Welcome back. This issue — the Nissan Skyline GT-R34. You know the one. The unmistakeable four-circle taillights. A black, brooding shape that just happens to be one of the most iconic JDM cars ever made.
The Artwork:
Nissan Skyline GT-R34
Nissan Skyline GT-R34, 12” x 16” Watercolor, gouache, ink on Bristol.
This is the second in a series of three JDM pieces — NSX & AE86 being the others — each grounded by katakana script identifying the manufacturer. I wanted these works placed in an actual scene rather than floating in some abstract void. This one went a little cosmic — starry night sky, a glowing mountain form — which felt right for a car that borders on mythological.
The rear view won out in the end. I kept the details subtle and let the shape and those taillights do the talking. The rest I left for the viewer to fill in.
The Car:
Produced between 1999 and 2002 and powered by a twin-turbo inline-six which produced a gentlemanly agreed 280hp - although other estimates put that number closer to 330hp.
It dominated the Japanese touring car scene, terrorized Bathurst, and earned the nickname Godzilla from the Australian motoring press who couldn't quite believe what they were dealing with.
Watch:
900hp R34 in Tokyo. Raw sound, no commentary. Just the car:
On the Board
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— Christian
MotorSketch