Jay Leno Just Filmed One of the Rarest Nissan Skyline Gatherings Ever Seen in the U.S.

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Skyline Gathering in the US

Jay Leno’s Garage is no stranger to rare metal, but this episode lands differently. With legendary car photographer, Larry Chen, Jay walks through time examining one of the rarest assemblies of Nissan Skylines ever filmed in the United States. Seven generations are represented, from the earliest Nissan-badged models to the coveted R34 GT-R, all legally imported and all never sold new in America.

That detail matters because these cars exist in the US only because their owners waited decades, navigated complex import laws, and absorbed costs that often exceed the value of the vehicles themselves. Many of the examples shown are believed to exist in America in single-digit numbers. Seeing them together highlights just how thin the Skyline population truly is on this side of the Pacific.

Early Skylines That Barely Exist Stateside

The episode opens with the kind of Skylines most American enthusiasts will never encounter. The Hakosuka Skyline GT-R, especially in four-door form, is one of the rarest Japanese performance cars legally registered in the US. Estimates suggest fewer than five exist nationwide. This example remains largely stock, making it even more unusual given how often these cars are modified or parted out.

Alongside it are other early generations like the Kenmeri and the DR30 RS. These models were produced in limited numbers to begin with and were never exported when new. In America, they occupy a near-mythical status. Parts support is minimal, and mechanical knowledge is specialized. Their presence in a single collection underscores how exceptional it is for these early Skylines to survive at all.

R-Chassis Icons, Still Rare in America

As the episode moves into the R-chassis era, familiarity increases but rarity does not disappear. The R31, often overlooked even in Japan, is scarcely seen in the US. Racing homologation variants are virtually nonexistent stateside. The car featured highlights how deep the Skyline story runs beyond the GT-R badge.

The R32 and R33 GT-Rs may now be import-legal, but numbers remain small, especially for clean and period-correct cars. Many imports arrive tired or heavily altered. The examples shown on Jay Leno’s Garage stand out for their condition and restraint. They represent a shrinking pool of Skylines that still reflect their original character.

Why These Skylines Matter in the US

The episode builds toward the R34 GT-R, still one of the most elusive modern performance cars in America. Even after becoming legal, values and scarcity keep it out of reach for most enthusiasts. Larry Chen’s Bayside Blue example, restored in Japan and preserved with care, illustrates how rare a correct R34 remains on US roads.

More than a nostalgia piece, this Jay Leno’s Garage feature documents an unusual moment in American car culture. These Skylines are not just desirable; they are statistically rare, historically important, and unlikely to ever be assembled again in one place.