Nissan R390 GT1
The ultimate Japanese homologation unicorn, built to conquer Le Mans.
- Power
- 550 bhp
- 0–60 mph
- 3.9 s
- Top speed
- 220 mph
- Est. value
- $7m–$15m
About the Nissan R390 GT1
Developed in partnership with Tom Walkinshaw Racing (TWR), the R390 GT1 was Nissan's extreme response to the mid-90s GT1 homologation rules. While rivals like the Porsche 911 GT1 and Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR were purpose-built racers, the R390 was technically designed as a road car first to satisfy the letter of the law. It features a carbon-fibre monocoque and a VRH35L twin-turbo V8, an engine architecture that would later form the basis for McLaren's modern V8 powerplants. Only one official road car was ever produced, which remains in Nissan's Heritage Collection, though a second race chassis was later converted for road use.
Nissan R390 GT1 specs
The Nissan R390 GT1 produces 550 bhp (410 kW) and 637 Nm (470 lb-ft) of torque. It reaches 60 mph in 3.9 seconds and has a top speed of 220 mph (354 km/h).
| Make | Nissan |
|---|---|
| Model | R390 GT1 |
| Trim | R390 GT1 road car |
| Years | 1997–1998 |
| Type | Hypercar |
| Body style | Coupé |
| Country | Japan |
| Production | One-off (1 built) |
| Original price | About $1,000,000 when new |
| Engine | 3.5-litre twin-turbo V8 |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,495 cc (3.5 litres) |
| Induction | Twin-turbocharged |
| Power | 550 bhp (410 kW) at 6,800 rpm |
| Torque | 637 Nm (470 lb-ft) |
| Redline | 7,200 rpm |
| 0–60 mph | 3.9 s |
| Top speed | 220 mph (354 km/h) |
| Transmission | 6-speed sequential |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive |
| Weight | 1,098 kg (2,421 lb) |
| Power-to-weight | 501 bhp per tonne |
Typical figures for the standard car; options, markets and model years vary. Where our specs come from
How much is a Nissan R390 GT1 worth?
A typical Nissan R390 GT1 is estimated to be worth $7,000,000 – $15,000,000 (about £5,220,000 – £11,190,000).
Its original price when new was about $1,000,000.
Values are directional estimates for a typical example, not appraisals. Condition, mileage, history and specification all change what a real car is worth. Pound figures use the exchange rate of 3 November 2026. How values are estimated
Nissan R390 GT1 rarity in CarSpot
The Nissan R390 GT1 is a Unicorn card in CarSpot, with a rarity score of 100 out of 100. The rarest tier: hypercars, one-offs and cars built in tiny numbers, typically fewer than about 500. A Unicorn card is worth 320 XP.
Each model's tier starts from a 0–100 score based on its value plus its power or production numbers. Once enough players have spotted a model, how often it is spotted can move it up or down one tier. How CarSpot rarity works
Rarity is a collectible game mechanic, not an assessment of real-world scarcity or value.
Nissan R390 GT1 fun facts
- The R390 GT1 road car uses the headlights from a Nissan 300ZX (Z32) to maintain a family resemblance to Nissan's production models.
- The original 1997 road car was red, but it was later modified with a long-tail rear and repainted blue to match the 1998 race car's updated aerodynamics.
- The VRH35L engine's design was so effective that McLaren bought the rights to the TWR-developed architecture for their MP4-12C and subsequent supercars.
