Visitors to Monterey Car Week will have the opportunity to see one of the motorsport legends of the 1980s up close. It is the Nissan GTP ZX-Turbo, a futuristic project from the Japanese brand that participated in the International Motorsports Association (IMSA) GT Series from 1985 to 1990. A car that fully embodied the brand’s desire to innovate and push research and performance beyond the limits.
Nissan’s project
Originally built by Lola Cars in the UK and developed by Electramotive Engineering in California, the GTP ZX-Turbo became a powerful symbol of Nissan’s dedication to motorsports excellence. “We were constantly trying to push the limits, particularly by improving the aerodynamics of the car”said Chris Willes, who joined Electramotive Engineering in 1986. From the beginning, the project was recognized as a turning point for Nissan. In a fitting tribute to its legendary legacy, the GTP ZX-Turbo will make a special off-track appearance at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion during Monterey Car Week, August 14-17, 2024. The occasion comes 35 years after its victory in the IMSA Constructor’s Championship and coincides with a number of significant anniversaries for the Nissan Z: 2024 marks the 55th anniversary of the sports car’s debut as the Datsun 240 in 1969; the 35th anniversary of the Nissan 300ZX (Z32) in 1989; and the 15th anniversary of the Nissan 370Z in 2009. A Nissan Z Heritage Edition will also be on display.
The victories
The GTP ZX-Turbo quickly made its mark on the racing world, particularly during the 1988 season, when drivers Geoff Brabham and John Morton drove it to victory, defeating competitors such as Porsche and Jaguar. Their first major win of the season at the Atlanta Journal Constitution Grand Prix was quickly followed by another triumph at West Palm Beach. Another turning point for the GTP ZX-Turbo was the switch to Goodyear tires, which allowed this Nissan model to unleash its full potential. Under the guidance of Electramotive founder Don Devendorf, the team refined the car’s aerodynamic design, chassis design and engine electronics, which were key factors in its success. These innovations helped the GTP ZX-Turbo clinch the IMSA manufacturers’ championship in 1989, a title it successfully defended in 1990, cementing Nissan’s status in motorsports. Nearly 40 years after its debut, the GTP ZX-Turbo remains an icon of racing excellence. Original chassis No. 8801 is currently undergoing a meticulous restoration at Z Car Garage in San Jose, ensuring the vehicle is preserved for future generations. In recognition of its impact, IMSA announced earlier this year that Brabham and the GTP ZX-Turbo will be inducted into the 2024 IMSA Hall of Fame in October.
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