The GTP ZX-Turbo helped establish Nissan’s reputation as a motorsports innovator

During the 1980s, amid a wave of technological advancements, one vehicle emerged as a standout in the racing world: the Nissan GTP ZX-Turbo. Competing in the International Motorsports Association (IMSA) GT Series from 1985 to 1990, this car embodied Nissan’s determination to outpace the competition.

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During the 1980s, amid a wave of technological advancements, one vehicle emerged as a standout in the racing world: the Nissan GTP ZX-Turbo. Competing in the International Motorsports Association (IMSA) GT Series from 1985 to 1990, this car embodied Nissan’s determination to outpace the competition. 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 excellence in motorsports. (Photo: Business Wire)

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 excellence in motorsports.

“We were constantly pushing the limits, especially enhancing the car’s aerodynamics,” said Chris Willes, who joined Electramotive Engineering in 1986. From the outset, the project was recognized as a game-changer for Nissan.

In a fitting tribute to its storied legacy, the GTP ZX-Turbo will make a special appearance off the track at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion during Monterey Car Week from August 14 to 17, 2024. The occasion arrives 35 years after its win at the IMSA Constructor’s Championship, and coincides with a number of notable anniversaries for the Nissan Z: 2024 marks the 55^th anniversary of the sports car debuting as the Datsun 240Z in 1969; the 35^th anniversary of the Nissan 300ZX (Z32) in 1989; and the 15^th anniversary of the Nissan 370Z in 2009. Fittingly, a Nissan Z Heritage Edition will also be on display.

Dominance on the track

The GTP ZX-Turbo quickly made its mark on the racing world, particularly during the 1988 season, when legendary drivers Geoff Brabham and John Morton drove it to victory, defeating formidable competitors like 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. Despite early challenges in previous years with tire performance, a switch to Goodyear tires at the beginning of the season allowed the GTP ZX-Turbo to fully unleash its immense power.

“It was unbelievable. We won at Atlanta, then at West Palm Beach,” said Ashley Page, the team crew chief who joined the project in 1984. “I knew from the start that this project was going to be something special.”

Under the leadership of Electramotive founder Don Devendorf, the team refined the car’s aerodynamic design, chassis design and engine electronics -- key factors in its success. These innovations helped the GTP ZX-Turbo secure the IMSA Constructor’s Championship in 1989, a title it successfully defended in 1990, cementing Nissan’s status as a force to be reckoned with in motorsports.

Willes wrote about the successes of the GTP ZX-Turbo project in his book, “Developing a Champion: The Electramotive Nissan GTP Story.”

A lasting legacy and a triumphant return

Nearly 40 years after its debut, the GTP ZX-Turbo remains a celebrated icon of racing excellence. The original chassis #8801 is currently being meticulously restored at Z Car Garage in San Jose, ensuring that the legendary 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.

The rare opportunity to witness the GTP ZX-Turbo up close at Monterey Car Week in August is a celebration of Nissan’s enduring commitment to innovation and excellence in motorsports, reminding the world of the brand’s rich racing heritage.

“Our journey with the GTP ZX wasn’t just about building a race car. It was about pushing the limits of what was possible, both on and off the track,” said Willes.

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