A 1996 Nissan Skyline GT-R NISMO 400R – long mythologised by the PlayStation generation of enthusiasts – is among the headliners at Broad Arrow’s Amelia Auction in March 2026.
Carrying a pre-sale estimate of $900,000 to $1m, the limited-production 400R spotlights the growing prominence of modern classics in the upper reaches of the collector-car market.
NISMO 400R values have climbed sharply since the model became eligible for import into the US in 2021. In 2025, a Dark Gray Pearl model with 4408 miles on the clock sold for $995,000 at RM Sotheby’s Monterey auction.
Beyond its rarity, the 400R is distinguished from standard R33 Skylines by myriad upgrades inspired by Nissan’s Le Mans programme. The 400R name references the car’s 400bhp power output – a 120bhp improvement over the 280bhp quoted for the standard model. Comprehensive engine upgrades were matched by bespoke suspension tuning, uprated brakes, wider bodywork, unique aerodynamic components and lightweight forged wheels.
The 400R offered by Broad Arrow is the eighth of just 44 examples built, of which only 40 are known to survive. Finished in QM1 White over a black NISMO interior, it was imported into the US in 2024 following three decades of Japanese ownership. It has covered just 10,136 miles during its lifetime.
Joining the 400R in Broad Arrow’s Amelia sale is another rare, motorsport-derived modern classic: a 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet. Just 180 CLK DTM AMGs – 100 coupés and 80 cabriolets – were built across 2004-2005 to celebrate Mercedes’ achievements in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft.
Powered by a 5.4-litre supercharged V8 producing 582bhp, the CLK DTM AMG Cabriolet was capable of 186mph, making it the world’s fastest four-seat convertible in period. High-profile owners included Juan Pablo Montoya and Mika Häkkinen, both McLaren drivers during Mercedes’ tenure as the team’s Formula 1 Works partner.
The Iridium Silver over Black Alcantara example heading for sale was delivered new in Germany before being imported to New Zealand in 2011. Exported into the US in 2024, it is presented for auction with just 5460 miles and is expected to fetch between $550,000 and $650,000.
Other modern classics up for grabs include a 1993 Jaguar XJ220 showing less than 1000 miles (est. $575,000 – $650,000), a 2005 Ford GT consigned with no reserve and with every factory option ticked (est. $450,000 – $550,000) and one of only 17 Porsche 996 GT3-based Ruf RGTs (est. $250,000 – $280,000).
‘Broad Arrow caters to collectors of all segments, with a decided focus on what today’s most active buyers and the rising generation of collectors are looking for,’ said Broad Arrow vice president of auctions Barney Ruprecht.
‘This focus is on full display in our 2026 Amelia Auction, with a lineup of cars that made a significant cultural impact in the Y2K era and that elicit youthful memories for a whole generation of our clients. You could essentially build the Gran Turismo garage of your dreams at our Amelia Auction, with more exciting cars that fit the bill to come.’
View the auction catalogue here.
