There’s a good reason the last generation of the Skyline GT-R is still such a favorite, both among racers and car guys. The versatility of the car, the styling, and its willingness to take modifications make it a real peach to all stripes of automotive junkies, but it’s best when someone takes one onto a public street and demonstrates just what the quintessential all-weather supercar can do.

Because the Windy Point hillclimb course is a closed public road, owner Luke Bosman really can wind the 475-horsepower RB26 out, test the car’s braking abilities, and use that ATTESA-ETS system to deploy all the turbocharged grunt without a hiccup. Clearly, the car’s not a stripped-out track toy, but it has a host of useful upgrades that sharpen the Skyline’s edges.

https://

Included in the modification list are Garrett -5 turbos, which flow slightly better than the stock units, a modest set of 260-degree camshafts from Tomei for a little more mid-range, an HKS oil cooler kit for regular pounding, and a Weldina 3″catback for better response at lower revs. The aggregate effect of these mild modifications is a motor that has a wonderful exhaust note, crisp response, and a relentless pull all the way to redline.

Those qualities are put to good use with the footwork that Bonham’s invested in. Rear adjustable camber arms for a little more grip, Zeal coilovers to keep the ride level and firm, and massive Alcon brakes measuring 365mm up front and 335mm in the rear. As the GT-R is heavy, having some big ‘ol stoppers helps when tackling technical roads like the ones at Windy Point.

All of those pieces come together to provide a platform that’s supple, rides the bumps flawlessly, exhibits a benign amount of understeer, and plenty of throttle-adjustability when Bonham really gets after it. Simply modified, purposeful, and glorious-sounding. Plus, that blow-off squeak is intoxicating, if not slightly comical.