The “Fast and Furious” franchise roared onto the scene with its high-octane action and iconic cars. “2 Fast 2 Furious,” the second installment, further cemented the series’ love for speed and style. But what happened to the legendary vehicles that graced the screen in this blockbuster? This article delves into the history of some of the most memorable 2 Fast 2 Furious Cars.
From Personal Rides to Hollywood Stars
Craig Lieberman, technical advisor for the first two films, owned three of the hero cars featured in “2 Fast 2 Furious” before filming even began: Brian’s orange 1994 Toyota Supra, Vince’s blue 1999 Nissan Maxima SE, and Brian’s silver 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R. Universal Studios rented these vehicles, modifying them with graphics, body kits, and wheels to fit the film’s aesthetic. Replicas were also built for stunts and backup purposes. After production wrapped, the cars were returned to Lieberman.
The Journey of Brian’s Skyline GT-R
The Skyline GT-R, originally black, was purchased by Lieberman for $78,000 and repainted a custom candy blue. He believed a black car wouldn’t garner as much attention in magazines, a crucial marketing tool in the pre-social media era. The blue Skyline, nicknamed “the Blackbird,” attracted magazine features and even landed a role in “2 Fast 2 Furious.” However, Universal Studios decided to repaint it House of Kolor Platinum Pearl (silver) for the film.
Beyond the color change, the car received significant performance upgrades, including a triple nitrous setup, a custom intercooler spray bar, and enhanced turbos. West Coast Customs outfitted the interior with three TV screens and a custom audio/video system. This heavily modified R34 was a showstopper at car shows, a rare sight in the early 2000s.
After filming, Lieberman restored the Skyline to its blue hue and made further modifications. However, a lucrative offer led him to sell the car. It has since changed hands multiple times and been repainted black. It currently resides on the East Coast of the USA in private ownership.
No Regrets: A Look Back
Lieberman has stated he has no regrets about selling these iconic cars. At the time, the “Fast and Furious” films weren’t highly regarded in the car community. The cars’ modifications were seen as stereotypical and often drew negative attention.
His decision to sell was based on several factors: personal aesthetic preferences, the perceived lack of future value, the desire to avoid the financial burden and responsibility of maintaining movie cars, and a preference for investing in life experiences over material possessions. He acknowledges the cars’ increased value due to the franchise’s success and Paul Walker’s tragic passing, but stands by his decision.
The Legacy Continues
While the original 2 Fast 2 Furious cars may be scattered across the globe, their on-screen presence continues to inspire car enthusiasts. Their story serves as a reminder of the ever-evolving nature of car culture and the enduring legacy of the “Fast and Furious” franchise.
