1963 - THE FIRST SUCCESS - THE FAIRLADY 1500

GENICHIRO TAWARA AT THE WHEEL

The first Japanese Grand Prix was held at Suzuka over the weekend of 3rd/4th May 1963, not long after the launch of the Fairlady 1500 in October 1962.  Although the main event  featured such exotics as the Porsche Carrera, the Aston Martin DB4, a Ferrari 250LM and a Lotus (the eventual outright winner), the Touring Class (1300-2500cc) was won by Genichiro Tawara driving a Datsun Fairlady in its first major event.  

Mr Tawara was a keen sportscar enthusiast, and the Fairlady he entered was his own car. Although he approached Nissan for support, they were new to circuit racing and were unable to offer much assistance. Before the race, he undertook practice sessions at Suzuka, familiarising himself with the circuit and testing different set-ups.

Mr Tawara's sponsorship was minimal.  His silver Fairlady sported decals on the rear panel from Tokyo Nissan (a dealership with some sporting tradition) and the SCCJ (the Sports Car Club of Japan, formed by Mr Katayama).  NGK were the only visible sponsor, with decals on both front wings.

With perspex screens, roll bar and stripped of her sideways rear seat, the silver Fairlady took on a varied field of Triumph TR2s, 3s and 4s, two MGAs, an MGB and a Fiat 1500 Convertible. She eventually crossed the finish line 6 seconds before the second placed Triumph, to great local jubilation. At this point Nissan took an avid interest.  Genichiro Tawara toured the Japanese Nissan dealers with his Fairlady and Nissan helped him form the SCCN.  He was also retained by Nissan to spearhead it's works racing and rallying efforts.

The 1963 winning Fairlady is now owned by Nissan and still tours the show circuits. Unrestored, she still retains her original decals and is in exceptionally good condition for her age.

Following a strong showing against stiff competition in the 1964 Grand Prix, where absolute victory went to a Porsche 904, there was no event in 1965.   

N.B. From 1964 onwards, the regulations stated that in the Touring Class all open top cars had to race with either their hard or soft top fitted. 

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