At this year's R's Festival, I had the honor of taking a photo with Kozo Watanabe, who was the Chief Vehicle Engineer that oversaw the development of the R33 GT-R and the R34 GT-R.
Much like Kazutoshi Mizuno for the R35 GT-R, and Naganori Ito for the BNR32, Watanabe-san is a true engineer who worked his way up at Prince Motors and Nissan. Watanabe-san in particular, in addition to being the chief engineer for the R33 and R34, also worked on the Pulsar and the C110 Skyline and was also the Chief Experimental Engineer of the R32 under Ito-san. Both Ito-san and Watanabe-san were mentored by Shinichiro Sakurai, who is acknowledged as the father of the Skyline. Further Mizuno-san worked on the R34 project under Watanabe-san and took over the BNR34 program when Watanabe-san retired from Nissan in 2000 and went to head Nismo, overseeing its racing program!
Watanabe-san had probably the toughest job ever - how to make a heavier and longer car go FASTER than the race champion R32 GT-R! And as we know, he succeeded so well that most of the running gear engineering on the 33 was carried over to the 34!
So you see, THESE guys are the ones who should be getting accolades as well as the nickname of the "Father of the GT-R" - as they truly were. Unfortunately there is at least one guy running around now who is over stating his involvement in each of the programs, whereas his true talent seems to be in the area of self-promotion. Caveat Emptor!
So... if you find yourself at any of these GT-R related events, and happen to run into Ito-san or Watanabe-san... well now you know who actually to ask the question - "Why didn't Nissan have a Nurburgring lap time for the BNR34?"
In the past I used to be on Yahoo Auctions almost every night - it was quickly becoming an obsession - I am sure many of you understand why. There are some pretty interesting things out there, but unfortunately lately it seems like things that are actually useful for us 33 owners, like rare parts, new and used, are getting to be slight RIDICULOUS, pricing wise. So now scouring Yahoo Auctions is more like entertainment for me... I guess I am lucky in that my car is running fine and at the moment there is no particular itch I want to scratch...
But of course once in a while I DO take a look. And just the other day, I found something very interesting.
So this was described as a 下敷き - shitajiki - which is essentially a thin piece of plastic everyone in grade school here seems to have - you lay down the plastic on your desk and under your notes so as to provide a smooth writing surface, in case your public school classroom desk just happens to be scratched up or pock-marked (and they used to be, 75% percent of the time). They are also useful for studying while on the bus or train, etc.
So first, I was surprised that such a thing existed for the R33. Usually the shitajiki are plain white plastic, or otherwise featuring your favorite TV/anime character (Doraemon, Ultraman, etc) or pop idol. So of course since this seller was offering 10 of them, I figured why not grab something unusual, since no one else seemed to be bidding.
Can you imagine sticking this in your bag to provide a writing surface?
What is really cool of course is what is on the back - The History of Skyline!
Don't know about you, but it would be very difficult for me to concentrate and study if I had THIS to distract me at my desk...
So of course these will never be used. But what I am going to do with them, I have no idea... any ideas?
So I think it's obvious, but in addition to being OCD about my car, I DO collect other things R33 GT-R. And the more unique and rare, the better. Hope to highlight some of the better ones here on the blog.
Anyway here is my latest... kind of. Yahoo Auctions here in Japan can be a treasure trove of interesting stuff, if you know how to look. So a few years ago, I stumbled upon and successfully bid on what seemed to be an official poster for the R33 GT-R - and more specifically, the poster that was issued by Nissan when the Kohki (Series 3) model came out. And "kind of" because I did nothing with it until just a few weeks ago.
Not having lived in Japan during that period (early 1997) I never saw how Nissan displayed the poster - I have to assume probably at dealerships - but I AM aware of this most awesome commercial:
The narration in summary states how we, in our country of Japan, should be proud to have the GT-R. In addition, I know some people have located this poster and displayed in their homes (although this guy had to fold it in half to get it home...). Plus this same moon image can be found on the back of some of the Mooks, and I always thought it would be too cool to have this as a poster.
