Overview: A race-worn Nissan Altima with a price tag
The price tag for a race-winning Nissan Altima Supercar has surfaced during Great Race week, revealing a rare opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts. The ex-Michael Caruso Altima that climbed to the top of the standings at the 2016 Darwin round is now available for purchase at $450,000+GST. This car, one of nine built and seven remaining, remains technically eligible for Dunlop Super2 competition. It’s a headline example of how a storied race car can transition from active competition to a collector’s prize without losing its on-track pedigree.
Background: The Altima project in the Repco Supercars era
Although Nissan pulled back from factory involvement in the Repco Supercars Championship, the Altima race cars lived on as competitive machines. The car in question—chassis KR005—was driven by Sydney-raised racer Michael Caruso in 2015, 2016 and 2017, and by Simona De Silvestro in 2018 and 2019. It achieved notable successes, including leading the 2016 championship after the Clipsal 500 in Adelaide and securing a best Bathurst 1000 finish of sixth in 2017 with Caruso and Dean Fiore. The Altima’s competitive record isn’t just about one season; it spans multiple campaigns across Super2 and Super3 platforms, reflecting the car’s adaptability and speed across different classes.
Notable moments in its track history
The 2016 Darwin victory is a standout, with the Altima top-scoring that year and helping Caruso briefly lead the championship. The car’s 2017 Bathurst effort, paired with Fiore, showcased its resilience on the country’s ultimate endurance stage. After its on-track career, the Altima was returned to its 2016 livery and interior branding, preserving the look that fans remember from its peak years.
Current status: Sale details and documentation
Chassis KR005 is the star of the listing. It continued to compete in the Dunlop Super2 Series with MW Motorsport under Matthew White, earning race wins with Tyler Everingham in 2021 and 2022, and later competing in Super3. The current owner has included the original CAMS log book with the sale, along with a full history report prepared by V8 Sleuth, ensuring transparency for prospective buyers. These documents provide a clear lineage—from initial build to modern history—bolstering confidence for collectors or serious racers considering a return to competition or a premier display piece.
Why this Altima offers value
For collectors, the value isn’t solely in acceleration or lap times. This car embodies a distinctive era of Australian touring car racing history, marked by the alliance and rivalry between manufacturers, drivers, and engineering teams that defined the sport in the 2010s. For potential racers, the Altima remains eligible for Dunlop Super2 competition, offering a pathway to bring a proven race-winning platform back onto the grid with appropriate preparations and updates. The combination of a successful race record, future competitive potential, and a favorable price point relative to newer, similarly spec’d machines contributes to its appeal.
What you get with the deal
Included in the sale are the original CAMS log book and a detailed history report, ensuring comprehensive provenance. The car’s 2016 livery and interior branding provide a nostalgic touch for enthusiasts who followed the team’s campaigns in Darwin and Adelaide. With to-scale performance claim and a documented race-winning pedigree, this Altima represents a rare gateway into a specific lineage of Nissan’s Australian racing program.
Bottom line
At $450,000+GST, the ex-Michael Caruso Nissan Altima offers a compelling blend of historic significance, potential for Super2 competition, and a tangible link to Bathurst and Darwin glory. It’s a chance to own a proven race-winning platform with a documented timeline, making it more than just a showpiece—it’s a functional piece of Australia’s touring car heritage.
