And, when it comes to stories about illegal JDMs in the U.S, there’s one that sits at the very center of the conversation: the Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R.
Introduced in 1998, the R34 Skyline GT-R was one of the quickest and most technologically advanced models of its time. Besides the 280-hp engine RB26DETT engine, the Skyline R34 had superb handling and a really cool updated look. Thus, gearheads absolutely adored the Nissan GT-R R34. Even when looked at from a more contemporary perspective, the
The original “Skyline” was a Japanese market, high-performance, 4-door sedan that debuted at the 1969 Toky Motor Show. By the time the car’s second-generation was introduced in 1973, the Nissan Skyline was only available as a 2-door coupe. Unfortunately, due to the worldwide oil crises at the time and much stricter emissions standards
10 Still Illegal: Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 V-Spec II. Fans of the Gran Turismo and Fast and Furious franchise will have to wait until 2024 to legally import the R34 Skyline to American soil, unless it’s an import from MotoRex, as this model is still under the 25-year mark.
This elite-level performance led to rumors that the Skyline GT-R R34 was banned because American police cars could not keep up with it. While it’s true that this powerful Nissan could leave most cops in the dust (it has a top speed of 200 mph), it isn’t why the car is illegal in America.
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).
The Nissan Skyline GT-R has long been the import enthusiast’s dream car. While it is not cheap, the early models of the GT-R are an excellent choice. For those looking for an affordable version of the legendary GT-R we always have many GTS-t and GTS25-t to choose from. A selection of bone stock or more GT-R styled examples can be found on our
The R34’s full NISMO Z-Tune body kit was shot with Sun Line’s trademark red paint and topped off with a Sun Line 3D GT Wing Type II and cooling hood. Be careful staring at the exterior, you
Another important note: not all R34 GT-Rs will be legal to import on January 1, 2024. Instead, each individual car's import eligibility begins when its manufacture date reaches 25 years. So if the specific 1999 GT-R you're looking at was built in March, you have to wait until March 2024 to import it. R34 GT-R production began in January of '99
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