Let me throw some names into the mix. Mitsubishi Lancer EVO V…. Subaru WRX Sti Type R…. TVR Cerbera…. over the years these are amongst the most eagerly anticipated cars that buyers in the USA looked forward to legally being able to import under the 25-Year Rule.
In 2024 there really is no contest which iconic model enthusiasts have been waiting for with baited breath. Yes, it’s the Nissan Skyline GTR R34, and the 1999 model of this much sought after JDM Classic holds a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts due to its advanced engineering and racing prowess.
Luckily for us at Autoshippers, we had the pleasure of loading one of these beauties into a shipping container and exporting it to the USA for an even luckier customer of ours.
From Video Games and Movies to Reality – Owning a 1999 Nissan Skyline GTR R34
The tale of the ownership of this 1999 Nissan Skyline GTR R34 by our customer can be traced back to 2013 when, as a member of the US armed forces they were stationed in Misawa, Japan. It was there that they were able to immerse themselves into the JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) culture and indulge their love for the R34 Skyline.
They first encountered this model in the video game Gran Turismo, and later in the Fast and Furious movies. Determined to own one, they scoured Japanese websites with the help of a Japanese interpreter and eventually found the car of their dreams. They were thrilled to be one of the few Americans in Japan to own an R34 Skyline in the iconic Bayside Blue Colour.
In 2015 they were given their orders to move to an RAF base in England, and were able to import the car with ease. It was a hit in England at car meets, where people were often amazed to see the Skyline for the first time, also getting the opportunity to see what it could do on the famous Nürburgring.
When the time came to return to America, the Skyline could not legally be imported as it wasn’t 25 years sold, so they were forced to store the car for a few years, but they knew one day that they would be able to bring it home. When the time came, Autoshippers were more than pleased to be able to help this dream come true.
The Legendary 1999 Nissan Skyline GTR R34 – Now Available for US Enthusiasts
The Nissan Skyline GTR, particularly the R34 model, has long been a dream car for many automotive enthusiasts in the United States. With the 25-year rule now allowing the import of 1999 models, a legend of Japanese automotive engineering is finally within reach for American collectors and fans.
History of the Nissan Skyline GTR
The Skyline nameplate has a rich history dating back to 1957, but it was in 1969 that the GTR variant first appeared, quickly establishing itself as a dominant force in Japanese motorsports. The modern era of Skyline GTRs began with the R32 in 1989, followed by the R33 in 1993, and culminating with the R34 in 1999.
Each iteration of the Skyline GTR pushed the boundaries of automotive technology and performance. The R32 earned the nickname “Godzilla” for its dominance in touring car racing. The R33 further refined the formula, while the R34 represented the pinnacle of the classic Skyline GTR lineage before the GTR became a separate model with the R35 in 2007.
The R34 Skyline GTR, produced from 1999 to 2002, is often considered the most desirable of all Skyline generations. Its combination of advanced technology, raw performance, and iconic styling made it a legend both on the streets and in popular culture.
Technical Specifications of the 1999 Model (R34)
The 1999 Nissan Skyline GTR (R34) was a technological tour de force, featuring:
- Engine: RB26DETT, 2.6-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six
- Power Output: Officially rated at 276 hp due to a Japanese gentleman’s agreement, but in reality, producing over 300 hp
- Torque: 289 lb-ft (392 Nm)
- Transmission: 6-speed Getrag manual
- Drivetrain: ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive system with rear-biased torque split
- 0-60 mph (0-97 km/h): Approximately 4.9 seconds
- Top Speed: Electronically limited to 156 mph (251 km/h), but capable of much more when unrestricted
Notable features included:
- Multi-function display unit showing live engine and vehicle statistics
- Advanced aerodynamics for improved high-speed stability
- Super HICAS four-wheel steering system
- Brembo brakes for exceptional stopping power
- Lightweight aluminium components to reduce overall weight
The R34 GTR’s performance was cutting-edge for its time, and even by today’s standards, it remains an impressive machine capable of competing with modern sports cars.
