Nissan R381
The Nissan R381 was a race car - a prototype in 1968 by Nissan Motors to participate in the Grand Prix of Japan was built. He was the successor of the still by the Prince Motor Company built Nissan R380-II .
development
After the Nissan R380-II was defeated at the Japanese Grand Prix of 1967, Nissan began developing a car for the 1968 Grand Prix. Originally, Nissan designed a coupe body. The rear of this car has been lengthened compared to the R380 and given a spoiler lip. The bonnet has been aerodynamically optimized and the car has a rear wing for more downforce. But when it was learned that Toyota was building its new car, the Toyota 7, according to Group 7 regulations, Nissan immediately changed its plans for the Nissan R381. The closed coupé body was redesigned into an open CanAm prototype. For this category, however, the Prince GR8 in-line six-cylinder was too small and too weak and Prince built a new V12 engine. But since this engine was not ready on time, a Chevrolet engine was bought without further ado. This 5.5-liter V8 engine was roughly twice as powerful as that with 450 hpPrince GR8 . The rear wing of the Nissan R381 was modeled on the Chaparral from the CanAm series. This rear wing was split in the middle and the angle of attack could be adjusted hydraulically while driving. Depending on the curve, either the left or the right wing part was swiveled upwards. On its debut at the Japanese Grand Prix, the three new Nissan R381s met three tried and tested Nissan R380-IIs, three also new Toyota 7s and several Porsches. The race became a success for Nissan. You finished first, three, four, five and six. Only a Porsche 910 in second place prevented the total triumph. This was the only racing appearance of the Nissan R381. Then it was replaced by the Nissan R382 with the now finished Nissan V12 engine. In 2005, NISMO restored a Nissan R381 and used the car in several shows together with other R380 models.
Web links
- History R381 (English)