If you’re a fan of the Fast and Furious franchise, you’ve probably asked yourself, what car does Brian drive in Fast and Furious? Brian O’Conner’s automotive journey in the Fast saga is defined by one legendary Japanese import from the very first film.
That car is the 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX. It’s the vehicle that introduced us to Brian as an undercover cop and a talented street racer.
This article will detail every major car Brian O’Conner piloted throughout the series. We’ll look at specs, movie moments, and why each car mattered to his character.
What Car Does Brian Drive In Fast And Furious
In the original 2001 film, “The Fast and the Furious,” Brian O’Conner drives a modified 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX. This isn’t just any car; it’s a turbocharged, all-wheel-drive sports coupe that became an instant icon.
Brian uses this car to infiltrate the Los Angeles street racing scene. His goal is to investigate a series of truck hijackings. The Eclipse is his ticket into Dominic Toretto’s world.
The car’s green and gray two-tone paint job is unforgettable. It featured a large rear spoiler, aftermarket wheels, and a distinctive body kit. Under the hood, it had significant performance upgrades.
Here are the key modifications Brian’s Eclipse was known for in the film:
- Turbocharger upgrade (a “T66” is mentioned, though this is cinematic exaggeration)
- All-wheel-drive system from the GSX model
- Nitrous oxide injection system (NOS)
- Custom exhaust and intake
- Lowered suspension and performance tires
The Eclipse’s most famous scene is its race against Dominic Toretto’s Dodge Charger R/T. While Brian ultimately loses the race after crashing, the car cemented its place in pop culture history. It represented the import tuner culture that the film helped popularize worldwide.
The Iconic 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX Specs
Let’s break down what made this car special, both in reality and in the movie’s lore.
A real 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX came from the factory with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine. It produced around 210 horsepower. The all-wheel-drive system provided excellent traction, making it a fierce competitor off the line.
For the film, the production team used a combination of real GSX models and front-wheel-drive RS models modified to look the part. Several cars were built for different shots, including one for stunts and one for close-ups.
Brian’s character famously lists the car’s supposed specs to Vince. He claims it has a “T66 turbo, with NOS, and a Motec system exhaust.” In reality, a T66 turbo is enormous and not typical for a 4-cylinder engine of that era—it’s movie magic. The “Motec system” is likely a reference to MoTeC, a brand of advanced engine management systems used in real racing.
Why The Eclipse Was The Perfect Choice
The filmmakers chose the Eclipse for several smart reasons. It was affordable, modifiable, and a staple of the emerging import scene in the late 90s and early 2000s. It visually contrasted perfectly with Dom’s classic American muscle car.
This contrast highlighted the film’s central theme: the rivalry and eventual respect between different car cultures. Brian’s high-tech, nimble import versus Dom’s raw, powerful V8 muscle created a perfect visual metaphor.
Brian O’Conner’s Car Evolution Through The Fast Saga
Brian’s taste in cars evolves as his character changes from a cop to an outlaw to a family man. His vehicles reflect his shifting priorities and resources.
2 Fast 2 Furious: The Nissan Skyline GT-R R34
In the second film, Brian, now an ex-cop, drives a legendary Nissan Skyline GT-R R34. This silver-blue beast is one of the most celebrated cars in the entire franchise.
He and Roman Pearce use it to take down a drug lord in Miami. The car is modified with a distinctive wide-body kit, a large rear wing, and an upgraded engine. It’s a major step up from the Eclipse, showing Brian’s increased skill and connections in the racing world.
The R34 GT-R is a Japanese supercar, nicknamed “Godzilla” for its dominant performance. Its real-world specs include a 2.6-liter twin-turbo inline-6 engine and an advanced all-wheel-drive system. The film car featured a stunning paint job and underglow lights, making it a visual standout.
Fast & Furious (2004): The Nissan Skyline GT-R R35 And Subaru Impreza WRX STI
In the fourth film, Brian, now an FBI agent, drives two notable cars. The first is a state-of-the-art 2009 Nissan GT-R R35. This was the latest generation of the Skyline lineage, though it dropped the “Skyline” name.
He uses this car in a high-stakes race through the Dominican Republic. Later in the film, while working undercover in Los Angeles, he drives a more subdued 2008 Subaru Impreza WRX STI. This all-wheel-drive rally-bred car was practical and fast, fitting for an agent trying to blend in while still needing performance.
Fast Five: The Nissan GT-R R35 And Others
In the heist-filled fifth installment, Brian’s primary ride is again a Nissan GT-R R35. This time, it’s used in the film’s climactic train heist sequence. The car is shown to be incredibly durable and capable.
As the crew’s operations grow, Brian also drives various other vehicles during missions, including police cruisers and local cars in Rio de Janeiro. The GT-R remains his personal, signature performance vehicle during this era.
