If you asked me to describe my dream garage, it would be a lockup bursting 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 its walls would be plastered with photos by Mark Riccioni.

While 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 has been importing JDM performance cars from Japan, spanning ex-demo machines to ultra-rare models and everything in between. Late last year, I caught wind of HJA importing one of the 19 (currently) Nismo Clubman Race Spec R34 Skyline GT-Rs in existence – the first one to make it to Europe. I’d been chatting with Arooj – who runs HJA with his brother Ozzy – about coming to see this stunning car, but life kept getting in the way, so it never happened. Now, looking back, I’m glad we kept postponing.

Why? Well, a couple of weeks ago, I saw another online post from HJA, which, to my amazement, announced they now had two R34 Nismo CRS GT-Rs. The excitement kicked into overdrive as I quickly tried to arrange a visit. Thankfully, Arooj was more than accommodating.

When the day arrived, through sheer excitement, I missed my exit on the motorway, adding an extra 10 minutes to the journey. But the moment I walked into HJA, it was all worth it.

The first sight to greet me was two stunning Bayside Blue R34 Nissan Skyline GT-Rs in the lobby. Normally, I would’ve spent hours drooling over them, but this wasn’t a normal day.

As I stepped through the glass doors into the main warehouse, I was met 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 bespoke, full rebuild of the final Skyline GT-R, crafted by Nismo in its Omori Factory based on individual customer preferences. These rebuilds are so extensive, that the cars emerge with zero mileage odometers.

Dino featured the very first CRS R34 GT-R on Speedhunters 10 years ago, so check that out to learn everything there is to know about this exclusive model.

As mentioned, since Nismo launched the Clubman Race Spec programme, only 19 CRS R34 GT-Rs have been created. Here I was looking at two of them – 10% of the entire production to date – a Gunmetal Grey M-spec and a Black Pearl V-spec. Arooj was kind enough to walk me through the cars…

First was the M-spec, built in 2022 and originally commissioned by Garage Defend in Japan for an Australian client. This is the CRS GT-R that initially sparked me to contact HJA.

The M-spec is a complete ground-up rebuild, now powered by a 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 many more upgrades. It’s estimated to produce 500ps and 49kg/m (58kg/m is also reported) – perfect numbers if you ask me. The cost? 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 features a dry carbon front bumper, fenders, and an R-tune carbon bonnet. One of the coolest details is the exposed carbon Omori Factory logo.

The car still runs a 6-speed Getrag gearbox but adds a Nismo Super Coppermix twin-plate clutch and 1.5-way LSD into the driveline. Handling is enhanced by Öhlins suspension, a Nismo titanium strut bar, 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 Grey Metallic (KAD) paint.

Inside, the interior remains largely true to its M-spec specification. While there’s an option for Recaro seats, I prefer the originals.

Then, it was on to the latest CRS to emerge from Omori Factory – the Black Pearl Metallic (GV1) V-spec – as commissioned by Ozzy and Arooj at HJA.

This car boasts similar upgrades to the M-spec but with one main difference: the engine. The R4 was developed from the R3, but increased 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 understood to produce 500ps and 55kg/m of torque.

Unlike the M-spec build, HJA’s V-spec CRS has had its entire interior re-trimmed by Nismo. I prefer the smaller Nismo steering wheel it comes with.

In a perfect world, I would’ve left HJA with the keys to the V-spec CRS. However, reality forced me to reluctantly farewell these two magnificent machines.

As I wandered 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 will return for the Midnight Purple R34 GT-R currently in stock.

Jathu Thillai 
Instagram: jathuthillai
www.jtoncars.uk

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