For devoted fans of Japanese automobiles, the Nissan Skyline R34 is a legendary sports car you likely know, though it was never officially offered in the U.S., so seeing one in person, especially a rare sedan variant, is an exceptionally uncommon sight.
Imagine spotting a right-hand-drive R34 Skyline sedan chilling in a Kansas parking lot – a truly astonishing discovery shared by a Reddit user! This sleek, silver machine with black wheels, tinted windows, and a subtle spoiler raises intriguing questions: How did it get to Kansas, how rare is it, and what makes it so uniquely special?
The History of the R34 Skyline
The storied Nissan Skyline lineage traces back to 1957, evolving through various generations and body styles, including sedans, coupes, and wagons, with the R34, produced from 1999 to 2002, emerging as the most celebrated and iconic iteration.
The R34 Skyline was the ultimate evolution of the Skyline GT-R, a high-performance variant that debuted in 1989. The GT-R was powered by a twin-turbocharged 2.6-liter inline-six engine, codenamed RB26DETT, that produced 276 horsepower and 289 pound-feet of torque.
Powering this legend, the engine was paired with a six-speed manual transmission and the advanced ATTESA E-TS all-wheel-drive system, which dynamically adjusted torque distribution between the front and rear wheels, while the sophisticated HICAS four-wheel steering system enhanced both handling and stability.
Representing the pinnacle of the R34 Skyline formula, the GT-R model boasted a refined and potent RB26DETT engine, enhanced with upgraded turbochargers, intercoolers, and exhaust systems, complemented by a more aggressive, aerodynamic body featuring a larger front bumper, rear diffuser, and a striking carbon-fiber wing, alongside the innovative Multi-Function Display for real-time performance data.
The R34 Skyline GT-R was a legend in Japan, where it dominated the racing scene and the tuning culture. It was also a star in the international media, appearing in movies like The Fast and the Furious and video games like Gran Turismo. But it was never officially sold in the US, due to strict emissions and safety regulations. Only a handful of R34 Skyline GT-Rs were imported to the US, either through loopholes or illegal means, and they are extremely rare and expensive.
The R34 Skyline Sedan
But the R34 Skyline was not only available as a coupe. It was also offered as a four-door sedan, which was less common and less popular than the two-door version. The sedan was mainly aimed at the family market, offering more space and practicality than the coupe. It was also cheaper and less powerful than the GT-R, with a range of engine options, from a 2.0-liter inline-four to a 2.5-liter inline-six, with or without turbochargers.
The R34 Skyline sedan was not a bad car, by any means. It was still a Skyline, after all, with a sporty chassis, a sleek design, and a decent performance. But it was overshadowed by the GT-R, which was the ultimate Skyline and the ultimate dream car for many enthusiasts. The sedan was also less customizable and less tunable than the coupe, with fewer aftermarket parts and options available. The R34 Skyline sedan was also never sold in the US, for the same reasons as the GT-R.
The R34 sedan variant itself was a more elusive counterpart to the coupe, with very few ever reaching the U.S., and among these, the right-hand-drive versions, exclusively sold in Japan and other left-hand-driving regions, represent the absolute pinnacle of rarity.
The RHD R34 Skyline Sedan in Kansas
So, how did a right-hand-drive R34 Skyline sedan find its way to Kansas, a state where traffic flows on the right side of the road? While the exact story remains elusive, we can explore some logical possibilities.
The vehicle must have been brought into the U.S. through some means, potentially through legal importation by meeting the 25-year exemption rule for classic cars, which allows vehicles not originally certified for the U.S. market to enter without adhering to current emissions and safety standards, making the earliest R34 models eligible for import as of 2024.
Illicitly importing a car involves risky methods such as document forgery, container concealment, or the use of shell companies, carrying severe consequences like seizure, destruction, hefty fines, and potential jail time, though some individuals undertake these risks for personal enjoyment or financial gain, and similar illicit or legal avenues can be pursued for registration in Kansas, bypassing or adhering to state regulations with varying degrees of risk and consequence.
The car must have been driven in Kansas somehow, either legally or illegally. The legal way to drive a car that is not certified for the US market is to follow the state’s traffic rules and regulations, which may differ from the country of origin of the car. The car may need to have proper equipment, such as headlights, taillights, mirrors, and windshield wipers, to be visible and safe on the road. The car may also need to have a valid driver’s license, registration, and insurance, to be legal and responsible on the road.
The illegal way to drive a car that is not certified for the US market is to ignore the state’s traffic rules and regulations, either by driving recklessly, dangerously, or stealthily, or by avoiding or fleeing from the authorities. This is also a risky and costly method, as the car can be damaged or destroyed in an accident or a chase, and the driver can face charges and consequences. But some people are willing to take the risk, either for fun or for thrill.
To sum up, the right-hand-drive R34 Skyline sedan in Kansas is a very rare and special car, that must have gone through a lot of trouble and expense to get there. It is a car that defies the odds, the laws, and the norms, and stands out from the crowd. It is a car that deserves respect, admiration, and curiosity.
Spotting this extraordinary car in person is a rare privilege, a sight you might never witness again, and if you ever have the opportunity to speak with its owner, be sure to inquire about their unique journey, as their story is bound to be utterly captivating, and if you’re fortunate enough to get behind the wheel, cherish the experience, for driving such a remarkable machine is surely an unparalleled thrill.
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Are All Nissan Skylines Right Hand Drive? – Garage Dreams
