Nissan R390 GT1(1:18, GT Spirit)
- Nissan R390 GT1 (from 1998)
- GT Spirit
- 1:18
- Showcase model / No engine
- resin
- racing / multicolored
- Perfect mint condition
- Original packaging exists
- Not for sale
Limited #270 of 1.000
Nissan R390 GT1 as a 1/18 scale model car by GT Spirit
This collectible shown here from Modelly member “Efrn” is a Nissan R390 GT1, a GT1 racing car from the late 1990s. The series is generally classified as the first generation, and it was built from 1997 onward. As a direct predecessor in Nissan’s endurance racing history, the Nissan R391 is usually not the closest match, since it came later; a more relevant technical and racing background is Nissan’s Group C and prototype heritage, especially the Nissan R90CK and other earlier factory race cars from the brand. The Nissan R390 GT1 was developed together by Nissan Motorsport and TWR. The names most often associated with it include Tony Southgate for the engineering side and Ian Callum for the design environment at TWR. The model shown here is a model car in 1/18 scale, made by GT Spirit. For collectors, the important thing is that this miniature is made of resin, a synthetic material often used for closed high-end models to reproduce body shapes and lines very accurately.Advertisement
Technology and the origins of the original Nissan R390 GT1
The Nissan R390 GT1 was created for the GT1 category, where in the 1990s road-going versions and race cars with a fairly close technical relationship existed side by side. The chassis was a carbon-fiber monocoque, which provided high stiffness with low weight. The Nissan R390 GT1 was powered by a 3.5-liter V8 twin-turbo engine called the VRH35L. Depending on setup and regulations, output was in the range of around 550 to over 600 horsepower. Power went through a sequential 6-speed gearbox. Other defining features were the flat front end, the very low nose, side air intakes, a long tail, and a large rear wing to generate downforce on high-speed tracks like Le Mans. Aerodynamics were a huge deal, because the Nissan R390 GT1 had to be built for long straights and high top speed as well as stability in fast corners. In this context, the TWR background in sports car racing also mattered a lot. There was also a street-legal homologation version, and only a very small number were built. That road version is now considered one of the rarest Nissan vehicles ever made.
Motorsport results, Le Mans, and well-known drivers of the Nissan R390 GT1
The Nissan R390 GT1 is best known for its appearances at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In its debut in 1997, Nissan entered several cars. The race showed that the car was competitive in principle, but still needed more development. One of the cars famously retired after a huge accident over a bump, a moment that is still often linked to the aerodynamics of GT1 cars from that era. Even so, the first outing of the Nissan R390 GT1 was important because it set the stage for the revised version the following year. Drivers who raced the car in this context included Martin Brundle, Eric van de Poele, Anders Olofsson, Masahiko Kageyama, Aguri Suzuki, and Kazuyoshi Hoshino.
The R390 GT1 in 1998 racing and the JOMO livery on the model
In 1998, the Nissan R390 GT1 achieved its most important result: at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, several Nissan factory cars finished the race, including one car in third place overall. That result is considered the model’s biggest racing success. Reliability had improved compared with the previous year, and that was a key factor in endurance racing. The Nissan R390 GT1 may have been up against strong competition from Porsche, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW, but it held its own through consistent pace and durability. The model shown in the photos represents car number 33 in JOMO livery. You can clearly see the green base color on the front and middle of the body, along with silver sections on the front splitter, side skirts, and rear. The hood and doors carry large JOMO lettering, with Sports Graphic Number underneath. You can also spot sponsor decals from Bridgestone, NGK, Kenwood, Ichikoh, Padlock, and Nismo. There’s also the Japanese flag and the note “24 Heures du Mans 98.” The rear wing endplate reads “Mexico.” The multicolor graphic on the front, with red, yellow, and blue, gives a strong contrast to the green bodywork and matches the racing livery of the original car.
Details of the GT Spirit resin model for collectors
For model car collectors, this version is especially interesting because it is tied to a specific racing car entry. The model shown here is a 1/18 scale model car made by GT Spirit, and the proportions of the Nissan R390 GT1 are easy to recognize in the photos: the low roofline, the wide stance, the deep-cut front with round auxiliary lights, the narrow main headlights under clear covers, the roof antenna, and the distinctive rear wing with tall supports. The delicate wheels with a central-lock look and the tire markings “Potenza” and “Bridgestone” are clearly visible. The side vents, NACA-style openings, and the window surrounds are also reproduced nicely. Since it’s a resin model, there are no opening parts, which is normal for this type of construction and keeps the focus on the exterior shape. The model really comes alive through its low, stretched lines and the clean separation between green and silver, plus the precise placement of the race number panels. Especially from the front, the model does a great job of capturing the original’s straightforward design language. Another important point for collectors: the edition is limited to 1000 pieces worldwide – this example is one of 1000. In Efrn’s collection, this miniature stands out thanks to its racing graphics, visible sponsor details, and accurate portrayal of a 1990s Le Mans GT1 car.No responsibility is taken for the correctness of this information
7 Visitors since 08/15/2026
Comment
(0)
- Write a first comment about this model now!Any comment can be discussed by all members. It's like a chat.Mention other Modelly members by using @ in your message. They will then be informed automatically.
- Write a first comment about this model now!Any comment can be discussed by all members. It's like a chat.Mention other Modelly members by using @ in your message. They will then be informed automatically.