Matt Tompkins 1998 Nissan Skyline GT-T
The Nissan Skyline R34 is considered a famous car by some standards and is undoubtedly an iconic nameplate to come out of the 1990’s. But what’s lesser known is that the infamous Skyline model name had begun all the way back in 1957, under production from a different manufacturing company!
Front driver quarter view of Matt Tompkins' 1998 Nissan Skyline GT-T
Tachikawa Aircraft, Fuji Precision, Prince Motor
Let’s go back to 1957, 67 years ago. Just kidding, we’re going back to 1924—a century ago in Imperial Japan, when the Tachikawa Aircraft Company was founded. Tachikawa Aircraft Co. was a leading force in Japanese aerospace manufacturing. The 1930s and ’40s arrived, and the Second World War took the globe by storm. Tachikawa Aircraft Co. began as a repair facility for the Imperial Japanese Army Air Service (IJAAS) but eventually made its way into manufacturing aircraft.
After the war ended, Japan’s economy and production were in the recovery stage. In 1949, the Tachikawa Aircraft Company changed its goals and identity, becoming Fuji Precision Industries. This marked their entry into the automotive industry. The company had a fair run, lasting just under a decade. In 1957, it was officially rebranded as the Prince Motor Company. Prince Motor Co. made some iconic cars, including the Skyline and Gloria.
As Japan's economy stabilized, Nissan became increasingly interested in Prince Motor Co. and its innovations. Eventually, the legacy of the Tachikawa Aircraft Co. reached its final chapter. In 1966, nine years after the Prince Motor Company was founded, it merged with Nissan Motor Corporation. Nissan then continued the production of the Skyline, which had a bright future ahead.
Floor level view of Matt Tompkins' 1998 Nissan Skyline GT-T front driver side wheel turned right
C110, C210, R30 and Beyond
The Skyline originally began production as a competitive luxury sedan. However, in 1972, the first significant step in today's Skyline legacy was unveiled: the GT-R. From 1972 to 1977, the C110 generation of the Skyline saw the production of only 197 GT-R variants. In 1977, the C210 generation was introduced, marking the second major development for the iconic badge. This generation featured the first turbocharged inline-six Skyline.
The "C" generation naming didn’t last long—only for these two generations. But after the C210 had its moment, the next phase in the legacy of the Nissan Skyline was about to begin. This marked the introduction of the "R" series generation naming. The R30, produced from 1981 to 1985, continued the turbocharged tradition with the FJ20E DOHC inline-four engine. The R30 was a pivotal step toward the Skyline's evolution into a renowned sports coupe.
From 1985 to 1989, Nissan produced the R31 Skyline, which represented the fourth key development in the Skyline legacy. This generation introduced the factory turbocharged RB-series engines, specifically the RB20DET. The R31 also introduced HICAS, a four-wheel-steering system.
Lower eye level view of Matt Tompkins' 1998 Nissan Skyline GT-T driver side taillights from center
Heir to the Throne
Let’s cut to the chase: 1989 saw the introduction of the R32 Nissan Skyline GT-R, factory equipped with a 2.6L twin-turbo RB26DETT inline-six engine. Nissan’s engineering team hit it out of the park with their ATTESA-ETS all-wheel-drive system, dominating Group A racing tournaments. This domination led the Australian press to dub the car "Godzilla" due to its monstrous performance.
Nissan wasn’t done blowing away the competition and soon introduced the next generation of the Skyline, the R33. The R33 GT-R was a refinement of the R32, designed to be more aerodynamic and offer better handling. It became the first production car to complete a lap of the infamous Nürburgring racecourse in Germany in under eight minutes.
However, all great legacies must eventually come to an end, and the Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 was the encore the car scene needed. It featured advanced electronics and displayed real-time error information about the car. This chassis retained the twin-turbo RB26DETT engine, which was so powerful it was intentionally restricted to comply with Japanese regulations.
Above centered photo of the Japanese sticker under the hood of Matt Tompkins 1998 Nissan Skyline GT-T
The Matt Tompkins VIN
Tompkins is the first Stars and Stripes owner of this Bayside Blue 1998 Nissan Skyline GT-T. It came from Osaka, Japan, where it was maintained as a show car. Its entire history in Japan is documented by the Japan Automobile Appraisal Association, along with its complete service history.
“It’s very original, with only a handful of modifications, most of which I have done,” Tompkins noted.
This car, when originally ordered from the manufacturer, came with many options. Some of these options include power-folding mirrors and power-adjusting Xenon gas headlights. Tompkins excitedly added that the climate control still works.
The best endeavors take the most time, and this stunning GT-T is no exception. This car represents a two-year journey for Tompkins. As some may know, the Nissan Skyline R34 only became legal to be registered in the United States this year, 2024.
“I was planning on buying an R32 because I didn’t think I would be able to find a nice enough R34 within my budget. Then this one showed up on a Saturday night.”
The next day, Tompkins put his 1965 2+2 Fastback Mustang up for sale. That same day, his classic muscle car was on a trailer, heading to its new owner. That night, at 3 in the morning, Tompkins was exchanging messages with the seller of his soon-to-be Skyline, as those were the business hours in Japan. For the following three months, Tompkins eagerly received updates on his new car. The time wasn’t wasted, as he smartly researched forums to prepare and understand more about the car.
“It was a scary time, thinking I had just wired a lot of money to a random shop for a car I was told existed.”
His nerves were settled, and he was put at ease after speaking with his broker, who had previously dealt with this company and assured him he was dealing with some of the finest car salesmen. Finally, on June 3rd, 2024, Tompkins watched as the hauler carrying his car parked in front of him.
“I couldn’t believe my eyes when I first saw it. Now, here I am two months later with my dream car.”
Wide angle, above centered front view of Matt Tompkins 1998 Nissan Skyline GT-T with the hood open
Behind the Bumper and Between the Fenders.
The heart of this beast is just as impressive as its body. It features an RB25-DET NEO, a 2.5-liter inline-six engine. Inside the head is a Dual Overhead Camshaft (DOHC) setup, paired with an impressive 24-valve configuration. Stock, they produce around 275 horsepower, though Tompkins has achieved an impressive 330 horsepower to the rear wheels through his 5-speed manual transmission. This engine has a single turbocharger setup but gained extra power thanks to his HKS Power intake and Blitz intercooler; other than that, it’s fairly stock/OEM+. Like a true car enthusiast, Tompkins remained focused on premium sound output, not just power. This car has a Kakimoto Racing Titanium Exhaust with burnt tips.
Eye level view looking into the cabin of Matt Tompkins 1998 Nissan Skyline GT-T from driver side
The Bumpers and the Fenders.
This iconic car is finished in equally iconic paint: Nissan TV2 Bayside Blue. It features untinted windows and Fast & Furious 4-inspired wheels. The exceptional fitment includes Stern 18x9.5” +36mm rear wheels and 18x8.5” +30mm front wheels. This car is equipped with a subtle yet complementary URAS body kit. Inside, the interior has seen slight modifications as well. The 5-speed manual transmission is paired with a Nismo Short Stroke shifter, and the driver and passenger are secured in Recaro racing bucket seats. This is definitely a driver's car, enhanced by the aftermarket Kenwood navigation and sound system upgrade.
Lower angle view of the driver side exhaust tip of of Matt Tompkins 1998 Nissan Skyline GT-T from the center
Wrap it up
This car is tastefully modified, and in exceptional quality. I would go as far as to call this the finest example of a Nissan Skyline R34 northern Ohio has to offer. A title that will be hard to beat. This car is so clean, even dust is afraid to land on the dash!
