280TypeMR – The Rarest of the Rare GTS-T

This started in my mind as a simple Instagram post but has now snowballed into a full blown blog post about the 280TypeMR, one of the rarest, if not rarest R33 GTS-T models available. I was cruising through some Japanese car sale sites and this immediately caught my eye when I saw the title… Okay, so no doubt you are aware of the 400R – This is essentially the GTS-T equivalent, known as the 280TypeMR!

If the name rings a bell to you, think back to Gran Turismo 2 where the car was available for purchase – a quirk is that the car is featured as a 4WD in the game (based on the R33 GT-R) but in reality it retains the FR layout of the ‘regular’ GTS-T.

A screenshot from Gran Turismo 2 – Source: https://gran-turismo.fandom.com/wiki/Nissan_SKYLINE_280_Type_MR

Just as the RB-X GT2 engine for the 400R, which was designed and built by Reinik (or Reimax as it is now know), features a 2.8L displacement so does the RB-XII engine used in the 280TypeMR. Yes, a 2.8L RB25 derived engine… There is not a lot of ‘official’ information floating around but from what I have researched I will mention some differences. Starting with the ‘stock’ RB25 a special Reinik stroker kit and ECU are added to give a total power output of around 300PS (higher than a standard BCNR33) with plenty of torque. I believe this is achieved with the standard turbo. Other changes include a host of Nismo parts, suspension, exhaust, etc. The clutch is also replaced with a BNR32 unit.

It looks like the optional front bumper (the lower part) was selected with this car. Image: gtnet.co.jp

The RB-XII engine, notice the Reinik engine cover and Nismo strut bar which were part of the package. Image: gtnet.co.jp

The interior looks relatively standard with the owner fitting a few gauges, etc. Image: gtnet.co.jp

From what I can see apparently 20 of the RB-XII engines were produced by Reinik but only 7 made their way into the 280TypeMR cars, meaning the rest may have been fitted to customer cars. I do wonder whether this much effort was actually spent to create extra engines for sale individually… I can only go with what I have read online. It also appears that the parts used to create the 2.8L engine were available for sale to the public.

A scan showing the specs and a car on display, presumably at a motor show in Japan. Note the decals on the front bumper highlighting the different naming. Image: Google.

Watch out R33 GT-R owners! Image: Google.

If you are familiar with Japanese cars you might have heard of the term ‘Dealer Special’. The 280MR were available specially through Prince Kanagawa and were never an ‘official’ Nissan car as such. However, being created by Reinik, the same company that handled the engines for Nissans LeMans 24hour efforts, Pikes Peak and other forms of motor-sport it does form a bit of a grey area in terms of rarity, etc. I can also see visual differences, 400R type rear bar, etc. between ‘standard’ GTS-T cars but I am not sure what was done by the customers and what was included in the complete car package. Does that rear wing look different to the standard S2 rear wing to anyone or is that just me?

Special badging, reminiscent of the 400R badges, as well as a 400R style rear bar indicate this is no ‘regular GTS-T’. Image: gtnet.co.jp

This particular car is a February 1998 build, when the 280MR ‘kit’ was applied I cannot confirm, if you look closely you will see the special badges created specifically for this model. I have read these cars were rolled out through the dealer network late in 1998 and early in 1999. Of course, by now the R34 was available which might have contributed to the overall low number of cars being built, understood to be limited to just 7 models. As of December 2020 it is available for sale through GTNet here – a well known car dealer in Japan, it is being offered at 3,280,000 YEN or approximately $42,000 AUD (car only cost). Whilst only reading 64,300km on the speedo it appears to be well used but still in nice condition. I have only seen images of one other 280MR and after checking with a well known importer they recall only ever seeing one come through the auctions.

If you Google 280TypeMR this is the car that you will be presented with and the only other one I can recall seeing. Image: Google.

An aftermarket front mount intercooler kit has been fitted in this image, the standard car came with the stock sidemount cooler. *Image: Google.*

A clearer shot of the rear badge. Image: Google.

With its lighter weight and increased power you might give an unsuspecting GT-R owner a freight! Being an R33 GTS-T owner myself I have always wanted a ‘special’ car and this really fits the bill, one can dream right…

Ps I have only been able to include information I have read, if you know differently please get in touch. Also, if you enjoy this article please let me know as I might be able to cover other rare models and oddities!

Sources:

http://www.gtnet.co.jp/eng/usedcar/usedcar_detail.php?group_code=7&zaiko_code=00510000121000980170

https://gran-turismo.fandom.com/wiki/Nissan_SKYLINE_280_Type_MR

https://www.skylineowners.com/threads/280-type-mr.186248/

https://www.sau.com.au/forums/topic/137180-skyline-280-type-mr/

https://www.sau.com.au/forums/topic/29219-japans-supercar-thread/