The Gentleman Racer visits Nissan World Headquarters

by Roman Vanecek

On a recent trip to Japan, I had the chance to stop by Nissan’s world headquarters in Yokohama. New and stylish it looks like an average Japanese office building, but this one is special as the Nissan Gallery is housed inside. Nissan fans finally have a place to come home to as the Gallery is essentially a museum of Nissan’s past and present.

Entering the Gallery you are greeted with Nissan’s ever-changing lineup, encouraged to step inside the vehicles and get a feel for their latest creations. For the true motorsport fans, however, make a right and the cars of fame and glory are just around the corner.

The unmistakable Skyline from the Group A motorsport days is a welcome surprise today. The GT-R’s nickname “Gozilla” was given during this period as the complete track domination put it ahead of all others on the track. Seeing this car up close is a real treat for fans to see some of the heavy modifications Group A performed. 

The lineup at the Gallery is constantly changing, bringing motorsport classics out of the Zama storage facility. Maybe an R390 will show up next month?

Heading down the corridor, or the hall of legends as I see it, a timeline is spaced out of the company’s racing history. A rare original Silvia covers the wall as only 554 were produced from 1965-68. Next a Fairlady ZG model is shown and with some classic memorabilia

Down the corridor or the hall of legends, a timeline is spaced out of the company’s racing history. A rare original Silvia covers the wall as only 554 were produced from 1965-68. Next, a Fairlady ZG model is shown and with some classic memorabilia.

An overview of the Datsun S20 Engine, available in the GT-R, Fairlady Z sports, and the rare Fairlady Z 432 model (4 valves, 3 carburetors, 2 camshafts) 

The Gallery also offers an on-site café giving fans the chance to relax and absorb in the atmosphere, as well as a gift shop to bring some goods home. While I could spend all day here, it’s time to hit the road. Next time we are in Japan you can bet The Gentleman Racer will be back!