Nissan introduced two last production R34 GT-R models in February 2002 under the names Skyline GT-R VSpec II Nr and Skyline GT-R MSpec Nr.
In This Article...
How many R34 GTRS are still around?
They Are More Rare Than You Might Think. Although many were ultimately destroyed in accidents, 2709 examples of the base model of the Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 were produced. There are 11,578 R34s in existence in all, including all versions.
Since when do skylines no longer exist?
Production of the second generation GT-R and the fourth generation Skyline began in 1972 for the 1973 model year. However, Nissan shut down the production line and stopped participating in any factory-sponsored racing events in March 1973 after only producing 197 units.
Can one purchase a new R34?
Back in May, we reported on the news that a 2002 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec II Nur, which had never been owned, was going up for auction in Japan. Get those bidding fingers ready because the auction has begun and is being captured on camera.
Despite never having been registered and having left the factory nearly 20 years ago, this Skyline is still officially new, and its condition reflects that. Images of the car’s undercarriage show that it is in perfect condition, even for the most meticulous among us.
This V-Spec II Nur model is one of just 718 that have ever been produced, and it is also one of just 159 that are white. The Nur part indicates that it is equipped with the RB26DETT engine from the N1 racing series, which features improved water and oil channels, upgraded pistons, new turbochargers, and upgraded camshafts for improved performance.
Are skylines still sold in Japan?
TOKYO — After 64 years, Nissan Motor is ending the production of its iconic Skyline sedans. Although it is marketed under the Infiniti name in some international markets, the Nissan Skyline was the first car the firm ever produced and is undoubtedly its most recognizable model.
Why were skylines no longer produced?
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 (provided there are no additional changes to legislation by then, or further tightening of emissions and environmental rules which is always a risk in the current climate).
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.
What makes the R34 such a hit?
4 In Advance of Its Time. The R34 is arguably the best and most well-known Skyline model. The fact that this car seemed so far ahead of its time and is still in such high demand now was one of the reasons it was so well-liked. The fact that the car is still so precious and in such high demand in 2021 is not surprising.
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.
In 2022, how much will an R34 cost?
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.
What Nissan Skyline is the rarest?
The Z-tune, R400, and, of course, Brian O’Conner’s electric blue R34 from 2 Fast 2 Furious are a few particularly uncommon Nissan Skylines. But there is only one Godzilla that is genuinely as uncommon as a unicorn: the magnificent R33 LM.
The silhouette of this squat, wide-arched R33 may be recognizable to Gran Turismo players from the opening movie of the first game. Since then, every episode of the racing franchise has featured a similar vehicle. But unlike the fantasy realm of pixels where several copies can coexist, there is only one hard copy in existence.
It is kept at Nissan’s magnificent Zama DNA garage. A carefully crafted toy box stuffed to the gills with the Japanese manufacturer’s back catalog. We also met the LM there for a brief one-on-one conversation.
We begged and begged to be allowed to drive it, but that was not possible. Even Carlos Ghosn, the biggest of all Nissan bigwigs and chairman, president, and CEO, has never been permitted to operate a vehicle.
Even still, we continued to plead, threaten, and even consider stealing it in order to experience driving without a PlayStation controller.
What does an R34 cost?
This surpasses the previous record set earlier this year by the reputable Nissan Skyline GT-R tracker GT-R Registry for a comparable model called the M-Spec Nur, which sold for 310,000 yen, or A$395000 (see below).
The three most expensive M-Spec Nur GT-Rs to sell at auction in Japan, according to the Registry, were painted Millennium Jade, a light metallic green that is quite exclusive to the version.
With only 6817 kilometers on the odometer, the most recent vehicle to shatter the sale record received a perfect auction rating of 4.5/5.
This suggests that even a global pandemic would not be able to halt the rise in Japanese modern classic car values, with even commonplace vehicles fetching exorbitant prices when in good shape.
The average price for any R34 GT-R, according to GT-R Registry, is tracking at A$145,000 over the past few months in Japanese auctions, where many records and high sums have been paid.
According to Registry, prices paid over the past three months have increased by 49.6% compared to the same period last year.
Five R34 Skyline GT-Rs are presently listed for sale in Australia’s classified advertisements, with prices ranging from $200,000 to a whopping $600,000 for an M-Spec Nur being offered by Melbourne-based specialists V-Spec Performance.
Additionally, this 2002 Nissan R34 Skyline GT-R V-Spec II grabbed headlines earlier this year.
It’s not the ultra-rare Nur edition that completed the R34; fewer than 700 of those cars were made, so it’s not the R34 that buyers are often lining up to purchase. In actuality, over 1900 V-Spec IIs were produced. However, this one has only had one owner and has 5721 kilometers on it.
What does an R34 Skyline cost?
Currently, the base-model R34 Skyline GT R rarely sells for less than $100,000, while the rarest models, such the V or M spec Nr’s, sell for more than $300,000.
The R34 will Nissan ever reintroduce?
Gran Turismo was the beginning of it all. Sean has always had a fascination with things that move thanks to his early PlayStation days. He worked as a freelancer for Motor Authority, The Car Connection, and Green Car Reports before joining the Roadshow team. Sean has a 2016 Chevrolet SS, and it does have Holden badges, in the garage.