The NHTSA gave import automobiles older than 25 years of age amnesty in 1998. So even though it doesn’t comply with requirements, you can now import any Nissan Skyline that was manufactured in 1995 or earlier. Only in California are you at risk of problems.
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Can skylines be made acceptable?
Finding a pre-built race car that has previously participated in a renowned racing series outside of the US is another option you’ll have when importing an R34 Skyline, in addition to the “Show and Display” regulations (or loopholes).
Unfortunately, you’ll need to make sure you have a document from Nissan confirming that the vehicle you want was made exclusively for racing, in which case you won’t be allowed to legally drive it until the 25-year restriction takes effect.
This is undoubtedly a dangerous strategy because registering it for road use later on won’t be as simple as you might imagine, but if you’re prepared to put in the work, numerous enthusiasts have shown that it is achievable.
While it may be tempting, we’d personally prefer to wait until 2024 arrives in order to avoid any potential problems and complexities that may arise.
Are you curious about the Nissan Skyline’s past? Everything you need to know is covered in this excellent video by Donut Media!
Can an R34 Skyline be made legal?
One of the most well-known and sought-after Japanese vehicles in America is the Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R. As a result, many auto fans wonder whether the R34 is legal in the United States. The bottom line is that owning an R34 is permissible in America. However, obtaining one is quite challenging. This is due to the fact that when R34s were first being produced, it was prohibited for them to be brought into the nation. The regulatory regulations that all imported cars must adhere to were not met by the R34.
After the initial production run was completed, a business by the name of MotoRex brought a small quantity of R34s into the nation. The company’s purported use of a legal loophole turned out to be dubious, and the authorities ultimately shut it down. The MotoRex R34s, however, were kept by the clients who had purchased them.
An R34 can only be imported into the country as a “Show and Display” vehicle, which is entirely legal. These rules are meant to apply to vehicles that are part of a private collection or museum. Only a few R34 vehicles, though, have received import approval under these rules.
Can an R34 be driven in California?
If you used a registered importer to bring the car over In order to comply with the applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, the RI will modify the vehicle. All motor vehicles less than 25 years old must adhere to FMVSS safety requirements in order to be permitted for usage in the United States under the new car importation regulations.
In other words, it is now possible to legally import a Nissan Skyline R34 into the USA. However, connecting to the RI and adapting the car to be road-worthy will be an expensive task.
The amount? I’m not sure. The initial cost of the car, shipping charges to transport it abroad, import taxes, federal taxes, and other as-yet-unknown “hidden costs” must all be taken into account. Then, you must cooperate with the RI to ensure that it passes emissions and crash tests. This becomes costly and may even need disassembling the car to upgrade or replace certain components to make it “safer.”
In the end, I’d estimate that it would cost $20k to $50k to legally import a Skyline r34. Given that the fifth-generation Nissan Skyline R34 was produced from 1999 to 2002, that’s a hefty amount to pay for a vehicle that is almost 20 years old! Perhaps all you need is an older R32. Heck, some individuals even prefer the R32 GTR:
However, if you have unlimited funds and a burning desire to acquire an R34 Skyline, go ahead. But it wasn’t always like this. Before the NHTSA changed the import laws, if you find a Nissan Skyline R34 driving around the streets, that vehicle is most likely a product of the 2006 Motorex scandal.
How come R35 isn’t a Skyline?
One of the most renowned Japanese performance cars of all time is the Nissan Skyline GT-R.
The “Godzilla” (see here why the Skyline GT-R is called as Godzilla) has come to represent strength and performance throughout the course of several different generations.
The Nissan Skyline GT-R has become one of the most coveted names in Japanese performance driving despite being illegal in the United States at the time (see our article on why Nissan Skylines are illegal in the United States).
You probably already know that Nissan stopped producing the R34 Skyline generation in 2002 (for more information, see our buying guide for the R34 GT-R).
The Skyline actually kept on after that and is still going today, but it is now what is known as the “New Generation Skyline,” which is very different from the original Skylines. The new Skyline is more well-known in America as a line of Infiniti vehicles, including the Infiniti G35:
This New Generation Skyline was mainly focused on giving a premium touring car experience and never included a GT-R variant.
Due to the overwhelming demand from auto enthusiasts, the R35 GT-R was debuted in 2007 and is still in production today.
Indeed, the R34 GT-R was the Nissan Skyline GT-R R34, to give an example.
What makes the Nissan GT-R of today the Nissan Skyline GT-R R35? After all, any car sporting those distinctive taillights must be a Skyline!
The reason the R35 GT-R is not a Skyline is rather straightforward, in case you’re wondering.
Earlier GT-Rs (such as the R32, R33, and R34) were built on the Skyline platform of that generation.
Consider the R32 GT-R, which was offered in a variety of trim levels and engine/gearbox combinations, including as a sedan.
