Nissan R390 GT1(diecast 1:18, AUTOart Signature)
- Nissan R390 GT1 (from 1997)
- AUTOart Signature
- 1:18
- Showcase model / No engine
- diecast
- Black and red 1997
- 118
- Perfect mint condition
- Original packaging exists
- Not for sale
1/18 Nissan R390 GT1 Model Car: Prototype, Generation, and Development
The collectible piece shown here from Modelly member “Efrn” is based on the Nissan R390 GT1, a GT1 prototype built for endurance racing in the late 1990s. The model is usually classified as the first and only generation, produced in 1997–1998. Nissan developed the car as its factory entry for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. As a predecessor in the broader motorsport sense, you could point to the Nissan Skyline GT-R LM, which represented Nissan’s earlier GT racing efforts, although it used a different technical concept. For the Nissan R390 GT1, Nissan worked with TWR; key names often mentioned are Tony Southgate for the design and technical direction, and Ian Callum for the styling. The race car used a carbon monocoque, pushrod suspension, and a mid-mounted 3.5-liter V8 twin-turbo engine known as the VRH35L. Output is usually quoted at around 550 to more than 600 horsepower depending on the tune, paired with a sequential 6-speed gearbox. For Le Mans, the big priorities were aerodynamics, high-speed stability, and durability.
AUTOart Signature 1/18 Diecast: Looking at the Miniature of the Le Mans Nissan
This model car is a 1/18 scale AUTOart Signature release. One of the photos shows the certificate, which confirms the version as “Nissan R390 GT1 #22 Le Mans 1997”; there’s also a serial number visible. You can also see the red display base with the label “Nissan R390 GT1 #22 LeMans 1997”. For collectors, it’s worth noting that this miniature is made as a diecast model, meaning it’s cast metal. You can’t tell that just by looking at the photos, but that’s part of this version’s specs. The pictures show the model from the front and from the side, plus the certificate and base. That makes it easy to read the shape: low nose, wide fenders, long rear section, and a big rear wing, just like the Nissan R390 GT1 from Le Mans. Details like the antenna, mirrors, air intakes, and the typical cockpit shape are also nicely captured.
Le Mans 1997 and 1998: Motorsport Results of the Nissan R390 GT1
The Nissan R390 GT1 was mainly built for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. On its debut in 1997, Nissan entered several cars. The car shown on this model, with race number 22, was driven by Erik van de Poele, Ralf Kelleners, and Masahiko Kageyama; on the model’s certificate you can see a slightly different written version of the names or an internal model assignment, but the number 22 and the Le Mans connection are clearly shown. In 1997, the program was full of teething problems and learning, especially because of the heavy strain of a 24-hour race and the tough GT1 competition. Even though the car had speed, Nissan didn’t immediately get to fight for the win. Still, the run was important for collecting data on aerodynamics, durability, and tire wear.
Racing History, Drivers, and Technical Importance of the R390 GT1
In 1998, the Nissan R390 GT1 showed a much stronger overall result. That year, several cars finished the race, including a third-place overall finish, which became the project’s best-known result. Drivers closely linked to the program included Martin Brundle, Thierry Boutsen, Jan Lammers, Erik Comas, Aguri Suzuki, and Ralf Kelleners. The motorsport importance of the Nissan R390 GT1 is less about a long list of trophies and more about its role as a technically ambitious Le Mans race car from a transitional era. The GT1 rules allowed cars that became more and more like prototypes. That’s exactly what the Nissan R390 GT1 is a good example of: a closed carbon structure, compact turbo V8 power, efficient airflow, and a body designed for low drag and downforce. For collectors, that matters because the car’s shape is heavily defined by its purpose, and many visible details—vent openings, rear wing, long overhangs, and wide track—come directly from the regulations and the car’s mission.
Livery, Sponsors, and Visible Details of the 1/18 Model Car
The model’s paint job matches the well-known Le Mans look with a clear black-and-red two-tone scheme. The front view shows a black base with a red hood and red roof area. The hood carries the large UNISIA JECS and ZEXEL logos, while the windshield has NISSAN. On the sides, the big white UNISIA JECS and ZEXEL branding stands out against the black background, along with the number 22 in white panels and the Japanese flag. Other visible sponsors and brands include Bridgestone, Calsonic XANAVI, Idemitsu, Tamiya, NGK, Ichikoh, and nismo. The rear wing carries NISSAN on the sides and across the wing surface. The wheels are silver, with blue accents in the center sections. The front end shows the characteristic headlight units and round auxiliary lights in the lower area. From the side, you can really see the low roofline with the long glazing, plus the airflow management in front of and behind the rear wheels. This 1/18 model car by AUTOart Signature looks well proportioned in the photos; the original’s shape comes through nicely thanks to the low stance, sharp color separation, fine decals, and cleanly represented racing hardware. For collectors of Le Mans models, Nissan race cars, and GT1 machines, the combination of a documented race number, a visible certificate, and the striking 1997 racing livery makes this a pretty interesting package.
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