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The fairy godmother of Nissan Skylines

Dennis Forrest, Fraserburgh
Dennis Forrest, Fraserburgh

In today’s throwaway society where everything is seen as disposable, replaceable or temporary, we are often guilty of simply getting rid of broken items.

Instead of repairing them, which often takes time and money, we give up and buy a brand new replacement. But not Dennis Forrest.

The 53-year-old offshore worker finds great satisfaction in restoring old cars normally destined for the scrap heap and has a particular affection for Nissan Skylines.

He is the proud owner of a collection of classic motors which he has spent months – or even years in some cases – restoring and refining.

Most of the cars are for sale, but four Nissan Skylines have escaped the auction and are now Dennis’ pride and joy.

The chosen few currently consist of a 1995 Nissan Skyline GTR, a 1996 Nissan Skyline GTR R33, a rare Nissan Skyline GTR R34 in an iconic bayside blue colour, and the newest addition to his collection – a Nissan Skyline GTR R35.

Dennis, who lives in Fraserburgh, first began his love affair with Nissans more than 20 years ago.

Working shifts offshore meant that upon his return, he was left with some spare time on his hands.

“I’d be back onshore for a few weeks at a time and I just had the time to spend on bigger projects,” he said.

“It wasn’t really a decision I made to start doing up cars.

“It was just a hobby which has grown over the years.

“None of my family were particularly into cars when I was younger.

“But my mates were all into sporty cars and we used to hang around Ruxton’s Garage in Fraserburgh.”

Over the years, Dennis admits it feels like he has owned every car under the sun.

But in his eyes, nothing can compare to the Skyline’s charm.

“I just can’t get away from the Nissan Skyline,” he said.

“You go back to 1995 and give me another car that can do what that Nissan can.

“You won’t find one – it’s just untouchable on the roads.”

And after decades of driving the vehicles, Dennis can spot any issues a mile off.

“I know exactly what Nissans need,” he said.

“I know how they should stand on the road and things like the wrong tyres or wheels are obvious to me.

“I quite like to drive any new cars I get for about two weeks to really get a feel for what the engine needs.

“Sometimes they need totally reworked and are almost rusted through.”

Constantly on the hunt for parts, Dennis has a garage full of tools and can seldom be found anywhere except under the bonnet of his latest project.

“I could probably build a complete Skyline from all the bits in my shed,” he said.

“And I’ve got my trusted garages which help me out with the really big work.

“Usually, I look out for ridiculously cheap cars which need totally re-worked.

“Often they’re on their way to the scrap heap because they’ve been written off by insurers and other garages.”

Dennis then spends months restoring them and getting the motors back into a sellable condition.

But although he parts with most of the cars he refurbishes, for Dennis the aim isn’t to make money.

“Friends and family have said in the past that I put too much money into my cars,” he said.

“They worry that I won’t make a profit.

“But I don’t tell them that I’m chuffed to just be breaking even.

“For me, it’s about the satisfaction of getting that car back on to the road.”

Dennis has spent the last few years baffled as to why Nissans are often overlooked when it comes to debates over the best supercar.

“People talk about Lamborghinis and Ferraris all the time,” he said.

“In fact I nearly bought a second-hand Lamborghini a few years ago, but I just couldn’t bring myself to do it.

“A finely tuned Nissan R35 wipes the floor of any Lamborghini anywhere.

“Nothing else is as planted on the road as the Nissan.”