There are few cars that come as close to perfection as the Nissan Skyline GT-R. The R34 is the final installation in a long line of Japanese excellence that endeared this vehicle in the hearts of many JDM enthusiasts and earned it a reputation as perhaps one of the greatest sports cars ever made.
While some may have an individual preference for the likes of the Toyota Supra Mk4 or the Mazda RX-7, it is impossible to deny the cultural significance of the Skyline as an icon of the JDM scene. Even today, its boxy frame and striking front end still turn the heads of anyone lucky enough to witness the R34 in action.
While the R34 is revered for being a playground for modding and boosting, the factory-issue Skyline is still legendary in its own right. With a 2.6-liter inline six-cylinder twin-turbo engine putting out 276 horsepower, the R34 was a street demon even without any tinkering. But you would be hard-pressed to encounter any GT-R without any modifications.
The R34 is one of the most tuner-friendly vehicles ever made. Even an amateur mechanic can transform their stock Skyline into a car reminiscent of something seen in a Fast and Furious movie. The Skyline R34 has been succeeded by the newer Nissan GT-R, but here are ten reasons why the R34 remains a legend among legends in the JDM world.
10 Banned Goods
Due to the differences between Japanese and American motor vehicle safety compliance laws, the R34 is effectively illegal in the United States. For years, many Americans imported thousands of "grey market" vehicles like the Skyline and would pay extra to bring these imported vehicles within American regulations. However, after the 1988 Imported Vehicle Safety Compliance Act, imports like the R34 were made illegal in the United States altogether.
This only helped grow interested in the R34, as the contraband car was now sought after for its illegal status. Those who knew of the greatness associated with the GT-R line would develop workarounds for legally bringing the legendary platform to the United States. Some of these included using it solely as a race car or show car, and even registering it as a different class of vehicle entirely. Still, the R34's illicit label only made the forbidden fruit much sweeter.
9 Powerful Engine
The Skyline is revered for its powerful 2.6-liter inline six-cylinder engine. The same engine that shocked the world by defeating long-time V-8 favorites in the Australian Touring Car Championship. The power of the R34 brought about rumors on why it was outlawed in the United States, with some claiming that the engine was "too powerful" for American roads, or that the R34 could too easily outrun American Police cars.
While these are merely rumors, as we discussed the true reason for the R34 being outlawed above, the 276 brake horsepower generated by the RB26DETT engine could definitely be a concern for the more leisurely driver.
8 Pop Culture Icon
Easily one of the best cases for the R34 being in a league of its own is its reputation as a pop culture icon. Appearing proudly in popular franchises like Fast and Furious, Initial D, and Need for Speed, the R34 was likely the car that introduced many to the world of JDM cars.
The boxy, striking silhouette, accented by the extra-large spoiler in the rear makes the GT-R one of the most easily recognizable JDM cars rivaled only by the likes of the Toyota Supra Mk4. It's no secret that seeing Brian O' Conner pull ahead of the brown Supra Mk4 in his R34 during the first race of 2 Fast 2 Furious awakened a generation to the greatness of the GT-R family.
7 Easy Modding
Another reason why the R34 is so popular is because of how friendly it is to modding. Even amateur mechanics jump at the opportunity to work on a GT-R as even a basic remap can bring the stock 276 horsepower to upwards of 400 horsepower. Additionally, cosmetic changes to the R34 are also fairly simple with its boxy frame and straightforward construction. Many mechanics compare working on a Skyline to playing with LEGOs. Everything just fits into place.
6 One of a Kind Driving Experience
One of the reasons why the R34 is so coveted by racers and enthusiasts alike is its unparalleled driving experience. The R34 is a responsive, agile, and surprisingly light car on the road despite its weight. The power of the inline-six engine can be felt when giving the car some gas as it snaps awake and the large 18-inch wheels grip the road beneath the driver. Shifting gears is fluid, with no hiccups, and the car grounds the driver to the road. There is a connectedness between driver, car, and road that is often lost on many newer sports cars. Yet, decades later the R34 is still a master in this lost art.
5 Retro-Futuristic Multifunction Display
The R34 features a multifunction display that gives readings on oil temperatures, lap times, and more. While in the '90s these gave the R34 a futuristic look and certainly was ahead of its time, the graphics seem quite dated now. However, for those who enjoy a retro feel, the retro-futurism afforded by the display and interior as a whole gives the R34 a charm that can't be found in many other cars from its era. Some may think that the display comes off as gimmicky or tacky, but others will find it just another reason to love the Skyline more than the rest.
4 Supercar Price Tag
The R34 comes in at an average price of roughly $165,905. A six-figure price tag for a car over 20 years old may seem unusual, but a legendary vehicle certainly comes at a legendary cost. While most may not see the inflated list price of an R34 as a reason to own one, the price only adds to its allure as the average JDM enthusiast could only dream of owning one. If you were financially well off enough to purchase an R34, you would be the envy of just about everyone at any local car meet.
3 Timeless Quality
Despite its age, the R34 holds up well with a sporty, but robust build. The car's weight tends to favor the rear end but in fair conditions, the car is always pleasant to drive. The interior is also quite nice as well. With leather seats containing plenty of cushions so that you almost forget about the plastic frame they're wrapped around, a multifunction display with retro appeal, and an interior cabin that allows a driver to feel connected to the road, yet insulated from the outdoor environment.
2 Variety of Options
While the stock GT-R is a treat on its own, Nissan also featured special edition versions of the legendary car with varying degrees of modification and tuning. Most famously, the top-of-the-line GT-R Nismo, of which only 19 were ever produced. Nissan also produced the V (meaning Victory), Z-Tune, M-Spec, and Nur models.
Each offers an added bonus over the stock option like the V's additional three oil coolers, stiffer suspension, and extra displays. Unlike other JDM contemporaries, the Skyline offered options. Thus, cementing itself as a cut above the rest of the competition.
1 The Final Masterpiece
The Skyline R 34 is the final installment in a legacy of greatness that cemented itself as a legendary vehicle not only in the JDM world but throughout the entire automotive industry. While the current Nissan GTR is both a true and a spiritual successor to the Skyline, the R34 remains an example of excellence and is revered not only as an excellent vehicle but also as a cultural icon for sports cars and Japanese domestics.