Nissan Skyline import guide
R32 · R33 · R34 · GT-R & GTS-t · RB power
The Nissan Skyline — especially the GT-R — is the icon of JDM imports. Twin-turbo RB26 power, ATTESA all-wheel drive, and motorsport pedigree make the R32, R33, and R34 the cars people dream about importing. We bid on Skylines at Japanese auctions every week.
- RB26 / RB25 turbo
- ATTESA AWD (GT-R)
- Motorsport icon
At a glance
Nissan Skyline quick facts
- Type
- Sports coupe / sedan
- Engine
- RB20/RB25/RB26 inline-6 turbo
- Drivetrain
- RWD (GTS-t) or ATTESA AWD (GT-R)
- Chassis
- R32 (1989–94), R33 (1993–98), R34 (1998–2002)
- GT-R engine
- RB26DETT twin-turbo 2.6L
- Import eligibility
- R32 & R33 eligible now; R34 rolling in by year
Overview
Why import a Nissan Skyline
No car defines the JDM import movement like the Skyline GT-R. Nicknamed "Godzilla," it dominated touring-car racing and built a reputation around the twin-turbo RB26DETT and ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive. Decades later, demand only keeps climbing.
Beyond the GT-R, the rear-drive GTS-t models offer the same gorgeous styling and tunable RB power at a far more accessible price — a brilliant entry into Skyline ownership.
- Legendary RB26DETT twin-turbo (GT-R)
- ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive on GT-R models
- Affordable RB25-powered GTS-t alternative
- Strong appreciation and collector demand
Chassis
R32, R33 & R34 explained
The R32 (1989–1994) is fully import-eligible and the most numerous GT-R — the chassis that started the legend. The R33 (1993–1998) is also eligible, refined, and currently the value pick. The R34 (1999–2002) is the most coveted and is becoming eligible model year by model year under the 25-year rule.
- R32 — 1989–94, fully eligible, the original Godzilla
- R33 — 1993–98, eligible and the current value GT-R
- R34 — 1999–2002, the icon, rolling into eligibility by year
- GTS-t — rear-drive RB25 models, accessible and tunable
Buyer notes
What to look for at auction
- Verified mileage and matching-numbers drivetrain on GT-Rs
- Boost-related engine wear and prior tuning quality
- ATTESA AWD system function on GT-R models
- Accident history and chassis straightness (auction sheet)
- Originality — unmodified examples command a premium
Importing
Importing a Skyline to the U.S.
Skyline eligibility is chassis- and year-specific. R32 and R33 are importable now; R34s become eligible on the 25th anniversary of their build date, so the exact month matters. We track eligibility closely and only bid on cars you can legally land.
Under the U.S. 25-year rule, a vehicle is exempt from FMVSS once it is at least 25 years old. Eligibility is rolling — each model year becomes importable on the anniversary of its build date.
Keep exploring
Related import guides
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Toyota Chaser
JDM sportsThe four-door drift legend — turbo 1JZ-GTE Tourer V sedan with sleeper looks.
Toyota Crown
Luxury sedanJapan's flagship luxury sedan — rear-drive comfort with available 1JZ/2JZ power.
Toyota Mark II
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FAQ
Nissan Skyline import — common questions
- Is the R34 Skyline GT-R legal to import yet?
- Eligibility is rolling. R34 GT-Rs were built from 1999 to 2002, and each becomes importable on the 25th anniversary of its specific build date. We verify the exact build month before bidding so you only buy a car you can legally land.
- What's the difference between a Skyline GT-R and GTS-t?
- The GT-R is the flagship: twin-turbo RB26DETT and ATTESA all-wheel drive. The GTS-t is the rear-wheel-drive model with a single-turbo RB engine — far more affordable and still a fantastic, tunable Skyline.
- Which Skyline GT-R is the best value?
- The R33 GT-R is generally the value pick — it shares the RB26DETT and ATTESA system with the more expensive R32 and R34 but typically costs less. Clean R32s are also strong value entry points.
- How much does it cost to import a Skyline?
- It varies widely by chassis and condition. GTS-t models are the most accessible; GT-Rs — especially clean R34s — command significant premiums. Landed cost adds auction price, freight, duty, and our fee. Request a quote for a target car.
- What engine is in the Skyline GT-R?
- The R32, R33, and R34 GT-R all use the RB26DETT — a 2.6-liter twin-turbo inline-six famous for its strength and tuning headroom.
Import eligibility and state registration rules change over time and vary by vehicle. Confirm current requirements before purchasing. This page is informational only and not legal advice.
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