Revving into the 21st century, the automotive world witnessed a monumental event with the 1999 launch of the Nissan R34 Skyline GT-R, a true legend in the realm of Japanese performance cars. Fast forward to today, we’re perched on the brink of a pivotal chapter in Skyline lore. Thanks to the 25-year import rule, enthusiasts in the U.S. are soon going to have the legal green light to bring this icon stateside.
Here’s the deal with the 25-year rule: As per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), after a quarter-century, a car becomes legal for U.S. import even if it doesn’t meet all Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. But there’s a catch: this 25-year countdown starts from the car’s manufacturing date. So, if that 1999 model you’re eyeing rolled off the line in June 1999, you’re good to go for import in June of next year, not January 1st.
Now, let’s talk brass tacks: the cost. According to Classic.com, as cited by The Drive, snagging an R34 GT-R will set you back an average of $201,480, not including some hefty import fees. But for true petrolheads, what’s a few extra bucks when we’re talking about the R34? This beast isn’t just any car; it’s a cinematic superstar, gracing the silver screen in “The Fast and the Furious”, and a cult hero in countless video games. It’s the dream machine for those who worship at the altar of Japanese tuning culture.
The R34, donning the “Skyline” badge for the last time, boasted a 2.6-liter twin-turbo inline-six engine, a six-speed manual, and all-wheel drive. In ’99, Nissan claimed it pushed 276 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, though many swore these numbers were conservative. The tuners knew better, squeezing out even more juice from this engineering marvel.
But let’s not forget, the Skyline GT-R was a rare gem, available only in select markets like Japan, the UK, Hong Kong, and Australia. The U.S. was left watching from the sidelines, until now.
For those ready to chase their Skyline GT-R dream, the best bet is to hit up a seasoned import company. They’ll walk you through the maze of fees, registration, shipping, and all that jazz. An Autoblog article earlier this year dished out the scoop on several firms that specialize in car imports.
In short, the time is nearly ripe for American enthusiasts to finally get their hands on the R34 Skyline GT-R, a car that’s more than just a ride – it’s a high-octane slice of automotive history.
