Nissan R381

The Nissan R381 was a racing car prototype which was built in 1968 by Nissan Motors for participation in the Grand Prix of Japan. He was the successor to the still built by the Prince Motor Company Nissan R380 -II.

Development

After the defeat of the Nissan R380 - II at the Japanese Grand Prix 1967 Nissan began development of a car for the Grand Prix of 1968. Originally constructed Nissan a coupé body. The rear of this car was compared to the R380 extended and provided with a tear-off edge. The bonnet has been aerodynamically optimized and more downforce the car got a rear wing. And as they learned that Toyota his new car, the Toyota 7, according to the rules of the group 7 builds, Nissan immediately changed the plans for the Nissan R381. The closed coupé body was redesigned into an open CanAm prototype. But the Prince GR8 - line six-cylinder in this category was too small and too weak and Prince built a new V12 engine. Since this engine but was not finished on time, you simply bought a Chevrolet engine. This 5.5-liter V8 engine was approximately twice as strong as the Prince GR8 with 450 hp. The rear wing of the Nissan R381 was built after the model of the Chaparral from the CanAm series. This rear wing was divided in the middle, and the angle of attack could be hydraulically adjusted while driving. Depending on the curve, either the left or right wing portion is pivoted upwardly. Making its debut at the Japanese Grand Prix, the three new Nissan R381 met on three proven Nissan R380 -II, also three new Toyota 7 and more Porsche. The race was a success for Nissan. They occupied positions one, three, four, five and six. Only a Porsche 910 on the second place prevented the total triumph. This was the only race appearance of the Nissan R381. Then it was replaced by the Nissan R382 with the now finished Nissan V12 engine. 2005 restored a NISMO Nissan R381 and put the car in several exhibition runs one along with other R380 models.