Will 2017 Nissan GT-R Become a Classic Like the Prince R380?

How is the new 2017 Nissan GT-R connected with the classic 1965 Prince R380? Nissan's beginnings started with the automaker who built this car. They keep the classic car at the famed Nissan DNA Garage. They brought the classic race car out of moth balls to the 2016 Automobile Council show. They also displayed a new 2017 Nissan GT-R alongside it to show 50 years of Nissan evolution. Is the 2017 GT-R destined to become a classic too?

The show took place at the Makuhari Messe event complex 30 kms east of Tokyo. Why was Nissan there? The Prince Motor Company merged with Nissan in 1966 making 2016 its 50th anniversary. The show was dubbed “Classic Meets Modern.”

Prince Motor Company, a Japanese automaker, created a range of high performance race cars. The 1965 Prince R380-A won the 1966 Japanese Grand Prix, and the same car that won the race, was on display next to its predecessor, the 1964 Prince Skyline GT which finished second behind a Porsche in the 2nd Japanese Grand Prix.

Nissan was there along with Subaru, Toyota, Mazda and Honda displaying 50 years of Japanese auto history. Nissan connected 50 years of racing story to the present day, by exhibiting the latest version of their high-performance 2017 GT-R. The sports car has just gone through its biggest facelift since it was launched 9 years ago.

The Japanese automaker has come a long way in 50 years. Maybe the new 2017 Nissan GT-R will be on display 50 years from now and looked at like the classic Prince R380.

Source: Nissan

Image source: Nissan NISMO