What is the difference between a Series 1 & Series II Nissan Skyline R33?

One of the most common questions I get asked about Nissan Skyine R33's is "what is the difference between a Series 1 & Series II"? It is very important to know the differences in the models as there has been many cases where buyers have bought a Series 1 believing it to be a Series II (and paid Series II prices) because that is what the seller told them. The easiest way to tell from the outside is what the front end looks like. The R33's started production in August 1993 as a Series 1 and continued through to 1995. From late 1995 they changed to the Series II right through to March 1998. From the exterior it is easy to tell the difference if you know what you are looking for. Below are some photos to help you distinguish the different models. The 1993 first edition had a fairly plain front (See Photo 1)....









Photo 1


.....compared to the 1994 model optional "M-Spec" front-bar (see Photo 2).









Photo 2

Note: some 1994 & 1995 models still have the old style first edition plain front indicating that the M-Spec front was optional right up until the Series II was launched in late 1995. Another way to tell the differences between models is that most 93 & 94 models don't have driver airbags (however it was an option to have driver or dual airbags right from 1993 although it is extremely rare). All 1995 models have a driver's airbag.









Photo 3.. Series II front

Series II Skylines started from very late 1995 and went right through to March 1998. The main differences between Series 1 & II are:

• The interior trim changes from velour to a cloth type material and has a different pattern
  
• All series II have dual airbags
  
• The bonnet, front-bar & headlights are different (see photo 3 above)
  
• The dash facia changes for being coated with a flat plastic material to a non coated rough finish (more on this later)
  
• The instrument cluster is slightly different with different warning light positions
  

Mechanically they are almost identical and perform the same.

Over the years I have heard people referring to Series 1.5 but believe me.. they don't exist! I think the confusion is people think that when they changed to the optional M-Spec frontbar it became a Series 1.5 but there is only a Series 1 and Series II.