Nissan Motorsport will campaign a retro livery at this year’s Supercheap Auto Bathurst 1000, paying homage to the Bluebird Turbo that took pole for the 1984 Great Race.
The predominantly white scheme will be run on the #36 Altima of Michael Caruso and co-driver Dean Fiore at the October 9-12 event.
The move marks the first historic livery to be run by Nissan since its rejoined the Australian touring car scene at the start of last season.
As part of the 30 year anniversary, the Bluebird Turbo and its original driver George Fury will cut laps of the Mount Panorama circuit over the race weekend.
The Bluebird has recently been restored by collector Brian Hendersen and recently reborn team Gibson Motorsport.
”Nissan has a rich history at Mount Panorama and the Bathurst 1000, and we felt there was no better way to celebrate the event than to pay homage to one of our fastest cars,” said Nissan Australia CEO Richard Emery.
“In the hands of George Fury, the Nissan Bluebird Turbo was the fastest car to ever lap the famous circuit (2:13.85s). It was a moment that I remember well and people still talk about today.
“With the red and blue stripes, Michael Caruso’s Nissan Altima looks a treat and we can’t wait to see it at the Bathurst 1000.”
The 1984 Bluebird was the culmination of a four-year Group C Nissan factory effort, which ultimately failed to provide the Japanese marque ATCC or Bathurst success.
Nissan took a year out of the sport when the rules changed in 1985, before returning a year after with the Group A program that would prove a dominant force by the early 1990s.
Fury, a Hungarian immigrant introduced to Nissan through its Datsun rally program in the 1970s, says he’s honoured to be involved in the 30 year celebrations.
“I’ve always loved the Bluebird. It was one of the nicest cars to drive,” he reflected, having been a mainstay of Nissan’s touring car exploits until the end of 1988.
“That was Group C regulations, and we were restricted in various performance areas, which is why we never had a shot of winning Bathurst.
“But we got pole, which was good. It was a cold day and it was good for the turbo, and both the car and I got it together.
“I drove the Bluebird at Winton recently, and it was just how I remembered it. I’m looking forward to taking it back to Bathurst in October.
“It’s nice to see all of the different manufacturers back at Bathurst, and especially Nissan.
“It’s a company that has a long history there, and I hope to see one of them near the front at the end of the race.”
The retro livery comes with the blessing of primary backer Norton, which also supported Dick Johnson Racing’s Tru-Blu remake at Bathurst two years ago.
“While we are very fond of our yellow Norton Hornets, we love seeing the reaction from fans to a livery that brings back many great memories for so many people,” explained Norton senior director, Matthew Drake.
“I’m sure the fans will enjoy the livery as much as we do.”
VIDEO: Nissan Motorsport’s retro livery announcement
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