Rarest Japanese Sports Cars Now Legal to Import: 25-Year Rule Winners

The U.S. 25-year import rule has unlocked access to some of Japan’s most exclusive sports cars, with 1999–2000 models now eligible for tariff-free, compliance-exempt importation. These limited-production JDM legends combine rarity, performance, and soaring collector demand—making them blue-chip automotive investments.

For a breakdown of the 25-year rule’s impact, see JDM Classic Car Exports: Leveraging the US 25-Year Rule.

1. 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R R34 Nismo Z-Tune

Key Specs

• Engine: 2.8L RB28DETT twin-turbo inline-6 (500+ hp)

• Features: Carbon-fiber body panels, hand-built by Nismo

• Auction Record: $1.1 million (Bring a Trailer, March 2025)

Market Insight:
Only 19 Z-Tunes were built from donor R34s with under 18,641 miles. Values have risen 200% since 2020.

Why Rare:
Nismo’s final R34 variant represents the pinnacle of Japanese tuner engineering.

2. 2000 Mazda RX-7 FD3S Spirit R

Key Specs

• Engine: 1.3L twin-rotor 13B-REW (276 hp)

• Features: Brembo brakes, Recaro seats, 6-speed manual

• Current Value: $120,000–$180,000

Auction Trend:
Prices doubled in 2025 after U.S. eligibility, with a 1999 prototype selling for $210,000 at USS Tokyo.

Why Rare:
Final RX-7 variant with only 15% of production surviving in stock condition.

3. 2000 Honda NSX Type S 

Key Specs

• Engine: 3.0L C30A V6 (276 hp)

• Features: Fixed-headlight design, lightweight body

• Market Value: $350,000–$450,000

Appreciation:
Up 40% since 2023, per Honda Heritage Center archives.

Why Rare:
Developed for NSX race homologation, with most examples retained in Japan until 2025.

4. 1999 Toyota Supra GT500 Limited Edition

Key Specs

• Engine: 3.0L 2JZ-GTE twin-turbo inline-6 (320 hp)

• Features: Track-focused suspension, stripped interior

• Recent Sale: $425,000 (RM Sotheby’s, May 2025)

Why Rare:
Built to homologate Supra for Super GT racing—only 3 confirmed U.S. imports.

5. 2000 Subaru Impreza WRX STI Version 6 Type RA

Key Specs

• Engine: EJ207 2.0L turbocharged flat-4 (280 hp)

• Features: Close-ratio 5-speed, DCCD AWD

• Current Value: $75,000–$95,000

Market Insight:
Only 22% of production remains unmodified, per Subaru’s STI Heritage Foundation.

Why Rare:
Final GC8 chassis STI before switch to GD platform.

6. 1999 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI Tommi Mäkinen Edition

Key Specs

• Engine: 4G63 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 (280 hp)

• Features: AYC system, quicker turbo spool

• Auction Average: $85,000 (Classic.com, 2025)

Why Rare:
Named after 4x WRC champion; only 1,200 exported globally pre-2025.

7. 2000 Nissan Silvia S15 Spec-R Autech Version

Key Specs

• Engine: SR20DET 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 (247 hp)

• Features: Autech-tuned suspension, exclusive interior

• Market Value: $65,000–$85,000

Why Rare:
Autech’s factory-tuned variant with production capped due to 2000s emissions regulations.

8. 1999 Toyota Celica GT-Four WRC Limited

Key Specs

• Engine: 3S-GTE 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 (252 hp)

• Features: Rally-spec differentials, reinforced chassis

• Recent Sale: $48,500 (Bring a Trailer, April 2025)

Why Rare:
Final ST205 Celica variant before Toyota withdrew from WRC.

Market Impact of 25-Year Eligibility

Value Appreciation Post-Import

Auction Participation

• 78% of 2025 Z-Tune bids came from U.S. collectors

• Japanese auctions saw 40% price premiums for U.S.-bound cars

How West Coast Shipping Facilitates Rare Car Imports

Secure Transport for Low-Production Models

• Enclosed Container Service: Protects rare finishes/carbon fiber

• Climate Control: Prevents rubber/seal degradation

• Customs Expertise: Handles limited-edition documentation

Explore Our Classic Car Shipping Services

Conclusion

The 25-year rule has transformed once-forbidden JDM legends into accessible collectibles. With production numbers under 2,500 units and verified auction appreciation exceeding 100% for top models, these rare Japanese sports cars represent both passion investments and historical artifacts.

Ready to Import Your JDM Legend?

Contact West Coast Shipping for expert logistics tailored to rare vehicle transport.

For more on JDM market trends, visit Top Japanese Sports Cars Eligible for Import in 2025.