Cultural Impact and Desirability in the USA
The Nissan Skyline GTR, especially the R34, has held an almost mythical status in the United States for decades. Its absence from the US market due to strict import laws only added to its allure. Several factors contributed to its legendary status:
- Forbidden Fruit: The inability to legally import the car made it even more desirable for American enthusiasts.
- Motorsports Success: The Skyline GTR’s dominance in various racing series, including Japan’s JGTC (now Super GT), cemented its reputation as a high-performance machine.
- Pop Culture Prominence: The car featured prominently in movies, most notably in “The Fast and the Furious” franchise, as well as in popular video games like the “Gran Turismo” series.
- Technical Innovation: The advanced technology packed into the R34 GTR, particularly its all-wheel-drive system and RB26 engine, made it a favourite among tuners and tech-savvy car enthusiasts.
- Distinctive Design: The R34’s aggressive yet elegant styling set it apart from other sports cars of its era.
The combination of these factors created a perfect storm of desirability. For years, American enthusiasts could only admire the R34 GTR from afar through media, scale models, and the occasional illegal import. The few legal examples in the country, imported under the “show and display” rule, commanded astronomical prices.
Now, with the 25-year rule allowing the import of 1999 models, the dream of owning an R34 Skyline GTR is finally becoming a reality for many American enthusiasts. This has led to a surge in interest and a corresponding increase in values, as collectors and fans scramble to acquire these newly-eligible vehicles.
The ability to now legally import and register these cars in the USA marks a significant moment in automotive culture. It represents not just the arrival of a highly capable performance car, but the fulfilment of a long-held dream for many. The Nissan Skyline GTR R34 stands as a testament to Japanese engineering prowess and a bridge between automotive cultures, finally crossing the Pacific to find a new home on American roads.
Quoting, Documentation and Compliance for Import into the USA
Importing a vehicle like the 1999 Nissan Skyline GTR R34 from the UK to the USA requires careful handling, accurate documentation and adherence to regulations and at Autoshippers we have been guiding our customers through this process for over 25 years.
Quoting with Autoshippers
The process in getting a quotation from us to ship your vehicle overseas is designed to be straightforward but comprehensive, and our knowledgeable sales team are here to help from day one;
- Online Quote Form: It all begins by filling out our user-friendly online quote form. You’ll need to provide details such as make and model of your vehicle as well as your destination and when you are planning to ship, along with your contact details.
- Tailored Options: Based on the details that you give, our sales team will provide you with a range of shipping options, all having their own benefits and costs.
- Transparent Pricing: Autoshippers quotes are easy to read, and explain concisely the costs that are included in your price and those that are excluded.
- Additional Information: For all main destinations we include further information that you will need for the shipping, importing and registration process to your chosen destination.
- Experienced Team: Our incredibly knowledgeable sales team are available to discuss your quote, answer any questions and help you to choose the best shipping method to meet your needs.
Once you have been able to review your quotation, and we have answered any questions that you have, we have another simple form to complete to make your booking. Then we can get on with the job of shipping your vehicle overseas.
Paperwork Needed to Ship a Vehicle Overseas
When we receive a booking, the next step is to advise our customer of the documentation required, and the timely receipt of this is crucial for a smooth export process. For the USA, the documentation can include;
- V5 Registration Certificate: Also known as the logbook, this document includes all details of the vehicle and who it is registered to in the UK. This also shows the date of manufacture of the vehicle, which is important when shipping to the USA.
- Bill of Sale: If the V5 isn’t in your name, we will need additional proof of ownership, such as a bill of sale or invoice to you from the registered owner.
- Personal Identification: For the USA, we will need to have a good copy of the photo page of your passport for US import Customs processes.
Other documentation requirements for shipping a vehicle overseas can also include;
- Export Licence: For certain types of vehicles, for example ex-military, you will need to have an export licence issued, and we will need this to arrange the export Customs clearance.
