The Fast and Furious franchise is one of the largest movie series globally. In the fourth movie, the Nissan Skyline R34 GT-R played a significant role, with Paul Walker behind the wheel. Japanese auto giant Nissan has always been particularly popular. But after a strong presence in this iconic series, it’s as if its reputation has been strengthened dozen times more. If you’re one of the company’s fans looking for the next purchase, you’ll find many options in the Nissan dealership near you. Based on your wishes, choose either a sports car (though simpler than in Fast and Furious) or a family model for everyday driving.
The car’s iconic status is attributed to its original design, the impressive performance of the Skyline R34, and the significance of Brian O’Connor’s character. Since Paul Walker’s tragic passing, this model has taken on an even more sacred and profound meaning for all franchise fans – there was a particular worry about the car’s fate. Here, I’ll tell the entire life story of this Nissan vehicle, current as of the end of 2023.
How it all started
When this 1999 model, painted in the iconic Bayside Blue color, was auctioned in the spring of 2023, it had only 33,790 km (21,000 miles) on the odometer. Of that mileage, over 24,140 km (15,000 miles), Paul Walker drove the R34, although he never officially owned it.
The car is one of 16 R34 GT-Rs legally imported into the US by Motorex before a federal import infringement investigation was launched against it.
Under US import laws, these cars must accumulate specific mileage to receive official federal status. At the time of importing, Motorex complied with regulations. Paul Walker, a well-known GT-R enthusiast, took it upon himself to accumulate the required mileage on this Nissan Skyline.
The movie star enjoyed driving around town.
Following the conclusion of filming for Fast and Furious 4, the R34 faced seizure and impoundment by the US Border Patrol. This initiated a complex and lengthy legal dispute concerning its classification as an “assembled car” and a prohibition on its import into the US. In 2012, they eventually released and exported the car to Germany.
A little reminder: US laws are pretty harsh not only when it comes to importing cars but also when buying and selling. Potential buyers should properly follow all the legal nuances of registration, including payment of car sales taxes, which vary from state to state.
How unique and exclusive is it?
Initially purchased in Japan, the car was delivered to the USA by Kaizo Industries, although it was stripped of its engine on arrival. Kaizo later obtained the “correct” RB26 unit and modified the car according to Paul Walker’s specific wishes, which was quite extensive.
Daryl Allison from Kaizo Industries performed various upgrades to the GT-R R34. These included a Turbonetics front intercooler, Nismo lowered springs, Nismo NE-1 exhaust, titanium strut brace, and six-piston front and four-piston rear Rotora calipers. This thorough tuning brought the car’s output to 550 hp, 274 hp more than the regular R34 GT-R Skyline. The modifications also included the removal of the rear seats to reduce the car’s weight, which increased power and overall performance. As a result, the GT-R R34 became known not only as a car but also as a character in its own right, making it unique and highly sought after among enthusiasts and collectors.
In addition to the performance upgrades, Paul Walker’s Nissan R34 Skyline is different from the rest of the lineup in that it’s stripped of all vinyl and exterior stickers. Instead of the standard 18-inch alloy wheels, the tuner equipped the car with 19-inch Volk Racing RE30 wheels. The vehicle has OMP racing seats with a five-point harness system, Momo Sport Alcantara steering wheel, Nismo V-Spec pedals, and a proprietary dashboard monitor display.
The most expensive GT-R ever sold
In May 2023, this Nissan GT-R reached a historic milestone when it was sold at auction for a record 1.3 million dollars, becoming the most expensive GT-R ever publicly traded. Despite the impressive price tag, the auction house advised the buyer to have a comprehensive inspection by a mechanic, given the car’s long idling period.
I hope the new owner understands the importance of this vehicle and he’ll carry it very well.
