NISSAN BLUEBIRD TWINS RETURN TO THE MOUNTAIN

For the first time in almost 40 years, a pair of Group C Nissan Bluebird Turbos will grace Mount Panorama, as part of the Heritage Revival field for this weekend’s Bathurst 1000.

The #15 and #16 Bluebirds are owned by Brian Henderson and Adam Workman, who have aligned forces in their quest to revive the Nissan Motor Company’s motorsport exploits of the early 1980s.

In 1983, the #15 machine was campaigned by George Fury and Garry Scott, while Fred Gibson and John French piloted the #16 Bluebird.

Nissan scaled back to a single Bluebird int he following year, when Fury recorded a blinding 2:13.8 lap in the Top 10 Shootout to snare the final pole position of the Group C era.

While Fury and Scott could only muster a P16 finish, their exploits in Hardies Heroes ensures the #15 Nissan Bluebird will go down in Bathurst folklore forever.

Almost four decades later, the Bluebirds have stood the test of time and Workman said they will continue to be a fan favourite when they make a comeback to the Mountain this weekend.

“Every time we attend a race meeting, there are always fans with stories and memories to share, and everyone wants to get photos of our cars,” Workman said.

 “Brian and I are operating as a two-car outfit and we’re aiming to recreate the Nissan factory team environment. 

“As well as being a great spectacle in the pits, it also makes it easier for us because we can share components between the two cars.”

Many people believe the Bluebird was a twitchy and temperamental car to handle in race conditions, but Workman said this is not the case.

“The Bluebird is actually quite an easy car to drive, it feels supple and forgiving,” he said.

“The Nissan engineers spent a lot of time focusing on suspension and ride control, and it really shows from behind the wheel.

“Even the gearbox is relatively user-friendly – there’s no synchromesh, so it’s important to match revs when you’re down-shifting, but I change gears without the clutch.”

The famous Nissan Bluebirds will be out in force making a comeback at Bathurst this weekend in the Heritage Revival.

Workman said the biggest challenge is dealing with the Bluebird’s light-switch power delivery – a hallmark associated with many turbocharged cars of the era.

“When the turbo cuts in, you suddenly go from 80 to 400 horsepower, which can certainly catch your attention coming out of a slow corner,” he said.

“It takes a while to get used to, but you can adjust your driving technique to make sure the engine stays in a certain rev-range.”

Workman cannot wait to drive the Nissan around Mount Panorama this weekend, and said the Heritage Revival races are a perfect opportunity to exhibit the Bluebirds in front of an appreciative crowd.

“Bathurst is a race meeting that attracts enthusiasts who really appreciate the history of the sport, there are people who have been going there for decades and naturally there will be spectators who will have been there during the Bluebird glory days” he said.

“Brian and I are thankful to Ed and the management team for organising the event – we can’t wait to put on a great show on the track, and spend time in the pits with the fans.”

For more of the latest motorsport news pick up the latest edition of AUTO ACTION.