Fast & Furious 6 and Furious 7: The Family Man Shift
By the sixth and seventh films, Brian’s life is changing. He’s with Mia, and they are starting a family. His car choices begin to reflect this new responsibility.
In “Furious 7,” his daily driver is a practical yet sporty 2014 Subaru WRX STI hatchback. It’s a family-friendly vehicle that still has the performance he loves. This choice subtly shows his character’s maturity—he’s no longer just a lone racer.
However, for the film’s epic finale, he gets behind the wheel of a hypercar: a Lykan Hypersport. This multi-million dollar car was used in the film’s daring skyscraper jump sequence in Abu Dhabi. It represents the extreme, almost unbelievable level the franchise had reached.
The Real-World Impact Of Brian’s Cars
The cars driven by Brian O’Conner didn’t just stay on screen. They had a massive impact on global car culture, sales, and the aftermarket tuning industry.
After the first film debuted, demand for the Mitsubishi Eclipse skyrocketed. The Nissan Skyline GT-R, which was not officially sold in the United States at the time, became a legend that enthusiasts desperately wanted to import.
Here are some of the direct effects the films had:
- Increased sales and visibility for Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Subaru performance models.
- A surge in popularity for import tuning, with kids wanting body kits, spoilers, and NOS kits like in the movies.
- The creation of a whole new generation of car enthusiasts who grew up with these films.
- Higher values for well-kept examples of the specific models featured, especially the Eclipse GSX and R34 Skyline.
Car meets and tuning shows around the world are still filled with tributes to Brian’s iconic rides. The films essentially provided a blueprint for a certain style of modification in the early 2000s.
Building Your Own Tribute Car
If you’re inspired by Brian’s cars, you might consider building a tribute. The most accessable project is likely a Mitsubishi Eclipse from the 1995-1999 generation (known as the second generation).
Here is a basic step-by-step guide to get you started on an Eclipse GSX tribute:
- Find a donor car. Look for a 1995-1999 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS Turbo or GSX. The GSX with all-wheel-drive is more authentic but rarer.
- Source the visual parts. You’ll need the specific green and gray paint (or a wrap), a replica of the body kit from the movie, and the correct style of wheels.
- Consider performance mods. A reliable turbo upgrade, a quality exhaust, and a suspension kit will get you closer to the film car’s spirit. A NOS system is an option but requires expert installation and caution.
- Focus on handling. Upgrade the brakes, tires, and suspension components. This makes the car fun and safe to drive, not just look the part.
- Add interior details. Small touches like a boost gauge or a similar steering wheel can complete the look.
Remember, building a movie car is often more about appearance than creating an exact mechanical replica. The “T66 turbo” is a film fantasy, so focus on a build that is reliable and enjoyable for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Brian O’Conner’s cars.
What Was Brian’s First Car In Fast And Furious?
Brian’s first car in the franchise is the 1995 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX he uses to infiltrate Dom’s crew in the first film. It is his primary vehicle throughout that movie.
What Kind Of Skyline Did Brian Drive?
In “2 Fast 2 Furious,” Brian drove a modified Nissan Skyline GT-R R34. In later films (“Fast & Furious” and “Fast Five”), he drove the newer Nissan GT-R R35, which is the successor to the Skyline GT-R line.
Did Paul Walker Own The Cars He Drove In The Movies?
Paul Walker, the actor who played Brian, was a genuine car enthusiast. He owned a personal collection of vehicles, but he did not typically own the specific hero cars used for filming. The production company sourced and modified the vehicles for the movies. However, his personal passion for cars certainly informed his performance.
What Was Brian’s Last Car In The Fast Saga?
In terms of the character’s narrative, his last significant drive is the Lykan Hypersport in “Furious 7.” For his daily life, the Subaru WRX STI hatchback represented his final, settled-down choice. The films later retired the Brian O’Conner character out of respect for actor Paul Walker, so he did not recieve any new cars in subsequent sequels.
How Many Eclipses Were Used In The First Movie?
Multiple Mitsubishi Eclipses were used during filming of the original movie. Reports suggest at least six to eight cars were built for different purposes: close-up shots, stunts, drifting, and the final crash scene. Using multiple copies is standard practice in major film productions to keep shooting on schedule.
Brian O’Conner’s journey from a rookie undercover cop in a tuned Eclipse to a master driver in hypercars mirrors the growth of the Fast and Furious franchise itself. His cars are more than just props; they are extensions of his character. Each vehicle tells a part of his story, marking his progress, his loyalties, and his changing life.
So, when you ask “what car does Brian drive in Fast and Furious,” the true answer is: he drove many, but the one that started it all—the green and gray Mitsubishi Eclipse—will always be the most iconic. It’s the car that kicked off a global phenomenon and left tire marks on the heart of a generation of fans.