Rare Find: Nissan Stagea 260RS, the Skyline's Wagon Cousin, Hits the Market
by AutoExpert | 17 November, 2023
While the legendary Nissan Skyline R33 GT-R is a well-known marvel among car enthusiasts, its wagon counterpart, the Nissan Stagea 260RS Autech, is a rarer breed.
Currently, a 1998 model is up for sale at Cars & Birds, offering a unique opportunity for JDM aficionados to own a piece of automotive history that rivals the Audi RS7 Avant in uniqueness and rarity.
Unfortunately, only 1,734 units of this model were produced, and it was never officially sold in the USA. Essentially, the Stagea 260RS is the wagon iteration of the iconic Nissan GT-R's Skyline predecessors.
Developed by Autech, Nissan's in-house tuning division which later integrated with Nismo in 2021, the Stagea was poised to compete against the high-performance variants of the Subaru Legacy, including the STI wagons, back in 1997.
Mechanically, the Stagea 260RS Autech is a twin of the R33, powered by the same robust 2.6-liter twin-turbo RB26DETT inline-6 engine, mated to the identical five-speed manual transmission and the ATTESA ET-S all-wheel-drive system. This setup delivers an impressive 280 HP and 271 lb-ft of torque.
This 1990s creation is remarkably advanced for its time, yet it's worth noting that this high-performance wagon is on the heavier side, weighing in at 3,500 pounds, which is 105 pounds more than the sedan version.
To distinguish it further, this versatile performance vehicle boasts an exclusive Autech body kit, enhancing its sporty demeanor, complemented by a pronounced rear spoiler.
Other distinctive features include 17-inch BBS wheels, sporty front seats, a four-wheel steering system, air conditioning, and a limited-slip differential.
For those concerned about import restrictions, this Nissan R34 Skyline's wagon equivalent comes with a US title, circumventing the 25-year import ban. Given its rarity and the relatively low mileage of just 83,500 miles, the Stagea 260RS is a collector's delight, but this exclusivity comes with a price tag currently standing at $25,000 USD.