Flash forward a few years, and now I have a rebuilt house with a proper garage. And yeah, the walls are bare. So why not start decorating. But first I had to make sure that I spent the money for a proper frame, and not just tape it up (that would be... SACRILEGE!). But it was so large I just couldn't find a universal frame that would work.
Turns out the guy at Sekaido loves GT-Rs as well! And was totally excited about this project. He started asking me about my car, and we engaged in some nerd car talk. Refreshing! And then at the end, he said, "awesome to talk to an owner... I thought you might just be a Nissan employee or something." Of course I told him I was, which then got him even more excited.
So I knew the poster was in good hands when I left it with him.
A few weeks later he calls and tells me it's ready, and that he will send it by courier. So this past Thursday I get it delivered and it appears larger than I remembered:
So in between virtual meetings I go out and begin unwrapping. One thing about Japan, people sure don't mess around with wrapping!
Felt like 10 minutes to get this all off... I gave up on trying to be orderly, I was too excited!
This was like one of those Christmas presents in multiple boxes... luckily this was the last box, with just another layer of bubble wrap on the framed poster.
Well actually, there was a layer of protective film on top of the clear acrylic (glass would have been too heavy).
And finally:
This is ENORMOUS. See how it basically covers the enter front end of my Lexus?
So now the challenge was to mount this somewhere. The package came with these wall mounts...
But given how heavy this framed poster was, I wasn't placing my confidence in these mounts (10kg weight bearing each) and their skinny little nails. Because the walls in my garage are ALC (aerated lightweight concrete)... and I have several of these specialty designed for ALC screws left over from my slatwall project, I decided to see I might be able to use these screws along with the mounts.
But first I had to figure out where to mount this poster. I wanted it near the car but also visible from my home office.
Perfect! (But wow this is HEAVY!)
So I moved the car forward, got my drill and ladder to make sure it was all done safely.
And the final result...
Ok, you say - but how does it look when the car is parked in its spot? Well actually I decided to go ahead and take advantage of the car not in its space, and installed another cool item. I'll post on that one next, give me a couple of days... and sorry about the recent lack of posts, it has been VERY busy for me at work lately...
As promised, I was able to scan in the hardcover binder-type brochure of the UK spec R33 GT-R. You can see the 4 holes on each page.
Compared to the non-binder type I scanned in earlier, this one definitely features the UKDM model. Click HERE to go directly to the sidebar page where you can see the entire scan.
Additionally, I found that I had, in my collection, the official press release issued by Nissan GB at the time of the car's launch in the UK. Click HERE to read the entire letter and check out the official photos that were also released then.
Anyway, expect more interesting stuff to appear once in a while as I continue unpacking...
Up until now I really haven't discussed the officially imported UK specification R33 GT-R, because there is so much information out there on it. For example, Middlehurst Nissan has a nice web page on the car, even to this day. Just a simple Google search away...
But as I continue to unpack (as mentioned in my prior post), I've stumbled across various R33 GT-R related items that I have not yet posted on, including those relating to the UK cars.
For example, I found this.
I scanned the entire pamphlet and added it to the list of catalogs on the right sidebar of this blog, HERE.
What's interesting is that this does NOT show the UK spec model. It actually shows the JDM spec.
Now yes, I know there is a hard bound binder type of brochure as well, which DOES show the UK spec model. I have one. And yes I'll go and upload it tomorrow.
So taking a break from the Interior Modernization project - I have to publish my Speedhunters article first before continuing here - sorry everyone but thanks for understanding. As a preview however, I will mention that, the Speedhunters article will be about my visit to pick up my car from Worx Autoalarm after the leather dashboard had been installed, along with some optional extras! And my excuse for the delay is that I was waiting for Dino, who had come along with me, to share the photos he had taken because frankly, I am barely competent with a camera.
