Guys build modern-day Nissan R34 Skyline in 'Fast & Furious' style as a tribute to Paul Walker
Published on Jan 18, 2025 at 2:00 PM (UTC+4)
by Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
Last updated on Jan 20, 2025 at 9:18 AM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Kate Bain
A team of automotive parts retailer enthusiasts in California, US, have built a tribute to the ‘Fast & Furious’ Nissan R34 Skyline.
It’s a modern take on the late nineties to early noughties model.
With that in mind, they’ve given it some serious upgrades.
Their followers simply couldn’t get enough of the tribute to the late, great Paul Walker.
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The modern-day Nissan R34 Skyline
With a 1972 Datsun 240Z used as its base, the team not only aimed for the Nissan R34 Skyline – Evan Beckerman and Mickey Andrade of throtl went even further with their team.
Aesthetically its livery is a faithful tribute to the film’s automotive legacy and a ‘love letter to the fans of 2 Fast 2 Furious.‘
Upgrades included a roll cage, all-wheel drive conversion, Wilwood brakes, carbon fiber interior components, and new suspension.
Just a few of the key components installed during the week-long project included a GReddy oil filter relocation kit, custom shifter setup, carbon fiber door panels, and an advanced engine wiring harness from Rywire.
Extensive plumbing on the fuel, oil, and cooling systems as well as wew fittings, hoses, and a dry sump system were installed to optimize engine performance.
The one thing that’s a first for the team? A quick-release parachute.
It was no easy feat, with the team needing to build and fit their own parachute mount and the ‘super silky’ fabric proving tricky to pack as it ‘mushes’ all over the place.
Then comes the moment of truth with Jesse saying: “When it’s time to test it, I should just be able to let go…”
However, when it flops to the floor he has a disclaimer: “You would be going 100mph.”
The final Fast & Furious tribute
The team’s deadline was the car’s SEMA debut.
Cars from the franchise are popular, like this Fast & Furious car collection that was hidden in a Missouri warehouse.
A super-rare 2013 Rally Fighter from Fast & Furious 8 recently sold on SBX Cars for $118,000.
That meant that every detail — from glass installations to body trim — had to be immaculate and polished to perfection.
Despite hiccups with getting the engine started before their departure due to leaks and wiring issues – they made it to the JDM car’s first track day and the drag strip.
With a dual English and French degree and NCTJ diploma, Amelia began her career doing award-winning writing and editing for titles and brands spanning Women's Health, the Telegraph, Boots, and Vitality. Amelia joined the SB Media family in September of 2023, bringing her expertise in SEO and reader takeaway. As Lead Editor, her superpower is translating technical jargon about the mechanical workings of a supercar into a shareable story.
