20th century
NISSAN MOTORSPORTS
1958-2000
70~
Taking on the challenge of overseas rallies.
On a safari
Active in Monte Carlo
The domestic racing world of the 170s was compared to the excitement of the 1960s.
The market has become somewhat sluggish. This was further exacerbated by the oil crisis caused by exhaust gas pollution, and the world fell into a mood of refraining from racing activities.
The 1970s began with a strategic plan, but it started in the Middle East at the end of 1973.
Participation in overseas rallies was emphasized as a works activity. 510 Bluebird SSS won the overall victory in the 8th year of the safari challenge. The Fairlady 240Z won the safari in the first year of the World Championship, and has consistently maintained top results ever since, moving on to the Bluebird 160J and 710/PA10 Violet.
In Japan, the Fuji GC system, which is dominated by private teams,
Races such as Leeds and Suzuka F2 Championship started.
After many twists and turns, they gradually become established.
Works drivers belonging to the manufacturer also
He was transferred to an event team and competed in big races.
Furthermore, GC and F2 races using pure racing cars are also available.
Although it was an undercard race for the race, the race for modified touring cars also gained popularity. Skyline GT-R (later Fairlady Z) competes with Mazda rotary cars
The "Super Touring" that I made, and the Sunny (in the early days Cherry too)/Toyota Starlet (initial Corolla)
Every race is amazing with Honda, Civic, etc.
``Minor Touring'' was a fierce battle. The Sunny 1200 Coupe (KB110), which became the main character of the latter, was originally a popular car, but with the birth of normal car (unmodified touring car) racing in Japan, it became popular with everyone at circuits throughout Japan. Loved. It is no exaggeration to say that without the KB110, the foundation for domestic racing could not have been built.
World racer at Fuji Speedway from 1970 to 1977
The F1GP match was held, and there was also a sense of excitement among the children.
``Car boom'' began, and cars gradually became popular.
Brightness has returned to the environment surrounding the world.
PIC CAPTIONS
A Datsun 240Z races through the snowy Monte Carlo Rally. Announced in the fall of 1969
The Fairlady Z appeared in various competitions as soon as the 1970s began. It is active not only in circuit races but also in international rallies. At the 1971 Monte Carlo Rally, it placed 5th overall despite being the first to race, and the following year, in 1972, this car of Aaltonen/Todt took 3rd place overall.
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The 510 Bluebird SSS (Hermann/Schuller) achieved an impressive victory in the 17th year of the Safari Rally, which is run over the rough roads of vast East Africa. Despite the poor conditions of rain on the first day of the competition, which turned into a quagmire, Bluebird finished in 1st, 2nd, 4th, and 7th place overall, achieving complete domination with overall victory, class victory, and team victory.
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The Skyline GT-R, which debuted at the JAF-GP in the spring of 1969, went on to win consecutive races, and in 1971, when the hardtop version (KPGC10) was introduced, its strength increased, giving no chance to the new Mazda Rotary team. Then, in March 1972, at Fuji in heavy rain, this No. 15, driven by Kunimitsu Takahashi, lapped the 2nd place and below and won an easy victory, giving the GT-R its 50th victory in total. This was an amazing record at the time.
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In the late 1970s, the hottest race in Japan was the "Minor Touring" race held as the undercard of the Fuji GC Series. 1.3'' engine cars tuned to the limit, Sunny, Starlet, and Civic all competed together. KB110 Sunny is a masterpiece car that will remain in Japanese racing history.
