The R34 Skyline GT-R was released in 1998 and was in production until 2002. The model stood out thanks to a cutting-edge display unit, and its RB26DETT twin-turbo I6 engine delivered outstanding horsepower. The R34 was able to outperform its predecessors because to a shorter wheelbase and a more streamlined design.
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Background
One of Nissan’s wisest moves was the 1989 reintroduction of the Skyline GT-R.
When Nissan discontinued their series of ultra-high performance Skylines for business purposes in 1973, the GT-R name vanished. By this point, Nissan had developed two distinct models (based on the C10 and C110 platforms), both of which were intended to showcase the company’s high performance capabilities.
Nissan decided not to offer the C210, R30, or R31 vehicles in GT-R trim, even though the Skyline moniker continued to be used. Instead, those who wanted a Nissan that was the fastest and had the most power had to purchase a Z vehicle like the 240Z, 260Z, 280Z, or later, the 300ZX.
With the 1989 release of the R32 Skyline, Nissan brought the GT-R back. In order to homologate a Group A motor sport derivative that could compete in touring car racing, the R32 GT-R was specifically developed. Nissan believed they could just about meet the requirement to build 5000 road-going examples in a year.
But the R32 GT-R was in such high demand that 44,000 of them were eventually produced, and the car went on to become a symbol of the early 1990s automotive culture.
A follow-up model was deemed necessary after this unexpected success; the R33 GT-R, produced between 1995 and 1998, was favorably regarded.
Nissan began producing the R34 Skyline in May 1998. There was no longer any doubt that a GT-R model would be added to the lineup.
In October 1998, the R34 GT-R made its debut at the Tokyo Motor Show. It was available right away with the optional V Spec pack, which featured a number of interior, aerodynamic, and chassis upgrades. For homologation purposes, a form of the N1 that is even more extreme was also developed (described separately).
Given that R34 GT-R production commenced in January 1999 and ends in January 2024
Why does R35 lack 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 going 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 past 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 (known in America as the Infiniti Q50). 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 value of an R34 Skyline?
Currently, base-model r34 Skyline GT Rs rarely sell for less than $100,000, while the rarest models, like the V or M spec Nurs, fetch over $300,000 at auction.
What skyline is the rarest?
The GT-R is considered by many to be the pinnacle of Nissan’s performance vehicles, and the popular Skyline GT-Rs from the past only serve to reinforce this notion.
The most well-known run of all the Skylines occurred between the R32 and R34 models, with the R33 serving as something of an ugly duckling in between the R32’s Bathurst victory and the R34’s Fast and Furious renown.
Despite this reputation, the R33 GT-R has subsequently gained the same level of notoriety as the other two, and as a result, its price has risen dramatically.
The renowned NISMO 400R, which is not only one of the rarest vehicles ever produced by Nissan but is also probably the coolest vehicle ever, sits directly at the top of the R33 GT-R line.
Only 19 of the 40 NISMO 400R models built in 1996 are believed to still survive. While Midnight Purple may be the most well-known GT-R color, this was the final GT-R to ever be painted Deep Marine Blue, another fan favorite.
The 400R was a four-wheel drive vehicle with a 2.8-liter RB engine that generated 400 horsepower (298 kW). Power was transmitted to all four wheels via a six-speed manual transmission.
In addition to being extremely rare, this automobile included many NISMO components that could only be found on this particular model and could not be purchased separately.
The NISMO LMGT2 wheels on this vehicle serve as an illustration of this. Although they have subsequently been made, these incredibly rare wheels were only available for the 400R, and sets of them have been known to fetch over $20,000.
Given this, it should come as no surprise that the vendor is demanding a hefty sum for the vehicle; however, the current asking price of more than $3 million is well beyond the means of the majority of Skyline aficionados.
In the US, what skyline is acceptable?
You can use this page to click on a specific area of this text, or scroll down to read about how to import a Nissan Skyline into the US in its entirety.
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.
The R34 has 25 years of age.
Since the R34 GT-manufacturing R’s began in January 1999, that will be in January 2024. Remember that the vehicle’s VIN number must be at least 25 years old per the 25-year rule. In June 2025, an R34 GT-R with a VIN dating to June 2000 will be allowed for import. The number of R34 Skylines in the US
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. It is not surprising that the car is still so expensive and in such high demand in 2021.
When will R34 become lawful in the US?
Any car must first pass government emissions and crash safety standards in order to be allowed to enter the country legally. Nissan didn’t do that with the Skyline until the R35 generation, meaning all R34-generation models, including the renowned GT-R, will not be allowed to be driven on American roads until they are at least 25 years old.
Cars that are prohibited from importation and registration in the United States remain so until they are 25 years old because to long-standing classic vehicle rules. The first legally permitted sales of R34 Nissan Skylines in the United States will take place in 2024 because the R34 was created between 1999 and 2002. The procedure for importing the car from Canada is actually pretty easy once that date has passed.
How numerous GTR R34s were produced?
Nissan produced the R34 in relatively limited quantities—11,578 units total—between January 1999 and August 2002, but it served as more than simply a holding pattern until the 2007 R35 GT-R debuted.
What makes the R34 so quick?
Modders love the R34, though, because of how well it can be customized. Custom injectors and turbos can easily increase the output to above 500 hp because engines are designed to handle far more power than they really produce. To increase the speed even further, the handling and exhaust have also been improved.
The R34 is accepted in the US.
10 Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 V-Spec II is still illegal Unless it comes 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.