Anyway - I was lucky enough to be offered a Guest Pass (and an A Paddock Parking pass - right up with the race drivers and Nissan execs) to attend this year's NISMO Festival which took place last Sunday, so naturally I decided to go. While I took a lot of photos, what I'm posting here of course relate mainly to the Skyline R33. Dino was there in his professional capacity (check out his Speedhunters article here for a more comprehensive look at the Festival), and my friend Alessandro, who owns but really doesn't drive his 34 GT-R, was also there and posted his impressions and some good photos on his blog.
Because there are so many photos, I've split this post into two parts, in chronological order following my day - Part 1 will be arrival until lunch, and then Part 2 from after lunch until the end. Which, if you read Dino's article, you know it took us 6 hours after leaving to get home...
Anyway we started the day early - I woke up at 0500 and picked up Dino, figuring he'd have a few tricks to share - I don't like crowds and I don't like traffic, so I was hoping by traveling with him I could avoid those. I also figured he could make some key introductions for future GT-R projects.
Note the A Paddock parking pass in the front windshield.
We arrived at Fuji Speedway at 0720, and were waived through by the security guards. We then made our way up to the parking lot closest to the main Pit Building (Pit Building A) and promptly parked in the front row. As I was parking, we saw pro racers Motoyama, Hoshino, Krumm, Matsuda, Quintarelli, and others all arrive in their personal cars. All Nissans of course, with Krumm in his R35. Obviously, I was parking with the greats...
As we then made our way to the main pit area, we ran across many of the vendors setting up for the day - at Nismo Festival famous and not so famous vendors set up their wares, usually selling items at fairly hefty discounts. Some of the items include cars! Dino and I killed some time chatting with Nakayama-san at Mine's, as well as a few other people at these shops.
This was not for sale, but it sure did attract attention.
These used BCNR33 parts WERE for sale...
90,000 yen for a beat up Nismo dual blade carbon spoiler. I passed.
For those of us into model cars...
Yokohama Tires, showing off their tire and wheel range. Next to HKS...
The Cockpit Wako cars, and in the back the main Pit Building
We started peeking into the various pits in the Pit Building and the drooling started...
Oh wow! The prototype KenMeri Racer that never got a chance to race!
And two legends right here! The original Hakosuka race cars!!
No crowds! Sneak peak of these awesome R33 machines...
No people! Sneak people of the inside of the Nismo Heritage Parts display tent (more on that later)
The gates opened to the public at 0800, so about 10 minutes before then we headed upstairs in the main pit building, where all of the conference and meeting rooms are located.
I have no idea why my iPhone reversed the photo, but this is what I was given to wear around all day.
But even this Guest Pass didn't give me access to everything. The Press Room, for instance, was off limits to me...
So Dino and I went our separate ways.
But the Guest Room was open to me.
I found my way to the Guest Room and walked in, unsure what to expect. After checking my ID and signing in, I was lead to a very nice table.
Very cool. Reserved tables (for me) are always nice!
And the staff came running over, so naturally I asked for a coffee, black.
Trackside seats!
Some diehard fans in the bleachers already. Too cold for me!
Just as I started sipping my coffee, I realized there was some activity on the track. The first cars had starting warming up on the track.
After enjoying a few biscuits with my coffee, I heard a commotion outside on the parking lot side, so went to take a look.
Oh right. It's 0800. That means gates are open to the public, and those who have been waiting patiently (even some from the day before!) are now rushing in to try to grab bargains from the vendors!
It was just about then that Dino texted me that he was on the move; so we headed downstairs to check out the action.
The view from the second floor - you can just make out my Lexus.
Somehow Dino convinced me to hang outside the pits trackside - Bonus points for anyone who can spot me in his Speedhunters article photos.
R31 and Z goodness. Check out Dino trying to get the perfect shot.
Dino kept making his way down the pit but we then turned around and wandered outside, first stopping by the GT-R Magazine booth.
All 5 generations on display here!
And then I spotted something to make any boy happy.
It's JDM Lightning McQueen!
