R34 Nissan Skyline Models Explained: GT-R, V-Spec, M-Spec, GT-T, CRS & USA Import Guide

Updated for 2026 R34 import timing, Series 1 vs Series 2 GT-R details, M-Spec and Nur information, NISMO CRS context, and California buyer guidance.

The Nissan Skyline R34 is more than one car. Some buyers are searching for a 1999 to 2002 BNR34 GT-R, while others are looking at an ER34 25GT Turbo, a sedan, a GT, a GT Four, or a collectible trim such as a V-Spec II Nur, M-Spec Nur, or NISMO CRS. This guide explains the major R34 models, what changed between Series 1 and Series 2, which trims matter to collectors, and how to move from research to buying a legal R34 in the USA.

If you are shopping now, start with the model comparison below, then jump to our current R34 GT-R for sale page, our R34 import guide, or our California buyer guide.

Jump to: Models at a glance | GT, 25GT, 25GT Turbo | R34 GT-R trims | Series 1 vs Series 2 | M-Spec and Nur | NISMO CRS | California buyers | Import timing | Photo guide | Related R34 guides | Related inventory | FAQ

R34 Models at a Glance

The R34 Skyline lineup included naturally aspirated models, turbo rear wheel drive models, all wheel drive non GT-R models, and the BNR34 GT-R. The right model depends on whether you want a collector car, a street car, a drift platform, a California compliant car, or a future import.

Model	Chassis	Engine	Drive	Best for	Next step
GT / 25GT	HR34 / ER34	RB20DE or RB25DE	RWD	Entry level R34 ownership, styling builds, daily use	Browse inventory
25GT Turbo	ER34	RB25DET NEO	RWD	Street, drift, tuning, lower cost than GT-R	Read the 25GT Turbo guide
GT Four / GT-X Four	ENR34	RB25DE	AWD	Rare AWD Skyline ownership, sedan fans	Ask us to source one
GT-R	BNR34	RB26DETT	ATTESA AWD	Collectors, performance buyers, long term value	View R34 GT-R for sale
V-Spec / V-Spec II	BNR34	RB26DETT	ATTESA E-TS Pro	Drivers who want the active rear diff and aero upgrades	Shop V-Spec and V-Spec II
M-Spec / Nur	BNR34	RB26DETT or Nur spec RB26	ATTESA E-TS Pro	Collectors, comfort focused GT-R buyers, final edition shoppers	Request sourcing
NISMO CRS	BNR34	NISMO Omori built or refreshed RB26 based package	ATTESA AWD	Top tier collectors, Omori Factory fans, serious GT-R builds	Read the CRS California story

EV1 Lightning Yellow 25GT Turbo: This ER34 25GT Turbo shows why the non GT-R R34 market matters. It gives buyers the R34 coupe shape, turbo RB25DET NEO power and rear wheel drive personality, while usually staying below comparable GT-R pricing.

R34 Base Models: GT, 25GT, 25GT Turbo, GT Four and GT-X

R34 GT / 25GT

• Naturally aspirated inline six models, commonly RB20DE or RB25DE depending on trim and chassis.
• Available in 2 door and 4 door configurations.
• Rear wheel drive on most GT and 25GT models.
• Popular for clean street builds, styling conversions and lower cost R34 ownership.

R34 25GT Turbo, commonly called GT-T

• Official Nissan designation: 25GT Turbo. Enthusiasts often call it GT-T.
• RB25DET NEO turbocharged inline six.
• Rear wheel drive with 5 speed manual or automatic options.
• Strong aftermarket support for street, drift and tuning builds.
• A good choice for buyers who want the R34 look and turbo performance without GT-R pricing.

R34 25GT Turbo example: The ER34 25GT Turbo, commonly called GT-T, gives buyers the R34 look with RB25DET NEO power and rear wheel drive. It is usually more affordable than a GT-R and is popular for street, drift and tuning builds.

R34 GT Four / GT-X Four

• All wheel drive non GT-R R34 models, often seen as sedans.
• Usually naturally aspirated RB25DE based, depending on exact model and market.
• More unusual than common rear wheel drive 25GT models.
• Best for buyers who want a rare AWD Skyline but do not need a GT-R.

Series 1 vs Series 2 R34 GT-R: Early and late BNR34 GT-Rs can look similar at first glance, but build date, interior color, hood type, trim details and V-Spec II updates can affect value, collectability and USA import timing.

R34 GT-R Models: BNR34 Trims Explained

The BNR34 GT-R is the most collectible R34 model. It uses the RB26DETT, ATTESA all wheel drive, GT-R specific bodywork, Brembo brakes and the famous multifunction display. Within the GT-R family, the trim matters. A base GT-R, V-Spec, V-Spec II, M-Spec, Nur, N1 and NISMO CRS can all appeal to different buyers.

