Nissan’s iconic GTP ZX-Turbo, a motorsport legend from the 1980s, will be showcased at Monterey Car Week, celebrating its legacy and recent restoration.
The legendary Nissan GTP ZX-Turbo, a motorsport icon of the 1980s, will make a rare public appearance during the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion at Monterey Car Week. Renowned for its dominance in the IMSA GT Series from 1985 to 1990, this car is a symbol of Nissan’s deep commitment to motorsport.
Developed by Electramotive Engineering in California and initially built by Lola Cars in the UK, the GTP ZX-Turbo became a force to be reckoned with, especially during the 1988 season. Drivers Geoff Brabham and John Morton drove the car to multiple victories, ultimately securing the IMSA Constructor’s Championship in 1989 and successfully defending the title in 1990.
“It was unbelievable. We won at Atlanta, then at West Palm Beach,” recalled Ashley Page, the team’s crew chief who joined the project in 1984. Chris Willes, who joined Electramotive Engineering in 1986, added, “We were constantly pushing the limits, especially enhancing the car’s aerodynamics.”
This appearance at Monterey comes as Nissan celebrates several significant anniversaries: 35 years since the GTP ZX-Turbo’s IMSA Championship win, 55 years of the Datsun 240Z, 35 years of the Nissan 300ZX (Z32), and 15 years of the Nissan 370Z. In honor of these milestones, a Nissan Z Heritage Edition will also be on display.
Chassis #8801, one of the most celebrated GTP ZX-Turbos, is currently being restored at Z Car Garage in San Jose. Nissan has emphasized that this restoration will preserve the car’s legacy for future generations, with the car set to be inducted into the 2024 IMSA Hall of Fame alongside driver Geoff Brabham.
“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, highlighting the car’s lasting impact on motorsport history.
