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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A Nissan Skyline R34 is legal to own in the US.
Sports car fans all over the world crave the revered R34 Nissan GT-R. Even though we are aware that it is now illegal to own one in the US until at least 2024, when the first R34s will be permitted for import under the 25 Year Rule, aficionados continue to hunt for ways around the law. Any day of the week, it’s especially alluring to purchase one in Canada, which is just across the border.
Can an R34, however, be imported lawfully? Are R34s permissible in the United States? Why was it never sold here to begin with? Would you mind driving one over?
In addition, the solutions are applicable to practically any vehicle that is less than 25 years old and was never purchased brand-new in the US.
Is it prohibited to possess a GTR Skyline?
One of Nissan’s masterpieces is the Skyline GT-R. We shouldn’t be shocked that it has developed a cult following all over the world given its unparalleled power, handling, and design. The Skyline GT-R is regarded as one of the all-time greatest drifting vehicles and has won numerous awards.
Unfortunately, the Skyline GT-R cannot be fully appreciated in the American market. For the following reasons, the car is not certified for sale in the US:
- All of the vehicles are right-hand drive. None are made to US standards.
- It’s a luxury car on the gray market with features that violate US safety and emissions regulations.
- It is faster than US police cars due to its speed.
- Although Skyline GT-R spare parts are unavailable in the US, you might look into the brand-new NISMO Heritage Parts program. As of December 1, 2017, some new GT-R parts are being marketed in Japan.
Having said that, bringing a Skyline GT-R into the US is not absolutely difficult. (See the poster we created to celebrate the GT-R.)
Why doesn’t R35 have 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.
Car aficionados were anxious for another GT-R, and some years later the R35 GT-R was launched in 2007, and continues production to this day.
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.
What is the price of a Skyline R34 in the USA?
The Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R example with the chassis number BNR34-006741 is a base model, but it still has all the GT-R features, such as the RB26 DETT, ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive, and more. This is not a V Spec or a M Spec, which begin around $180,000 for a low-mileage model and can reach as high as $500,000 in some cases.
With 103,250 kilometers (64 156 miles) on the clock, this Nissan R34 GT-R is painted in white (paint color QM1). The timing belt, water pump, and spark plugs were replaced as part of a major service performed on the vehicle on March 23, 2017, at a certified Nissan dealer. The vehicle’s odometer read 100,340 kilometers (62,348 miles) at the time.
The automobile has a few nice improvements but is otherwise mainly stock. A full NISMO aero kit, featuring a front aero bumper, side skirts, rear under-spoiler set, carbon pillar garnish, and GT shift knob, is one of the numerous NISMO goodies that are included. A lightweight flywheel, a sports clutch, a clutch cover, and other NISMO components are also available.
R33 Skyline: Is it legal in the US?
Any vehicle that is 25 years old or older can enter the United States with exemptions from a number of NHTSA rules, including emissions. Since 2014, R32 GT-Rs have been permitted. Beginning in January 2021, the 1995 R33 GT-R is acceptable. According to Morris, 48 states make it simple to register any of these right-hand-drive vehicles.
Why is r34 prohibited in the USA?
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!
thoughts on “Why Are Nissan Skylines Illegal In The United States?
Untrue in every way, 100%. A skyline can be exported and imported to the US for a pricey sum of $5,500. That doesn’t make it unlawful.
In the US, how many skylines are there?
As of April 23, 2021, there are 139 skylinechili sites across the country. Cincinnati, which has 29 locations and accounts for 33% of all Skyline Chili locations in the US, is the state with the most Skyline Chili locations.
What color of R34 is the rarest?
One of the best vehicles ever produced by Nissan, the R34 Nissan GTR is legendary among auto fans. There is a select group of only 18 iconic R34 Nissan GTRs that received extra attention from Nissan’s NISMO tuning division, known as the Z-Tunes. Only two specimens of the beautiful Midnight Purple III color exist among this group of exceedingly rare Z-Tune GTRs, and today we’re going to see one of them get a detail.
In case you’re unaware, the R34 Nissan GTR is the final incarnation of the previous GTRs. The R35 GTR of today is significantly different from GTRs of the past, despite being quicker. The RB-Series straight-6 engine, a favorite of the tuner scene, was used by the GTR R34, the final version to use it.
Gallery: Detailing ‘World’s Most Expensive’ Nissan GT-R R34 Z-Tune Is Relaxing To See
Before the R35 debuted in 2007, the R34 marked a brief halt to the GTR nameplate. It was built from 1999 to 2002. The GTR reached new heights of performance and rarity thanks to the high-performance variations produced during the brief R34 production cycle. A final factory attempt to create the ideal GTR was born after the three-year manufacturing cycle, and the resulting vehicles were known as Z-Tunes.
Nissan obtained used R34 GTRs in the V-Spec trim with fewer than 18,000 miles on the odometer to utilize as the foundation for the Z-Tune vehicles. Nismo disassembled the base vehicles and repainted 17 of the 18 Z-Tunes in a limited-edition shade called Z-Tune Silver. Its Midnight Purple III color was the last remaining outlier, making it a one-of-one and the utmost rare R34 GTR in existence.
A Nissan GT-R will depreciate 25% after 5 years and have a 5 year resale value of $119,205.
The anticipated depreciation over the following ten years is shown in the figure below. These outcomes apply to cars that travel 12,000 miles annually on average and are in good condition. Additionally, it counts on a new-car selling price of $158,940. Enter the purchase price, anticipated length of ownership, and yearly mileage estimate. We can estimate the Nissan GT-R’s projected resale value using our depreciation calculator.
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What makes the GT-R known as Godzilla?
In 1989, the Skyline R32 earned the moniker “Godzilla” for its ability to rule Japanese Touring Car Racing. The GT-R was only available in Japan, though, so the rest of the world could only learn about it from magazines.