For any self-respecting JDM enthusiast, the Nissan Skyline GT-R is the ultimate automotive goal. However, there were relatively few legal ways to operate one in the United States up until a few years ago. That started to alter in 2014 when the earliest R32 Skylines turned 25 and became eligible for import under American legislation. As soon as importers could get them in, R32 GT-Rs were flying off the lots. The R33, the next generation GT-R, will be allowed for import starting in January 2020, and the demand for them is already booming. Let’s examine what makes this vehicle so alluring and what fuels demand on both sides of the Pacific.
In This Article...
In which US states is the Nissan Skyline legal?
As you can probably tell, we at Drifted are HUGE fans of the Nissan Skyline.
Numerous Skyline guides have already been released, and we’ve seen that there is a lot of misunderstanding regarding their present legal standing in America.
Our supporters have constantly questioned us about the situation, seeking the truth and explanation.
We’ve chosen to produce a comprehensive guide explaining all the fascinating details and responding to the all-too-common query, “Why are Nissan Skylines illegal in the US?” as a result.
Since the F&F brand surely contributed to the Skyline’s rise to become a cult icon in the US, we first brought up the matter and provided some clarity in our Paul Walker Skyline article.
The Fast and the Furious star was without a doubt one of the biggest R34 GT-R aficionados in the US and was also fortunate to have owned and driven several of them in Japan, including the illustrious Mine’s R34 GT-R.
But what if you don’t want to travel to Japan to satisfy your Godzilla craving? What’s holding you back from bringing your own in and becoming a renowned figure in your community on the track or in the streets?
We have some happy news for you! Any vehicle older than 25 years can avoid the absurd US legal system.
This implies that, except for California, where there are some additional obstacles, it is totally legal to import and own a Nissan Skyline R31 or R32 GT-R in the US at the moment.
You can also lawfully import any Nissan Skyline R33 GT-R that was registered before 1995 as of the time this page went online.
However, you’ll have to wait a bit longer if you want to import a Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R, as we’ll discuss in more detail below.
When will the R33 be approved for use?
The vehicle was intended to honor the 40th anniversary of the first Nissan Skyline GT-R, the 2000 GT-R PGC10, and was built by Autech Japan Inc., a division of Nissan’s tuning division before it merged with Nismo. The vehicle was displayed by Nissan at the 1997 Tokyo Motor Show, and the production model was unveiled in 1998.
Nissan’s venerable RB26 2.6-liter straight-six turbocharged engine powers the vehicle and cranks out 276 horsepower and 271 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed manual transmission that drives all four wheels in a JDM vehicle requires you to shift the gears with your left hand as opposed to your right.
However, compared to a typical model, this example is a little bit more unique. This spoiler-free GT-R is a true sleeper, claims the Japanese vendor, because the engine was thoroughly refurbished last year and now produces 493 horsepower.
Finally, it is finished in the same silver hue as the first GT-R, which debuted 40 years ago.
What makes the Nissan Skyline R33 prohibited?
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.
How much does a US-spec R33 GT-R cost?
A high-performance version of the R33 Skyline, the Nissan Skyline GT-R was unveiled for the 1996 model year (late 1995 in Europe). The R33…
A high-performance version of the R33 Skyline, the Nissan Skyline GT-R was unveiled for the 1996 model year (late 1995 in Europe). The RB26DETT engine from the R32 GT-successor, R’s the R33 GT-R, had just minor updates. All four wheels received power from its twin-turbo 2.6L inline six engine through a 5-speed manual transmission. The R33 Skyline included Nissan’s HICAS four wheel steering technology in addition to all wheel drive. The bulk of R33 GT-Rs were produced as coupes, however to commemorate the Skyline’s 40th anniversary, Nissan and Autech produced a small batch of 416 sedan models. The Base Model, V-Spec, N1, LM Limited, and 400R were more noteworthy variations. The R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R replaced the R33 GT-R in 1998 after it had been in production for a short time. A total of 16,668 copies had been produced at the time of production’s cessation.
A: On August 14, 2021, a 1995 Nissan Skyline GT-R sold for $235,200.
A 1995 Nissan Skyline GT-R sold for $37,750 on May 11, 2021, according to sales records.
What JDM vehicles will be permitted in 2022?
Top 10 JDM vehicles for 2022 importation to the USA and Quebec
- 260RS Nissan Stagea Autech (WGNC34)
- Impreza WRX STi Type R from Subaru (GC8)
- Vertex Toyota Aristo V300 (JZS161)
- NSX Type S Honda (NA2)
- Civic Type R Honda (EK9)
- Forester S/tb / T/tb Subaru (SF5)
- Nissan Laurel 25 Club S / Medalist (C35)
- Toyota Millennium (GZG50)
Why is the import law 25 years long?
It is true that as long as a foreign-market vehicle is older than 25 years old, Americans may lawfully import, own, and operate it. By breaking the restrictions, you run the risk of having your car impounded or possibly destroyed by US Customs and Border Protection.
On what is this enforcement based? The Imported Vehicle Safety Compliance Act, or “25-year import regulation,” is a law. It prohibits anyone from bringing in brand-new vehicles from other markets without going through a drawn-out and expensive testing and federalization process.
A R34 is legal to own in the US.
10 Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 V-Spec II is still illegal Unless it’s an import from MotoRex, Gran Turismo and Fast and Furious fans will have to wait until 2024 to legally import the R34 Skyline to the United States because this model is still under the age of 25.
In the US, how many R33s exist?
The Nissan Skyline R33 can now be legally brought into America because it is older than 25 years. One of the first Type Ms to reach the United States is this one.
You probably already know about the legendary Nissan Skyline R33 and how, as of last year, you may now legally import one into America if you’re into Japanese modern classics. R33s have recently exceeded the 25-year mark, which permits vehicles that old or older to be imported, regardless of whether they comply with FMVSS standards. One of the first vehicles to cross the border was this 1993 Nissan Skyline Type M, which is currently for sale on Craigslist.
This R33 Skyline is one of approximately 3500 that have entered the United States of America since the model turned 25 and is believed to be the first one to do so. It was reportedly imported into North Carolina on August 3, 2018. The automobile is a Japanese import with right-hand drive and kilometer-reading gauges; at the moment, the odometer reads 81,000km, or roughly 50,000 miles.
An RB25DET 2.5-liter turbocharged straight-six engine with 247 horsepower and 217 lb/ft of torque powers this instantly identifiable coupe. A 5-speed manual transmission transfers this power to the rear wheels, enabling a 0-60 sprint in about 6 seconds. This Type M has enough power to be enjoyable even though it is not a sought-after GT-R type.
This vehicle “shares many parts with the 1993 240SX and 1993 300ZX and is one of the simpler to maintain Skylines in the United States,” according to the advertisement. The timing belt was serviced 12,000 miles ago, and the spark plugs, fuel filter, and oil were changed recently. This car now benefits from a valid “Shaken” test certificate, which indicates that it is still allowed to drive in its home country until June 2019. All road cars in Japan are required to undergo Shaken, a safety assessment that is infamously challenging to pass.
This Skyline is a nice example of a Japanese import that is essentially stock, which is uncommon. Only the intercooler, exhaust, and a set of Work alloy wheels have been modified on this vehicle.
Although the asking price of $25,000 may seem high, this car is nevertheless one of the first opportunities in America to legally purchase and own an R33 that isn’t a grey market vehicle.