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CAR OF THE MONTH
@MAT_RS34

Growing up in New South Wales and later moving to the Gold Coast, I've always had a deep-rooted connection to cars. My journey into the automotive world began at a young age, fueled by hours spent playing car games, where I could immerse myself in the thrill of racing and car customization. These virtual experiences ignited a passion that only grew stronger as I watched my family members drive around in some truly remarkable vehicles. Seeing those cars up close, hearing their engines roar, and feeling the excitement that came with them left a lasting impression on me. It wasn't just about the cars themselves but the culture, the sense of community, and the art of creating something unique. That early exposure laid the foundation for what would become a lifelong passion for cars and eventually led me to take on the challenge of building my own project car.

THE VISION

Ever since I was younger, the Nissan Skyline R34 has been a car that I’ve admired and dreamt of owning. There’s something about its iconic design, its presence on the road, and the way it has been revered in both car culture and pop culture that made it the ultimate dream car for me. My vision for this build has always been clear—I wanted to create a clean, OEM-plus example that stays true to the car’s original design while adding subtle enhancements that reflect my personal style and respect for the R34’s heritage. The goal has always been to maintain the car’s timeless appeal while refining and upgrading certain aspects to create something that feels both classic and contemporary.

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THE JOURNEY

When I first bought this car, it was far from perfect; in fact, it was in pretty rough shape. The paint was tired, the bodywork needed attention, and it was clear that this Skyline had seen better days. But I saw the potential in it and knew that with the right care and effort, it could be transformed into something special. The journey began with a full bare-metal strip respray, a process that was as challenging as it was rewarding. Stripping the car down to its core allowed me to address every imperfection, ensuring that when the fresh coat of paint was finally applied, it would be flawless.

Alongside the respray, I sourced all new lights to replace the old, faded ones, giving the car a much-needed facelift. The GTR body kit was another essential part of the transformation. It not only enhanced the car’s aggressive stance but also brought it closer to the vision I had in mind—a build that paid homage to the R34's legendary status while adding a touch of modern refinement. Every step of the process was carefully planned and executed, from choosing the right shade of paint to ensuring that the bodywork and fittings were all aligned perfectly. It was a long and sometimes arduous process, but seeing the car come together piece by piece made it all worth it.

THE MOD LIST

ENGINE + DRIVETRAIN:

  • RB25 neo package built by DNA Racing Tech & 101 Motorsport

 

INDUCTION/EXHAUST:

  • High mount big single turbo

  • Full 3inch stainless v band exhaust

  • HKS muffler​​

 

INTERIOR:

  • GT-R seats

  • Nismo cluster

  • Nismo centre triple gauges

  • Nismo floor mats

  • Nismo shift boot

  • Nismo shift knob

  • Mines steering wheel

  • Carbon FIbre trim

  • Alcantara inserts

  • Sony head unit

 

EXTERIOR:

  • Full respray in 

  • Z-Tune style carbon fibre bonnet 

  • Z-Tune style front guards

  • GT-R front bar

  • New Factory GT-R headlights

  • GT-R rear wing w/ wing risers

  • GT-R rear bumper

  • Custom R35 inspired taillights from Japan

 

SUSPENSION/HANDLING/

BRAKES:

  • MCA coil-overs

  • Hard Race arms

  • DBA slotted rotors

  • DBA brake pads

 

WHEELS & TYRES:

  • Volk te37

  • ​Michelin Cup 2 tyres

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MEMORY LANE

One of the greatest memories I have from this build is looking back at old photos of how the car looked when I first picked it up. Comparing those early pictures to how the car stands today is a reminder of how far it has come and how much work has gone into it. It’s incredibly satisfying to see the transformation and know that all the late nights and hard work have paid off. However, the journey wasn’t without its setbacks. The lowest point came right after I got the car back from the paint shop. As I was driving it home, the motor gave out, which was a devastating blow after just completing such a significant part of the build. But rather than seeing it as the end of the road, I took it as an opportunity to upgrade. I decided to import a new engine, which marked the beginning of the power build. It was a challenging time, but looking back, it was a turning point that pushed the build even further.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

Looking ahead, there’s still a lot of work to be done. The next big step will involve more engine work to push the car’s performance even further. I’ve got a few ideas in mind for how I want to take the power build to the next level, and I’m excited to see how it all comes together. Beyond the engine, I’ll continue to fine-tune and refine other aspects of the car, always aiming to strike that perfect balance between performance, aesthetics, and the car’s original spirit. The journey isn’t over yet, and I’m looking forward to what the future holds for this build.

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