Celebrating the Cars of ‘Fast & Furious’

In the early 2000s, a film titled "The Fast and the Furious" burst onto the big screen, igniting a global fascination with the world of underground street racing and showcasing a plethora of iconic cars that would forever be etched in automotive history.

The Nissan Skyline GTR R34, Toyota Supra, and Mazda RX-7 became more than just vehicles; they became symbols of speed, style, and the unbreakable bond between a driver and their machine. This tribute article takes us back to the origins of this automotive phenomenon and celebrates the legacy of these three legendary cars.

1. Nissan Skyline GTR R34

The Nissan Skyline R34 stole the hearts of enthusiasts with its bold design and remarkable performance. Equipped with a 2.6-litre twin-turbo inline-six engine and an advanced all-wheel-drive system, the GTR became a force to be reckoned with on both the street and the track. Its cameo appearance at the beginning of "2Fast2Furious" marked its global debut, and its role in the film solidified its status as an automotive icon. The distinct sound of its RB26 engine and its unforgettable silver and blue paint job became synonymous with the movie franchise.

However, along with that popularity comes a significant hurdle for potential buyers – the exorbitant price and rarity. These monsters fetch prices exceeding £150,000 in used condition, a figure that has become out of reach for the majority, particularly for a car that's over two decades old.

So, what is a cheaper alternative?

Well, in comes the R33. The Skyline GTR R33, often overshadowed by its more glamorous sibling, is like Ewan McGregor's older brother in the navy—an underappreciated gem that just happens to be less famous. While opinions about cars can be as diverse as their enthusiasts, there's a distinct charm to the R33 that often goes unnoticed.

In contrast to the R34's sleek lines and aggressive aura, the R33 boasts a more rounded, blockier styling. Some criticize its slightly slower responsiveness and slightly less agile handling, dubbing it the 'black sheep' of the Skyline family. But it’s important to remember, the standard is so high for the Skyline, that when enthusiasts say it’s the “worst version”, even then it’s still an incredible car!

Discover the latest Skyline listings available for sale on our Vehicle Finder and book a Virtual Viewing to get a real time look at the auction lots you are interested in.

2. Toyota Supra

The Toyota Supra Mk4, became an instant sensation for car enthusiasts. Its aggressive design, later coupled with the legendary 2JZ-GTE turbocharged engine, made it a performance powerhouse. Under the hood, you've got the heart of a beast. The 2JZ-GTE is a masterpiece of engineering. It's like having a rocket strapped to your backside. The power delivery is as smooth as a hot knife through butter, and when that twin-turbo spools up, you're launched into another dimension.

The design extends to the interior, too. When you look at the driver’s side, it was designed with the driver in mind. It’s less of a driver’s seat and more of a cockpit. Every single knob, dial, button and even the radio is oriented towards the driver.

The Fast and the Furious showcased the Supra's potential as a quarter-mile king, captivating audiences as it raced down the streets of Los Angeles. The Supra's role in the film not only boosted its popularity but also reignited interest in the entire Supra lineup. Its partnership with the Fast and Furious franchise further solidified its status as a symbol of friendship and speed.

This model, while nowhere near the same level as the R34 Skyline, suffered the same fate, in that it became incredibly expensive and rare. You’ll find one in good condition going for around £25,000-£40,000. It’s not £150,000, but for a car that’s likely to be around 30 years old, it’s going to be a tough pill to swallow. Luckily though, they are a little easier to find, and we see more of them go through our auction than the Skyline.

So, what is a cheaper alternative?

Look no further than the Nissan 350Z.

It’s not a Toyota, but it has similar aggressive looks, and a serious sports pedigree. One of these you can pick up for a lot cheaper, and they are still a ton of fun! It’s not as fast, but the growly 3 litre V6 engine is certainly no slouch, and they are a lot more common than the Supra.

Explore the latest Toyota listings available for auction on our Vehicle Finder and get a the Vehicle Data Report to make sure you have all the information you need to bid with peace of mind.

Otherwise, take a look at any Nissan 350Z’s up for auction on our Vehicle Finder.

3. Mazda RX7

The Mazda RX7, with its sleek lines and distinctive rotary engine, brought a unique flavour to the world of Japanese sports cars. Its role as Dom Toretto’s whip truly gave it star status, thrusting it to the forefront of enthusiast’s minds. It very quickly became a poster car on the walls of many young boys and girls dreaming of owning one.

It's sleeker and sexier than a supermodel on roller skates. Those pop-up headlights, that Ferarri-esque styling, it's like the RX7 was sculpted by the gods of aerodynamics themselves. It's a car that turns heads faster than a Formula 1 pit crew during a tire change.

And the engine, well, it's a rotary engine, and that means it's a bit of an acquired taste. It sounds like a swarm of angry bees, and we absolutely love it. It's the sort of noise that makes your neighbours hate you and your passengers wonder if they've mistakenly climbed aboard a spaceship.

That brings us onto the unique piece of engineering known as the rotary engine. Rotary engines are known for being a bit temperamental. And fuel efficiency? Well, let's just say it's not the RX7's strong suit. But who cares about fuel when you have a car that's this much fun?

Sadly, there aren’t many of them around anymore, but if you do want one, a clean example of one is going to set you back between £25,000-£40,000.

So, what is a cheaper alternative?

If you have the patience for the Rotary engine, the Mazda RX8 is for you. It’s a faster, but less reliable car, that never hit the high expectations of enthusiasts, so they’re actually fairly common, and fairly cheap. But, If pop-up headlights float your boat and you want something with some chops that won’t be really difficult to keep running, you don’t have to look further than the unsung hero of Japanese motor racing, the Mitsubishi 3000GT.

This one gained a bit of popularity in the noughties thanks to the motorsports video game Gran Turismo, known as the Mitsubishi GTO, but since then it never reached the heady heights of fame like the RX7, Skyline and Supra, despite being a serious rival. The 3000GT had a few different generations over the 10 years of production, but they all had a 3.0 litre V6 engine, and during the early to mid-nineties actually outsold the Supra and the RX7.

They are fairly rare, and it’s going to be a 30-year-old car, but with some love and tender care, you should be able to keep one looking and running sweet.

Browse our inventory for the latest Mazda and Mitsubishi models available for auction.

So, The Fast and the Furious franchise not only kickstarted a cultural phenomenon but also immortalized three of the most iconic cars in automotive history. The Nissan Skyline GTR R34, Toyota Supra, and Mazda RX7 became more than cinematic props; they became symbols of passion, speed, and a universal love for cars. Their roles in the film introduced these cars to audiences worldwide, sparking a newfound appreciation for Japanese automotive engineering and customisation.

Remember, before you bid on a vehicle in our auction, it’s important to carry out your Pre-Auction Checks. Another thing to check out is BreakerBid4U for any parts you might need to upgrade your vehicle.