Issue #16 · 12, 2026
The 25 Year Rule
Published October 12, 2026
Japanese Auto News
Yen Snapshot
¥1 JPY =
$0.0063
USD · as of Oct 12, 2026
Live rate as of Oct 12, 2026. Don't forget to factor the 27.5% import duty into your landed cost — use the calculator for your exact numbers.
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Landed cost estimates include shipping (~$1,500), US customs duty (27.5%), broker fees, and port handling. Actual costs vary. Use the calculator for your exact numbers →
October 2001: The Last V-Spec IIs and Three Other Cars Worth Your Attention
October 2001 marked the end of R34 GT-R production — including the final V-Spec II units — making this one of the most watched eligibility windows in years. But it's not just about Skylines. The Evo VII hit dealers, the DC5 Integra Type R arrived, and a handful of other chassis rolled off the line that are now crossing the 25-year threshold. Build dates matter more than model years, so if you're chasing something from this month, verify the firewall plate before you bid.
Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec II (BNR34)
The final production run of the R34 GT-R ended in late 2001, making October-built V-Spec II models newly eligible. The RB26DETT, ATTESA E-TS Pro, and Nür-spec heritage make these the most sought-after modern GT-Rs. Prices reflect it.
Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VII (CT9A)
First of the CT9A chassis and the last Evo with a physical center differential before ACD arrived. The 4G63 produced 280 PS, and the VII introduced Active Center Differential in GT-A trim. A proper driver's Evo before things got complicated.
Honda Integra Type R (DC5)
The K20A-powered DC5 replaced the legendary DC2, gaining displacement and refinement while keeping the 8,000 rpm redline and LSD. October 2001 examples are early production, and purists still argue whether it's better than its predecessor. It's close.
Build Date vs. Model Year: What U.S. Customs Actually Checks
The 25-year rule runs from build date, not model year. A 2002 model built in November 2001 isn't eligible until November 2026. The manufacture date is stamped on the firewall compliance plate in most Japanese cars — that's what CBP references.
- →Verify the compliance plate before bidding. Auction sheets list model year, not build month.
- →Some auction houses note manufacture date in the remarks; most don't. Ask your agent to confirm before the hammer drops.
- →If the VIN decode shows a late-year build, you may be waiting longer than you think — or clearing earlier than expected.
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