- Packing List/Inventory: For some destinations and shipping options you are able to load personal effects into your vehicle, and you will need to send us an inventory that shows all of the items that are loaded, for Customs purposes.
- Import Approval: Some countries only allow you to import a vehicle if you have gained approval before shipping.
At Autoshippers we will provide a list of all of the paperwork you need to send us, and will guide you through the process of gathering them to ensure that nothing is overlooked.
Compliance with US Import Regulations – The 25-Year Rule
The reason that our happy customer is now able to ship their 1999 Nissan Skyline GTR R34 this year is due to the 25-year rule in regards to importing a vehicle into the USA. If you are looking to import non-US specification vehicles, such as a JDM, then you will need to be aware of this regulation.
The 25-Year Rule
This regulation, part of the Motor Vehicle Safety Compliance Act, allows vehicles that are 25 years old or older to be imported into the USA without needing to meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS). For a detailed explanation of this rule and its implications head over to our article entitled Everything You Need to Know About the 25-Year Rule.
Key Points About The 25-Year Rule
The key points to know about the 25 Year Rule are;
- The vehicle’s age is determined by the month and year of manufacture shown on the V5.
- It exempts vehicles from FMVSS requirements.
- Compliance is still required with other import regulations (see below)
Other US Import Regulations
Whilst the 25-Year rule exempts the 1999 Nissan Skyline GTR R34 from certain standards, there are other import regulations that may still apply;
- Customs and Border Protection (CBP):
- Proof of vehicle’s age must be provided
- CBP Form 7501 (Entry Summary) must be submitted
- Import duty (typically 2.5% for cars) must be paid
- The vehicle must be declared to Customs at the port of entry
- Environmental Protection Agency (EPA):
- While exempt from emissions standards, EPA Form 3520-1 must still be filed
- The form should indicate the vehicle’s exempt status under the 25-year rule
- Department of Transportation (DOT):
- HS-7 Declaration form must be filed, noting the 25-Year exemption
- The vehicle may be declared as being primarily for off-road use or show/display if it will not be used regularly on public roads
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
- Documentation proving the vehicle’s age may be required
- Any modifications made to the vehicle should be declared
- Importation Restrictions:
- The vehicle must not be subject to any outstanding recalls or import alerts
- It must not have been stolen or have a fraudulent title
- State-Specific Regulations:
- Each US state has its own requirements for registering and insuring imported vehicles
- Some states may require emissions testing or safety inspections, regardless of the 25-Year exemption
At Autoshippers we work with specialist agents in the USA that are able to help our customers negotiate all of the regulations and documentation to clear and register a vehicle in the USA, as well as having the knowledge and experience to guide our customers even before the booking is made.
The Shipping Process: From the UK to the USA
At Autoshippers we have refined the vehicle shipping process after being in the car shipping business for over 25 years, and we are experts at loading prized vehicles such as this 1999 Nissan Skyline GTR R34 safely and securely into shipping containers.
Collection and Inspection
There are a few options to get your vehicle to our loading facility, or to the port. On this occasion our customer selected the covered transporter option, meaning that this 1999 Nissan Skyline GTR was picked up from the UK address and delivered to our warehouse for loading into the container.
The collection is arranged at a convenient time and for high-value vehicles such as this, we have our enclosed transporters that can protect them from the elements on their journey by road to our loading facility. Upon arrival a Vehicle Condition Report (VCR) is undertaken which involves a thorough inspection of the car noting any dents and scratches. This is required for the marine insurance cover, and ensures peace of mind for our customers.
Prior to collection, we had already received a copy of the V5 and the photo page of our customer’s passport that are required to enable us to book the vehicle with the shipping company as well as process the UK Customs entry. For the USA there is also pre-shipping Customs processes that need to be undertaken, which is why the passport is needed.
