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.

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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.

Bonham brakes hard in his Skyline as it belches gray smoke.

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.