Why Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 is A Legend?
Nissan Skyline GTR is at the top of the list of almost all car lovers. Especially since it has been one of the favorite cars of JDM fans for years. Its advanced technology, powerful engine and unique design are main reasons why R34 is still so popular.
Today I will mention why is the Nissan GTR, considered one of the most valuable members of JDM culture, so popular and a living legend, by adding my own ideas. Of course, the R34 is one of my favorite cars. Whether it’s the nostalgia of 90’s Japan or its excellent engineering, it’s a car that really deserves the attention it receives.
Dating back to the 1960s, the Skyline GTR still adorns JDM lovers’ dreams today. However, the R34 is overvalued compared to other Skyline GTR series. Of course, there are many reasons behind this. It has been influenced by popular culture, GTR can be purchased at an affordable price in the past and it is one of the most tuner-friendly vehicles. With a 2.6-liter inline six-cylinder twin-turbo engine putting out 276 horsepower, R34 is a real street demon. It is not surprising that they gave the nickname The Godzilla to the R34, which can be increased up to 1200hp with the tune.
Although the stock R34 is said to have 276 horsepower on paper, there is actually an interesting fact behind it. In fact, the famous RB26 engine of the R34 had a power of 327 horsepower, but all cars released at that time had to be at most 276 horsepower, so it was presented to the market as 276 horsepower. The reason why cars at that time were limited to 276 horsepower was that there was an increase in speed-related deaths, so car manufacturers had to sign so-called “gentlemen’s agreement” and comply with this rule.
Of course, the reason behind this engine being so powerful was Nissan’s desire to win the Group A and N races. The RB26 engine was also used in the 2 generations earlier GTR R32 model. Between 1990 and 1992, Nissan dominated car racing. They have not lost any of the 29 races they entered.
One of my favorite features about the R34 is that although it was last produced in 2002, it still has a very aesthetic design even today. I think a well-maintained R34 looks very luxurious despite being an old model. The most popular color of the R34 is that silvery blue version (called Bayside Blue), but of course, I have to mention that legendary color. I can’t even describe in words how much the Midnight Purple color, (which is one of my favorite color palettes) suits this car and looks luxurious. Finding a stock R34 with Midnight Purple color is equivalent to finding gold while digging. Already the R34 is a car with a very expensive market. If it is also in Midnight Purple, the price goes up even more.
As I mentioned earlier, the R34 also became an icon of popular culture. In 2003, R34’s popularity grew even more worldwide with it’s debut in the movie 2 Fast 2 Serious. Before Paul Walker’s iconic R34 made America stand up, this car actually had a popularity. The GTR series has been prominent in car racing since it’s earliest models. In addition, the R34 had a very superior technology for its time, so it attracted a lot of attention. It is one of the most enjoyable cars to drive, with its unique 4-wheel drive feature and superior road holding, which is not even found in most of today’s cars.
The R34 is one of those extremely rare vehicles. That’s why the market price is so high. In 2021, a GT-R R34 V-Spec II Nur with only 16 kilometers was sold at auction for $550.000, breaking the record. In other words, it has a higher market price than many luxury sports cars today. Yes, it’s not actually a myth that R34 isn’t legal in the US. The only way to legally bring the R34 to America is if the car is over 25 years old and is collectible. So in the coming years, we will see that the R34 will be sold at even more surprising prices.
The R34 will likely continue to be the most valuable car in the GTR series for much longer. Even the next series R35 failed to dethrone him. I personally do not think that even the R36, which is claimed to be released in 2023, can replace the R34. Another reason why the R34 is so special is that it is the last SKYLINE produced.
Since we will be able to see the R34 legally on the streets of America in 2024, it is very soon for JDM fans to make the R34 agenda again. It seems that the nostalgia of this car will continue until the last R34 is left on the roads.
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