The upcoming movie “Gran Turismo” is due to debut on August 11, and soon after, one of the vehicles featured in the film is slated for auction.
The auction, managed by Silverstone Auctions, is scheduled for August 25 and will see the sale of a R35 Nissan GT-R GT3 racing car that was featured in the film. The movie is inspired by the true story of Jann Mardenborough, who gained his place in racing by mastering the “Gran Turismo” video games via the Nissan GT Academy initiative.
The car holds ties to both the movie and the real-world GT Academy program, as mentioned in the auction listing. In the movie, Mardenborough doubles as a stunt driver, taking the wheel of the GT-R on multiple occasions. Moreover, he also drove it in actual racing events across Europe.
Among the vehicle’s racing history is a ninth-place accomplishment in the 2015 24 Hours of Nürburgring. The car was adorned with a black livery during that race, in tribute to a spectator who tragically died in a previous event involving a crash between Mardenborough and another GT-R.
The GT-R has also been owned by Darren Cox, the founder of GT Academy, as per the auction details.
Cox and Mardenborough had high hopes of a long-term association with Nissan, which were centered on the GT-R LM Nismo, a LMP1 prototype that competed in the premier class of the 2015 24 Hours of Le Mans. However, the unconventional vehicle, designed with a front-engine and front-wheel drive layout to support downforce-generating ducts, was sluggish and unreliable in its only race outing, leading to Nissan scaling down its international factory racing endeavours.
While a GT-R LM Nismo may not be hitting the auction block anytime soon, this GT-R, an authentic movie vehicle, is anticipated to fetch between £225,000 and £275,000, which equates to $289,000 to $354,000 based on current exchange rates. The selling price may decrease if “Gran Turismo” fails to impress as a film, but regardless, the auctioneer assures potential buyers that the car is in drive-ready condition, thus maintaining its functionality as a track vehicle.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Gran Turismo Nissan GT-R Auction
When is the “Gran Turismo” movie set to premiere?
The “Gran Turismo” movie is set to premiere on August 11.
What car from the “Gran Turismo” movie is being auctioned?
The R35 Nissan GT-R GT3 race car that appeared in the “Gran Turismo” movie is going up for auction.
Who is overseeing the auction?
Silverstone Auctions is overseeing the sale of the Nissan GT-R race car.
What is the estimated selling price of the Nissan GT-R GT3 race car?
The car is expected to sell for between 225,000 and 275,000 British pounds, equivalent to $289,000 to $354,000 at current exchange rates.
Who was a previous owner of the Nissan GT-R GT3 race car?
Darren Cox, the founder of GT Academy, previously owned this Nissan GT-R GT3 race car.
What is the connection between the movie and the real-life GT Academy program?
The movie is based on the real-life story of Jann Mardenborough, who secured a racing seat by playing the “Gran Turismo” video games through the Nissan GT Academy program. Moreover, Mardenborough drove this specific Nissan GT-R in the movie as well as in actual races.
More about Gran Turismo Nissan GT-R Auction
- Gran Turismo Movie
- Silverstone Auctions
- Nissan GT-R
- GT Academy
- Jann Mardenborough Profile
- 2015 24 Hours of Nürburgring
- 2015 24 Hours of Le Mans
5 comments
Interesting that the movie’s tied to the real-life GT Academy program. Can’t wait to see Mardenborough’s performance, both on screen and on the track.
a movie car that’s ready to hit the tracks!?? sounds too good to be true… Bet it’ll fetch more than they think at the auction
hoping Gran Turismo movie is gonna be a big hit!… wouldn’t mind if the car sells for less though, haha
man, that car must be a beast on the track. Wish I had the cash to buy it. Dreams…
Wow, that car’s got some real history behind it. Bit sad about the black livery part tho