GT-R Base

• RB26DETT twin turbo inline six.
• ATTESA E-TS all wheel drive.
• Brembo brakes and GT-R specific multifunction display.
• Often the best value for buyers who want a real BNR34 GT-R without paying for rare trim premiums.

GT-R V-Spec

• Performance focused trim with ATTESA E-TS Pro and active rear differential.
• Additional underbody aero compared with the base GT-R.
• Usually associated with early R34 GT-R production before the V-Spec II update.
• A strong choice for buyers who want more GT-R hardware without the later V-Spec II price premium.

GT-R V-Spec II

• Later performance trim with ATTESA E-TS Pro.
• Carbon hood with NACA duct.
• Black interior trim and black seats on V-Spec II models.
• A major target for collectors because it combines later production details with the V-Spec hardware package.

BNR34 GT-R example: A real R34 GT-R has wider GT-R specific bodywork, RB26DETT power, ATTESA all wheel drive, Brembo brakes and GT-R specific interior details. For buyers comparing trims, photos help identify V-Spec, V-Spec II, M-Spec, Nur and modified examples.

Silica Brass R34 GT-R M-Spec: The M-Spec is the comfort focused BNR34 GT-R. Leather interior, softer road manners and lower production make it a different kind of collector car than a V-Spec II or track focused build.

GT-R M-Spec

• Comfort focused GT-R trim with leather interior.
• Softer ride character compared with the sharper V-Spec II personality.
• Often attractive to collectors who want a refined road car rather than the most track focused version.
• Lower production than standard GT-R and V-Spec models.

V-Spec II Nur and M-Spec Nur

• Final edition R34 GT-R variants from 2002.
• N1 based Nur engine specification details make these especially desirable.
• V-Spec II Nur is the performance focused final edition.
• M-Spec Nur is the comfort focused final edition with M-Spec style refinement.
• Rare colors and low mileage examples are among the most valuable regular production R34 GT-Rs.

R34 GT-R N1

• Lightweight homologation focused GT-R model.
• Built for motorsport and serious track use.
• Typically lacks some comfort equipment depending on exact specification.
• Very rare and highly spec sensitive.

 

Series 1 vs Series 2 R34 GT-R: Why the Build Date Matters

R34 GT-R buyers often focus on trim names like GT-R, V-Spec, V-Spec II, M-Spec and Nur, but the build date also matters. Early cars are often described as Series 1, while later cars are commonly called Series 2. The most visible shopper facing change is the transition from early GT-R and V-Spec cars to the later V-Spec II, which added details like the carbon hood with NACA duct and black interior.

• Series 1 GT-R and V-Spec: early production cars, grey interior trim, aluminum hood, aluminum front fenders and classic early BNR34 details.
• Series 2 / V-Spec II era: later production, black interior on V-Spec II, carbon hood with NACA duct and revised trim details.
• Why it matters: build month affects 25 year import eligibility, collector value, interior correctness and whether a car should have early or late trim details.

For a deeper visual comparison, read our silver R34 GT-R comparison: 1999 KR4 Series 1 vs 2000 WV2 Series 2 R34 GT-R comparison .

 

M-Spec, V-Spec II Nur and M-Spec Nur: The Collector Side of the R34

The M-Spec was the comfort focused R34 GT-R, aimed at buyers who wanted a more refined version of the BNR34. Instead of being the harshest track leaning model, the M-Spec added leather interior trim and comfort oriented suspension tuning. For buyers who want an R34 GT-R they can enjoy on the road, the M-Spec deserves attention.

The V-Spec II Nur and M-Spec Nur were final edition R34 GT-R models. They are among the most collectible regular production BNR34 variants because they combine late production desirability, Nur branding and upgraded engine specification details associated with the N1 based Nur engine package.

NISMO CRS and California compliance: A documented CRS R34 GT-R is a very different buyer proposition than a standard GT-R. Omori Factory history, NISMO parts, paperwork, federal import status and California compliance all become part of the car's value story.

NISMO CRS R34 GT-R: The Omori Factory Route

A NISMO CRS, or Clubman Race Spec, is not a normal factory trim like V-Spec or M-Spec. It is a NISMO Omori Factory built or refreshed GT-R package based around serious chassis, drivetrain, suspension, braking, aero, cooling and restoration work. For many collectors, a documented CRS sits near the top of the R34 GT-R world because it combines factory GT-R heritage with NISMO supported modernization.

CRS cars are especially important for buyers who want something beyond a standard R34 GT-R, but they require careful documentation. Build records, NISMO parts, Omori history, import paperwork, mileage, condition and California eligibility all matter.

