Brian O'Conner Cars: The Complete Guide on Every Fast & Furious Vehicle
The late Paul Walker's character Brian O'conner is a much-loved member of the Fast & Furious cast. His passion for imported cars—especially Japanese imports—stands in sharp contrast to Dominic Toretto's (Vin Diesel) inclination for American muscle cars. Often lighthearted, this rivalry evolved into a running motif for the entire series.
Brian's choice of cars captures the changing patterns in the street racing and high-performance vehicle market. From the legendary 1994 Toyota Supra to the elegant 1999 Nissan Skyline Gt-r, every vehicle captures Brian's love of speed and his relentless loyalty to his team. Examining the relevance of every car in the Fast & Furious universe, let's review all of Brian's driven vehicles over the franchise.
1984 Toyota Supra Mark IV
The brilliant orange sports car Brian's first signature car, the 1994 Toyota Supra Mark IV, comes to represent his personality in the first The Fast and the Furious. Brian has particular affection for this car since he bought it from a junkyard and painstakingly rebuilt it with Dom's crew. It's evidence of his mechanical ability as well as his relentless will.
Several pivotal events in the movie center The Supra, including the dramatic heist gone wrong—where Brian and Mia use it to save Vince. This car marks Brian's change from undercover agent to a team member. Brian's last drag race against Dom, where he lets Dom go free with the car keys, also depends critically on the Supra. The car represents their fraternity and common love of freedom and speed.
Fun fact: Although the Supra looks to be a manual transmission in the movie, it was an automatic car with a fake shifter knob added for the scenario. This minute element gives the already exciting and action-packed scenes with the car a funny layer. Though it's not Brian's main vehicle in that film, the Supra also makes a cameo in 2 Fast 2 Furious.
1999 Nissan Skylife GT-R R34
The 1999 Nissan Skyline Gt-r R34 first appears in Brian's six-minute short film Turbo Charged Prelude, which serves as a link between The Fast and the Furious and 2 Fast 2 Furious. Brian's new ride is this teal-colored GT-R as he leaves Los Angeles in order to evade arrest. The car is evidence of Brian's flexibility and his capacity to flourish even in trying circumstances.
Brian personalizes the Skyline to suit him, so transforming it into a weapon to be reckoned with on Miami's streets. He uses it to make money and win races, so confirming his reputation as a competent driver. But when U.S. Customs officials hold Brian, the Skyline is regrettably impounded. This incident drives Brian to once more hunt for a new car.
Fast Five features The Skyline once more, but only fleetingly. Though it has little screen time, it reminds us of Brian's past and his path to be the driver he is in in the later movies.
2009 Subaru Impreza WRX STIGH
Dom assists Brian in locating a new ride in the 2009 Subaru Impreza Wrx Sti GH hatchback following his Skyline loss. This car stands for Dom and Brian's friendship going forward and their mutual support. It's also a subdued nod to the changing automotive scene since the Impreza WRX STI captures the early 2000s rising popularity of high-performance rally cars.
Brian tracks Arturo Braga, the drug lord behind Letty's death, using the Impreza. The car starts to be a necessary tool for Brian's trip to bring Braga justice. Sadly, the Impreza dies near the end of Fast & Furious when Brian crashes it while stopping Braga. This event emphasizes Brian's life's great stakes and the sacrifices he is ready to pay for justice and his team.
Dodge Charger SRT-8 2010
Known for his passion of imports, Brian deviates from his usual Fast Five schedule and drives a 2010 Dodge Charger Srt-8, a muscle car for the first time in the franchise. This vehicle is evidence of the team's changing needs and increasing complexity of their operations. In this specific instance, Brian requires a vehicle capable of handling the taxing chore of dragging a massive vault from a Brazilian police station.
In this bold heist Brian and Dom both drive a reinforced, matte black Charger SRT-8. Their plan can be effectively carried out and their escape with a large sum of money enabled by the car's commanding weight and raw power. For the team, this theft becomes a defining event; the Chargers represent their bravery and resiliency.
The Chargers are modified police vehicles, which lends still another level of mystery to the scene. It also underlines the team's eagerness to take chances and their contempt of authority in the name of their objectives. Dom's Charger is totaled in the last confrontation with the police, but Brian gets away with his car whole.
2012 Subaru Impreza STi Gh
Furious 7 features the 2012 Subaru Impreza Wrx Sti GH hatchback in a noteworthy fashion. Showcasing Brian's ongoing love of tuning and customizing his vehicles, this blue-painted Impreza is much altered for performance and style.
This specific Impreza is used in a high-octane sequence whereby Brian and the rest of the team parachute their cars out of the rear of a C-130 plane to save Ramsey from Mose Jakanda. The stunt scene is a visual feast highlighting the team's amazing abilities and bold nature of their missions. Brian is forced to abandon the sadly damaged Impreza during the rescue, but he uses the wrecked car as a launching point to get into the armored transport. It's evidence of Brian's inventiveness and unflinching dedication to finish his task.
1999 Nissan Skyline R34 (F9)
Although Brian does not show up specifically in F9, his influence is felt in the form of a blue 1999 Nissan Skyline GT-R R34. At the end of the movie, this nearly perfect replica of the car he drives in past movies is shown pulling into the Toretto home's driveway. The car serves as a potent reminder of Brian's legacy and his ongoing affiliation to the squad.
Including the Skyline GT-R in F9 was a smart approach to honor Brian's absence while yet preserving his memory. The film leaves it to the viewers to believe Brian is behind the wheel, so generating a mystery and excitement about his possible comeback in next movies. Although it is not explicitly stated that Brian is driving the car, the clear resemblance to his past cars, including the same color scheme, makes it safe to assume it is him.
Brian's Fast X Vehicles
Brian makes a noteworthy appearance in a flashback scene even though he drives no new cars in Fast X. According to this flashback, Brian participated actively in the team that pilfers the vault housing Dante Reyes' father's wealth in Fast Five. The flashback provides valuable insight into the origins of Dante's revenge plot, as well as a poignant reminder of Brian's integral role within the team.
The flashback also confirms that Brian and Mia are safe during the events of Fast X. Seeking cover from Dante's wrath, they have vanished. However, it remains unclear whether they will be able to stay safe for long, as Dante's revenge mission continues in Fast 11. While Brian doesn't drive a new car in this installment, his presence is a reminder of his legacy and his impact on the team.
The Significance of Brian O'Conner's Cars
Brian O'conner's cars are more than just vehicles; they are extensions of his personality, his values, and his journey within the Fast & Furious franchise. They represent his passion for speed, his commitment to his team, and his unwavering loyalty to family and friends. The evolution of his cars, from the iconic Supra to the sleek Skyline and the powerful Chargers, reflects the growth of his character and his evolving role within the franchise.
Brian's cars are a testament to his skills as a driver, a mechanic, and a loyal friend. They serve as a constant reminder of his presence and his enduring impact on the Fast & Furious universe, even in his absence. As the franchise continues, the memory of Brian and his iconic cars will continue to inspire audiences, reminding them of the power of family, friendship, and the thrill of the open road.