Loading a Nissan Skyline GTR R34 into a Container
Loading a vehicle as valuable as a Nissan Skyline GTR into a container is a delicate process, one which we have honed over many years of shipping vehicles:
- Container Preparation: On receipt of the container at our loading facility, it is thoroughly inspected. This is to ensure that it is free from any debris or moisture that could damage the vehicle, and to make sure that there are no visible holes in the walls or ceiling which could let in water during transit.
- Custom Loading Ramp: Using a specially designed ramp, which is secured to the container for safety and ease of use, we carefully drive the Skyline into the container. The low clearance of sports cars such as the Skyline GTR requires extra planning and caution during this step.
- Precision Positioning: The car is positioned to distribute weight evenly, but also to ensure easy access to the anchor points for secure loading.
Securing a Vehicle for Containerised Seafreight Transport
Once this Nissan Skyline GTR R34 is positioned into the shipping container, the process of securing it to prevent movement during the ocean crossing can begin. This includes;
- Wheels Chocks: Heavy-duty wheel chocks made of wood are placed around each tyre to prevent rolling, these are secured in place using screws.
- Strapping System: The vehicle is secured at each corner to D Rings that are located in the container. We use soft loops around the wheels to avoid any damage to the vehicle’s body or suspension components.
- Final Checks: A very important part of the process, we perform a final inspection to ensure that the vehicle is positioned and secured properly for its voyage overseas.
- Customs Seal: Once our specialist loading team is happy, the container doors are closed and a uniquely numbered seal is attached, with the number recorded for tracking purposes.
The Journey from the UK to the USA
With this amazing vehicle now loaded and secured in the shipping container, the ocean voyage can begin;
- Journey to the UK Port: The container is transported to the UK port, on this occasion we are shipping out of Southampton where it is securely held ready for loading onto the US bound vessel.
- Customs Clearance: Whilst the container is being transported to the port, our specialist in-house Customs experts are submitting the Customs entry to ensure that all releases are in place to load once the process begins at the port.
- The Seafreight Vessel: This container was booked on the vessel Al Safat, which is equipped to carry over 7,000 Twenty-Foot containers, was built in 2008 and stands at 306metres long and 40metres wide.
- Crossing the Atlantic: The vessel spent 17days at sea sailing from Southampton to Houston, transit times can vary depending on the routing and the conditions.
- Real-Time Tracking: We give our customers the unique container number and other details to enable them to track the progress of the container as it travels to the US port.
- US Customs Processing: When arrived in Houston, our specialist Customs agents take over, and manage the Customs Clearance process, ensuring all necessary documentation is in perfect order.
Once the container is cleared, we can arrange for the vehicle to be unloaded and either made available to collect or be delivered directly to our customers door in the USA.
Why Choose Autoshippers?
At Autoshippers we have over 25 years of experience in shipping vehicles overseas, and when it comes to shipping classic and high-value cars like this 1999 Nissan Skyline GTR R34 our expertise is crucial. Our team has in-depth knowledge of the 25-year rule as well as the other regulations and Customs processes needed to transport a vehicle from one country to another.
Not only do our team have incredible experience in shipping cars, they are also car enthusiasts themselves, and use this knowledge to assist our customer to select the best shipping option and to guide them through the documentation process. We are committed to Customer satisfaction and it drives everything that we do, take a look at our reviews page to see how many happy customers we have, many that return to ship with us time and time again.
Our shipping options include the Full Container (FCL) service outlined above, and also RoRo (Roll On Roll Off), shared container or airfreight services, and we have routings to all main destinations overseas. Our website has information on shipping and importing vehicles to many destinations, such as the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and Cyprus, and it is here that you can request a quotation or contact our sales team.
You can also call us on +44 117 982 8123 / 0800 389 0784 to speak with our dedicated sales team who can not only give you the price of shipping, but also take you through the whole process from start to finish.
We can’t wait to hear from you and to help make your dreams of owning a classic or much sought-after car a reality.