I think it was about this point where I realized it wasn't a GT-R...
But who cares! Well done!
I think it was about this time Alessandro met up with us, having patiently waited outside with the other paying ticket folks. Because I wanted to check out the 33 machines, we headed back to the pits and found them being checked before their track runs later in the day.
While this isn't a video of the 33 machines, this is the kind of noise (music?) we experienced when checking out the pits.
Without Dino, Alessandro and I then wandered over to the exit gate to the track, curious to see what kind of machines were being driven back in.
You can just make out the lead R35 GTR Pace car
Holy smokes! Two beautiful 400Rs!!!
And just like that, off they go back to their special parking lot...
As Alessandro and I walked back towards the Pit Building, he found something familiar...
This BCNR33 with NISMO striping.
Readers of his blog will recall this post from his visit to last year's NISMO Festival where he spotted the same car. To be honest though, the car wasn't in good shape. Sure, it may have the NISMO R1 crate engine, but without looking under the bonnet it's hard to tell. But the carbon bonnet itself did not look well taken care of, and I'm not a fan of those LED lights in the front bumper...maybe some day I'll meet the owner and we can swap notes. In any case, he seems to be more addicted to NISMO parts than even me.
Speaking of NISMO, we then walked over to the tent which was showcasing NISMO's new Heritage Parts Collection.
The intercooler isn't new, but those brake lines and period correct R32 GTR brake calipers are!
New fuel tank too.
NISMO also had several parts on the walls of the tent "being considered." I guess we will see whether or not NISMO makes them. NISMO also had all of their Clubman Sports cars on display, as well as a new package they are now offering early model R35 owners, to bring their cars up to the latest specs.
We found Dino and then followed him back to the pits where we also found these cars again.
Ready to go!
Almost forgot about this one!
Finally, it was time to meet up with my hosts who had invited me to the event, so I parted with Dino and Alessandro and made my way back to the Guest Room, where I had a free lunch and drinks waiting for me.
Of course, Japanese bento lunches
After a quick meet and greet, we decided to hold off on lunch and walk over to the other side of the track to the Event Area to check out what NISMO was offering for sale to the public. This meant crossing UNDER the main track, but it was a nice 10 minute walk.
This tent grabbed my attention first.
Inside they were selling various NISMO parts at a small (10-15%) discount.
Discounted and tempted but my wallet and bank say otherwise
I have one of these somewhere... gotta find it.
Interesting - I forgot to ask why Nismo was selling Tomei Powered parts... (likely used in one of their engines)
But this wasn't what I was expecting, so I walked outside looking for where all the other parts might be sold. And across the way, I saw:
But I was likely too late. All the good stuff gone. Here is the line for the BNR32/BCNR33/BNR34 related parts.
Disappointed but secretly relieved I would not torture my finances, my host and I continued to wander around.
Very cool - the 390 Race car!
My host however was trying to find some Nismo Festival limited edition model cars, and so I lost him, but I did see that some model cars were on sale.
Hey I just saw the real thing in the pits!
This one too!
Ok that's expensive.... 30,000 yen for a model? I have parts I want for my actual car...
This being a Nissan/NISMO event, Nissan was also taking advantage to show off some of their cars.
New Nissan LEAF. Uh, no gas engine there sir.
Red Nissan Serena with their ProPilot technology (I wonder if it could be retrofitted to my GT-R...)
NISMO Note. I'm actually curious about this - would it be significantly better to drive versus the regular Nissan Note?
That's more like it. Although the design getting a bit old...
Finally, my host reappeared with his hard won limited edition model cars, and we walked back to the Guest Room for a bento lunch.
Quite beautiful bottom layer, with assortment of chicken, vegetables and fish
Top layer had two different kinds of rice dishes and some tempura
And right as I finished lunch and was checking to the schedule to see what was happening in the afternoon, I run into THIS guy:
With Hiroshi Tamura
In any case, an eventful morning. The afternoon would prove to be just as excited, stay tuned for Part 2 coming soon...
