Nissan releases 45th anniversary GT-R

That paragon of accuracy and credibility – Wikipedia – states that the first Skyline GT-R went on sale in Japan during February 1969.

But for some reason Nissan has chosen to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the GT-R badge now, rather than this time last year.

The company has announced a low-volume model, called the Nissan GT-R 45th Anniversary Gold Edition, in honour of the original, which was originally developed from the Prince Skyline. Prince was an upmarket brand acquired by Nissan in the mid-1960s. Its Skyline model, powered by a strong inline six-cylinder engine with triple carbs (the Skyline GT-B) became the donor for the first GT-R.

Fast forward to 2015, and the special edition GT-Rs comes painted in Silica Brass – a special gold paint colour that was last used in 2001 on the R34 Nissan Skyline GT-R M-Spec.

As well as the gold hue, Nissan says all of its Gold Editions come with a gold painted VIN plate in the engine bay and a special commemorative plaque on the interior’s centre console.

Under the skin the GT-R is mechanically identical with the standard all-wheel drive Nissan super coupe powered a 3.8-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 producing 404kW/628Nm and capable of launching the GT-R to 100km/h in just 2.7 seconds.

In other markets, like the US, the 45th Anniversary Gold Editions commands a premium of just $1000.

Before the new special edition only two gold R35 Nissan GT-Rs were made: one for Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt and one, a copy of Bolt’s car that was auctioned off for Bolt’s children’s charity.

According to Nissan Australia's Corporate Communications Supervisor, Chris Jordan, the limited-edition GT-R will go on sale in Australia. Just three examples will be imported and the car will be marketed here with no mention of 'Gold' in the name. It will be named 'Nissan GT-R 45th Anniversary Edition'. There's no word on local pricing as yet.