Nissan used that generation’s Skyline base to build the R32 GT-R (the original “Godzilla”), turning everything up to 11.
There is no platform overlap with the existing Skyline. The R35 GT-R is a “standalone” vehicle, as opposed to the previous generations of GT-Rs, which were all the pinnacle of the applicable Skyline platform.
Although the R35 GT-R is essentially the spiritual successor to previous Skyline GT-Rs, Nissan opted not to utilize the Skyline brand due to the distinctive platform.
A GTR is it a skyline?
A sports automobile built on the Nissan Skyline platform is known as the Nissan Skyline GT-R (Japanese: GT-R, Hepburn: Nissan Sukairain GT-R). The first “Skyline GT-R” vehicles, with the model code KPGC10, were made between 1969 and 1972. They were successful in Japanese touring car racing competitions.
Are JDM automobiles forbidden?
One of the most commonly used words when addressing foreign vehicles that are prohibited in the US is “JDM. The phrase “Japanese Domestic Market” refers to the fact that the cars were produced in Japan and targeted towards Japanese motorists. JDM automobiles are probably the most sought-after imports. You may have seen JDM automobiles featured prominently in movies, video games, and a variety of other popular media in recent years, which has greatly increased their appeal. These foreign vehicles are renowned for their distinctive performance strategies, whether it be for drifting, cutting-edge drivetrains, or just a cult following that the vehicle has developed. You might be asking yourself, “Why are JDM automobiles forbidden? It all boils down to construction if you’re wondering why Japanese vehicles are forbidden in the United States. Since Americans drive on the right side of the road and have vehicles that are left-hand drive, driving on the left side of the road and utilizing right-hand drive vehicles are both unlawful on this side of the Pacific. Almost all JDM vehicles manufactured in 1997 or later cannot enter the United States without paying a hefty fine. More severe punishments are deserved for owning or operating illegal JDM vehicles than for using drugs or automatic guns. Maybe in the future, the government will set priorities correctly.
Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R V-spec
The Nissan R34 GT-R V-spec, a rival to the Toyota Supra and Mazda RX-7, was one of the most popular vehicles in the world, let alone one of the most popular cars people wanted to import from the Japanese Domestic Market because it had some of the most cutting-edge technology for a 1999 vehicle. It was among the first to use a dashboard display screen that provided information on the engine and vehicle operation, including a gauge for measuring the amount of G-forces the vehicle was experiencing. Under the seat skirt of the driver’s seat was a computer jack that could upload data from the vehicle’s system to a laptop for study. The Nissan Skyline is the model on the NHSTA’s list of automobiles that are not allowed in America, according to a fast internet search. The 1995 GTS-T, R32 GT-Rs produced between 1989 and 1994, the 1995 R33 GT-R, 1995 and 1996 R33 GT-R V-spec, the 1994 R34, the 1999 R34 GT-T, and the 2001 R34 25GT-T are other Skylines that are prohibited.
What is the price of the R34?
The Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R is regarded as the pinnacle of Japanese engineering in the 1990s. Fast & Furious, one of the most well-known movie franchises, features it as one of its key heroes. As a result of a few cameos by Paul Walker’s character Brian O’Conner in the F&F films, the JDM legend has grown to legendary level. Unfortunately, some limited-edition R34 GT-Rs have reached prices over $500,000. This is due to the GT-R’s appearances on television and film, as well as its illustrious past. Despite the staggering prices, you can still purchase a normal R34 GT-R like this one for “only $58,000.
Why is the r34 not allowed on public roads?
In summary, the Nissan Skyline GT-R is prohibited from being imported into the US since it does not adhere to the 1988 Imported Vehicle Safety Compliance Act. The Skyline was not designed with the necessary safety elements to abide by the applicable traffic safety regulations.
A vehicle is exempt from these rules once it reaches the age of 25, at which point it is allowed to be imported and used on American roads.
With California being likely the most noteworthy exception in terms of particular states where you would have difficulties importing due to tougher emissions control legislation, this means that vehicles like the R32 GTR (the original “Godzilla”) can be imported into the USA.
By 2024, you should be able to start importing the R34 GTR. The oldest versions of the R33 GTR are also starting to become legal for import and compliance.
Just a word of caution
As far as we are aware, there are no laws prohibiting you from importing one as a “show piece that isn’t allowed to be driven on the road but instead sits in your garage.” We’ve heard stories of people looking to buy and store Nissan Skylines with a view of registering and complying them once they turn 25 years old in the hopes of increasing their value. While it is likely not a bad idea, there is always a chance that the government could modify import regulations, leaving you with a depreciating burden rather than an asset that depreciates over time. Although it’s unlikely, it’s nevertheless important to remark.
We would be interested in hearing from you if you are aware of any other legitimate ways to buy a Skyline GTR in the United States. Please comment down below!