Related read: A NISMO CRS R34 GT-R is now California compliant .

Toprank buyer support: R34 ownership is not only about picking a trim. The right car also depends on documentation, auction history, condition, mileage, import timing, registration path and whether the buyer needs California compliance.

 

R34 GT-R Quick Reference Table

Trim	Years	Interior	Aero and panels	Driveline	Buyer note
GT-R Base	1999 to 2002	Grey seats on early cars	GT-R bodywork, aluminum hood and front fenders	RB26DETT, ATTESA E-TS	Often the best value real BNR34 GT-R.
V-Spec	1999 to 2000 era	Grey seats	Added aero features including carbon rear diffuser	RB26DETT, ATTESA E-TS Pro	Performance focused early collector trim.
V-Spec II	2000 to 2002 era	Black seats and black interior trim	Carbon hood with NACA duct, carbon rear diffuser	RB26DETT, ATTESA E-TS Pro	Later production and high buyer demand.
M-Spec	2001 era	Leather interior	GT-R bodywork with comfort focused trim	RB26DETT, ATTESA E-TS Pro	Comfort focused collector GT-R.
V-Spec II Nur	2002	Black interior	V-Spec II details with final edition desirability	Nur spec RB26, ATTESA E-TS Pro	One of the most collectible regular production R34 GT-Rs.
M-Spec Nur	2002	Leather interior	M-Spec comfort focus with Nur final edition status	Nur spec RB26, ATTESA E-TS Pro	Rare comfort focused final edition GT-R.
N1	1999 to 2002	Varies by exact version	Lightweight and motorsport focused details	N1 specification RB26 details	Very rare and documentation sensitive.

 

25GT Turbo vs GT-R: Quick Comparison

Model	Engine and drive	Use case	Buyer note
R34 25GT Turbo	RB25DET NEO, rear wheel drive	Street, drift, tuning, lower cost R34 ownership	Great driver car and much easier to modify without collector guilt.
R34 GT-R	RB26DETT, ATTESA all wheel drive	Collector, performance, long term value	The highest demand R34, especially in clean, documented condition.

 

R34 Photo Guide: What to Look For in Pictures

R34 photos can tell you a lot before you ever inspect the car. Use pictures to compare trim specific details, check whether a car appears to be a real GT-R or a converted 25GT Turbo, and spot missing or incorrect parts.

• Front end: GT-R front bumper, wider fenders, hood type and grille details.
• Side profile: 2 door vs 4 door, GT-R fender width, wheel fitment and ride height.
• Rear: wing, diffuser, tail lights, exhaust and rear bumper condition.
• Interior: seat color, steering wheel, MFD, dash condition, trim condition and signs of heavy modification.
• Engine bay: RB25DET vs RB26DETT, factory parts, modifications, corrosion and missing equipment.
• Underside: rust, repairs, diffuser hardware, jacking damage and prior collision clues.

California buyers: Federal legality is only one part of the process. California buyers should confirm emissions compliance, registration path, paperwork and realistic timing before buying an R34 GT-R, 25GT Turbo, CRS or other imported Skyline.

Buying an R34 in California

California is different from most states. A federally legal R34 may still need additional California emissions work before it can be registered in California. That is why California buyers should not shop only by price, color or trim. The right car also needs the right paperwork, compliance path and expectations before purchase.

• Federal legality: based on the 25 year rule, Show or Display, or another legal import path.
• California registration: requires separate attention to emissions and state level requirements.
• Best buyer move: ask whether the car is already California compliant, can be made compliant, or is better suited for another state.

 

R34 Import Timing for 2026 and Beyond

R34 import eligibility depends on the exact build month, not just the model year. Many non GT-R R34s are already eligible under the 25 year rule, and more R34 GT-Rs continue to become eligible as 2001 and 2002 production dates pass their 25 year mark.

R34 type	Typical production range	USA import note
1998 R34 GT, 25GT, 25GT Turbo	1998 onward	Many examples are already 25 years old, depending on build month.
1999 R34 GT-R	1999	25 year eligibility began in 2024 based on build month.
2000 R34 GT-R	2000	25 year eligibility began in 2025 based on build month.
2001 R34 GT-R	2001	Becomes eligible through 2026 based on build month.
2002 R34 GT-R, Nur and late M-Spec	2002	Becomes eligible through 2027 based on build month, unless another legal path applies.

Rare trims and special vehicles may have additional legal pathways, but those situations are documentation sensitive. Show or Display approval is limited and does not replace EPA or state level requirements. If you are shopping for a CRS, Nur, low mileage car, or California car, confirm the import and registration path before purchase.

Related read: Cool Japanese cars turning 25 and US legal in 2025 and 2026 .

 

Want to Import or Buy an R34?

