Dealership Claims Man Traded Rare R34 Skyline GT-R for Nissan Leaf, Sparking Viral Debate

1. Autos
2. People and culture

An Australian Nissan dealership briefly stunned automotive enthusiasts after claiming a customer traded one of the world’s most desirable Japanese performance cars for a basic electric hatchback.

According to a social media post shared by Eagers Nissan, a man identified as Barry allegedly traded an ultra-rare R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R V Spec II for a Nissan Leaf electric vehicle in 2022. The post included an image showing Barry standing with his new Leaf, while the iconic Skyline appeared parked behind him inside the showroom.

The claim immediately raised eyebrows. The R34 Skyline GT-R, particularly the V Spec II, is widely regarded as one of the most significant sports cars ever produced and commands substantial value on the global collector market. By contrast, the Nissan Leaf is designed as an affordable, efficiency-focused electric vehicle with no performance pretensions.

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The dealership suggested the motivation behind the trade was rising fuel costs, stating that Barry could no longer afford gasoline for the Skyline and opted to switch to an electric vehicle. The post further claimed the exchange was a straight swap, adding to the disbelief among enthusiasts.

Finished in Wangan Blue, the R34 shown in the image appeared to be a highly desirable example. The story quickly spread across Facebook, generating heated discussion and skepticism. Many questioned the legitimacy of the trade, pointing out the massive gap in market value between the two vehicles. Others speculated the situation was staged as a publicity stunt designed to draw attention to the dealership.

Those suspicions proved accurate. It was later revealed that the Skyline did not belong to a private individual but to Street FX Motorsport. The supposed trade was staged as a joke, with the owners of the vehicle acknowledging the gag and playing along publicly. The R34 was temporarily displayed in the showroom, where it may have been the most valuable vehicle on the floor.

Market data underscores why the story gained so much traction. Sales records show R34 Skylines routinely sell for significant sums, with average prices exceeding $180,000. Even the lowest recorded sales are well above typical Leaf values, while rare variants have reached prices approaching $700,000.

Although the trade never actually occurred, the stunt succeeded in capturing widespread attention. The episode highlights both the enduring cultural status of the R34 Skyline GT-R and the power of viral automotive storytelling in the social media age.

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