Nissan Altima Supercar on the market: a piece of Bathurst history
The legend of the Nissan Altima race car lives on even as the brand steps back from the Repco Supercars Championship. A car that once led the championship and put Nissan on the winner’s board has surfaced for public sale, offering a tangible link to a golden era of Australian touring car racing. The ex-Michael Caruso Altima, a chassis that memorably led Darwin’s round in 2016, has reappeared during Great Race week and is expected to attract interest from collectors and track-day enthusiasts alike.
The car in focus: KR005 and its storied career
This particular Altima, known as chassis KR005, has a deep and varied racing pedigree. Built as part of a nine-strong lineup of Altima Supercars, it spent significant seasons in both the Dunlop Super2 Series and, later, in Super3 ownership. Caruso piloted this chassis across 2015, 2016, and 2017, followed by Simona De Silvestro in 2018 and 2019. Its performance in the 2016 Clipsal 500 in Adelaide was pivotal, with Caruso steering the car to top championship implications after that weekend.
From Bathurst to Super2 glory
Beyond its success in single events, KR005 has a notable Bathurst 1000 resume, recording five starts with a best finish of sixth place in 2017 (shared with Dean Fiore). The car’s journey didn’t stop at the Supercars level; it also forged a path in the Dunlop Series under MW Motorsport, securing race wins in Super2 with Tyler Everingham in 2021 and 2022. In Super3, the chassis found continued competitiveness under current owner Brad Neill, yielding a victory in 2023 with Cameron McLeod at the wheel.
What’s included in the sale
The sale package is comprehensive. It includes the original CAMS log book, a full history report prepared for the current owner by V8 Sleuth, and a clean lineage that charts the car’s evolution from its early Supercars years to its Dunlop Series and Super3 campaigns. The listing emphasizes the vehicle’s eligibility, noting that it remains suitable for the Dunlop Super2 Series—a detail likely appealing to buyers looking for a race-to-road or track-focused restoration project.
Pricing and what buyers get for the price
How much is a piece of Australian motorsport history worth? In this case, the asking price is $450,000 plus GST. The number reflects not only the car’s race-ready status and its well-documented lineage but also the potential for future competition in support categories, historic events, or private track days. Given the Altima’s place in Supercars history and its strong performance record, the price is positioned as a serious option for serious collectors, teams, or privateers seeking a proven winner with a storied past.
Why this Altima stands out in a modern landscape
Even as the official involvement of Nissan in the Supercars Championship has evolved, the Altima’s on-track success remains a selling point. For potential buyers, KR005 isn’t just a beautiful shell; it’s a documented champion with a clear road map for continuing competition or for a high-profile display within a collection. The car’s 2016-leading performance, multiple Bathurst appearances, and continued success in successor series collectively underscore its rare blend of on-track pedigree and provenance.
Next steps for interested buyers
Interested parties should review the CAMS log book, the V8 Sleuth history report, and the car’s current condition and race-ready status. Given the recent public listing and the car’s rich history, inquiries are expected to come from a range of buyers—from historic race organizers to private collectors and serious racers. The Altima’s next chapter could be written on a track day, at a historic racing event, or in a modern Super2 or Super3 entry with the right preparation and support.
Note: This article is about a sales listing and does not imply dealership endorsement or a guarantee of performance. Prospective buyers should conduct independent due diligence and inspect the vehicle in person.
