful Bayside Blue R34 Nissan Skyline GT-Rs in the lobby. Normally I would have drooled over them for hours, but this was no ordinary day.
As I stepped through the glass doors into the main warehouse, I was greeted by 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 bespoke, full-scale rebuild of the final Skyline GT-R, created by Nismo at its Omori facility based on individual customer specifications. This rebuild is so extensive that the cars come out of it with zero mileage.
Dino presented the very first CRS R34 GT-R at Speedhunters 10 years agoso read this article 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 looked at two of them – 10% of total production so far – a Gunmetal Grey M-spec and a Black Pearl V-spec. Arooj was kind enough to take me through the cars…
First up was the M-spec, built in 2022 and originally ordered 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 complete rebuild from the ground up, now powered by Nismo’s ultimate road car engine, the F-Sport R. This 2.8L RB26 features a GT500 RRR RB26/RB28 block, GT500 crankshaft, GT connecting rods, Z-tune pistons, R1 turbos, and a Nismo ECU, among other upgrades. It produces an estimated 500hp and 49kg/m³ (58kg/m³ is also reported) – perfect figures if you ask me. The cost? When it launched in 2019, the F-Sport R engine had a list price of ¥7,150,000 (approximately US$50,000).
Besides the engine, this M-spec gets 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 transmission, but it gets a Nismo Super Coppermix twin-plate clutch and 1.5-way LSD in the drivetrain. Handling is improved by Öhlins suspension, a Nismo titanium strut brace, R35 GT-R Brembo brakes front and rear, and more. The RAYS-made 18-inch Nismo LMGT4 wheels in black look stunning against the fresh Gunmetal Grey Metallic (KAD) paint.
Inside, the interior remains largely faithful to the M-spec specification. While there is an option for Recaro seats, I prefer the originals.
Next up, it was time for the latest CRS to emerge from the Omori Factory: the Black Pearl Metallic (GV1) V-spec, commissioned by Ozzy and Arooj at HJA.
This car features similar upgrades to the M-spec, with one major difference: the engine. The R4 is developed from the R3, but has been enlarged from 2.6L to 2.8L. It features an N1 block, GT crank and connecting rods, N1 oversized pistons, R3 turbos, a Nismo ECU and more. It reportedly produces 500 hp and 55 kg/m of torque.
Unlike the M-spec build, HJA’s V-spec CRS has had its entire interior reupholstered by Nismo. I prefer the smaller Nismo steering wheel that comes with it.
In a perfect world I would have left HJA with the keys to the V-spec CRS. Reality forced me to reluctantly part with these two magnificent machines.
Wandering around the showroom I felt like a kid in a candy store. I could easily spend weeks there. If I come across a few hundred thousand pounds 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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