Issue #14 · 28, 2026
The 25 Year Rule
Published September 28, 2026
Japanese Auto News
R34 GT-Rs are now routinely breaking $100,000, putting them close to the price of a brand-new R35 GT-R. The article questions whether the premium is justified as early examples become import-eligible in the U.S.
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October 2001: The Next Eligibility Wave
Cars manufactured in October 2001 cross the 25-year threshold this week. That means GT-Rs, Type Rs, and a handful of other chassis built that month are now federally legal to import. Here are three JDM icons from model year 2001 that define why this year matters.
Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec II (BNR34) (BNR34)
The final iteration of the RB26DETT legend. October 2001 production marks late V-Spec II examples—refined ATTESA ETS Pro, carbon-fiber components, and the last factory GT-Rs before the R35 era. Cultural weight is undeniable: this is the car from Gran Turismo, Fast & Furious, and two decades of import dreams. Prices reflect it.
Honda Integra Type R (DC5) (DC5)
The DC5 Type R debuted in July 2001 with the legendary K20A—naturally aspirated, 8,000 rpm, 220 hp, and one of the best manual gearboxes Honda ever built. October builds are early first-year examples. No torque steer, telepathic steering, and a driving experience purists still call untouchable. Increasingly hard to find unmolested.
Subaru Impreza WRX STI (GDB) (GDB)
The bugeye STI—EJ207, 280 hp (Japan spec), and rally pedigree baked into every system. October 2001 marks first-year GD-generation production. DCCD center diff, Brembo brakes, wide-body fenders, and the last Subaru before the brand pivoted mainstream. A cult favorite for good reason.
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