The highly anticipated movie “Gran Turismo” is set to premiere on August 11th, and car enthusiasts across the world are eagerly awaiting its release. In an exciting development, one of the cars used during the filming of the movie will be going up for auction shortly after its premiere.
Silverstone Auctions, a renowned auction house, has been selected to oversee the sale of a remarkable R35 Nissan GT-R GT3 race car that prominently appeared in “Gran Turismo.” This particular car holds significant connections to both the movie and the real-life GT Academy program, making it a unique and sought-after piece of automotive history.
The movie “Gran Turismo” is based on the inspiring true story of Jann Mardenborough, who achieved a race seat by showcasing his exceptional driving skills in the “Gran Turismo” video games. Through the Nissan GT Academy program, Mardenborough turned his passion for gaming into a successful career as a professional racer. The car being auctioned off was driven by Mardenborough himself in various scenes of the movie, adding an extra layer of authenticity and significance to its legacy.
Beyond its involvement in the film, this Nissan GT-R GT3 race car boasts an impressive racing history. It notably achieved a commendable ninth-place finish at the prestigious 24 Hours of Nürburgring in 2015. During that race, the car sported a black livery as a tribute to a spectator who tragically lost their life in a previous incident involving Mardenborough and another GT-R. Such historical significance adds to the allure and collectability of this unique vehicle.
Related Post
In addition to its ties to the film and its racing accomplishments, the auction listing reveals that this GT-R was previously owned by Darren Cox, the founder of GT Academy. Cox played a crucial role in transforming Mardenborough’s dream into a reality, and this ownership connection further adds to the car’s provenance.
While owning a GT-R LM Nismo, an LMP1 prototype that competed in the top class at the 2015 24 Hours of Le Mans, may be a distant dream for most enthusiasts, the opportunity to acquire a genuine movie car is within reach. The auction house estimates that this Nissan GT-R GT3 race car will sell for an impressive range of £225,000 to £275,000 (equivalent to $289,000 to $354,000 at current exchange rates). The final sale price will depend on various factors, such as the success and reception of the “Gran Turismo” movie. Nevertheless, prospective buyers will be delighted to learn that the car is in ready-to-drive condition, ensuring its usability as a track car for future owners.
The upcoming auction of the Nissan GT-R GT3 race car from “Gran Turismo” is a rare opportunity for car enthusiasts to own a piece of cinematic and racing history. With its connections to both the movie and the GT Academy program, its impressive racing pedigree, and the guarantee of driving pleasure, this car is sure to attract passionate bidders from around the world. As the premiere date for “Gran Turismo” draws closer, excitement for the film and the auction continues to build, promising an unforgettable experience for fans of the franchise and automotive enthusiasts alike.