Toprank helps buyers source, inspect, import and register the right R34, whether that is a 25GT Turbo, base GT-R, V-Spec II, M-Spec, Nur or rare NISMO CRS example.

 

Related R34 Reading and Buyer Guides

• R34 GT-R for Sale - current R34 GT-R inventory and sourcing.
• NISMO CRS R34 GT-R California compliant - CRS context and California relevance.
• Two silver R34 GT-Rs compared - 1999 KR4 Series 1 vs 2000 WV2 Series 2.
• R34 25GT Turbo buyer guide - ER34 specs, Altia aero, import timing and pricing.
• How to import an R34 Skyline to the USA - import process, paperwork and timing.
• New Nissan Skyline coming soon - what future Skyline and GT-R news means for R32, R33 and R34 interest.
• Cool Japanese cars turning 25 and US legal in 2025 and 2026 - import timing for R34 and other JDM cars.
• Toprank Blog Hub - more JDM import guides, model guides and California information.

 

Related GT-R and JDM Inventory Hubs

Shopping other generations or comparing an R34 against other JDM cars? Explore more dedicated inventory pages:

• R34 GT-R for Sale: https://toprankjdm.com/R34ForSale
• Nissan Silvia S15 for Sale: https://www.importavehicle.com/nissan-silvia-s15-for-sale-import-jdm-spec-r-spec-s-models
• Nissan R32 GT-R for Sale: https://www.importavehicle.com/nissan-r32-gt-r-for-sale-1989-1994-toprank-importers
• R33 Nissan Skyline GT-R for Sale: https://www.importavehicle.com/r33-nissan-skyline-gt-r-for-sale
• All inventory: https://www.importavehicle.com/inventory

 

Media Hub and Blog Hub: Go Deeper on R34 GT-R and JDM Imports

Want more R34 GT-R videos, event coverage and in depth import guides?

• Toprank Media Hub - R34 GT-R features, Silvia S15 spotlights, Built By Legends content and event coverage.
• Toprank Blog Hub - import guides, 25 year rule updates, R34 model guides, Silvia S15 resources and California legalization info.

 

R34 FAQ

What does R34 mean?

R34 refers to the Nissan Skyline generation sold from 1998 to 2002. The R34 family includes GT, 25GT, 25GT Turbo, GT Four, GT-X, and the famous BNR34 GT-R.

Is every R34 a GT-R?

No. The GT-R is the most famous R34, but many R34 Skylines were non GT-R models. The 25GT Turbo, often called GT-T, is a rear wheel drive turbo R34 with an RB25DET NEO. The GT-R is the BNR34 with RB26DETT power and ATTESA all wheel drive.

Is an R34 25GT Turbo the same as a GT-T?

The official Nissan model name is 25GT Turbo. Enthusiasts often call it GT-T, but 25GT Turbo is the more factory correct term. It uses the RB25DET NEO and rear wheel drive, making it very different from the RB26DETT all wheel drive GT-R.

What is the difference between R34 Series 1 and Series 2?

Series 1 usually refers to earlier R34 GT-R production, while Series 2 refers to later production and the V-Spec II era. Shoppers usually care because later V-Spec II cars have details like the carbon hood with NACA duct and black interior, while earlier GT-R and V-Spec cars have different trim details.

What is the difference between V-Spec and V-Spec II?

Both are performance focused GT-R trims with ATTESA E-TS Pro. The V-Spec II is the later version and is known for details like the carbon hood with NACA duct and black interior trim.

What is an R34 GT-R M-Spec?

The M-Spec is a comfort focused R34 GT-R trim. It is known for leather interior and a more refined road car personality compared with the sharper V-Spec II.

What is a NISMO CRS R34 GT-R?

A NISMO CRS, or Clubman Race Spec, is a NISMO Omori Factory built or refreshed R34 GT-R package. It is not a regular Nissan production trim. CRS cars can include major restoration, chassis, drivetrain, suspension, aero, braking, cooling and NISMO parts upgrades depending on the build.

When are R34 GT-Rs legal to import to the USA?

R34 import eligibility depends on the exact date of manufacture. 1999 cars began becoming eligible in 2024, 2000 cars in 2025, 2001 cars through 2026, and 2002 cars through 2027. Always confirm the build month before buying.

Can I register an R34 GT-R in California?

Some R34 GT-Rs can be registered in California, but California has additional requirements beyond federal import legality. Before buying, confirm whether the car is already California compliant, whether it can be made compliant, and what documentation is included.

Which R34 page should I read next?

If you are shopping, start with the R34 GT-R for sale page. If you are deciding between trims, read the 25GT Turbo buyer guide and the Series 1 vs Series 2 comparison. If you live in California, read the California buyer guide before choosing a car.