Nissan R89C no.23 - 3rd Spa 1989

Slot.it recreates one of the most exciting Japanese prototypes of Group C: the Nissan R89C that conquered the podium at Spa-Francorchamps in 1989.

The reference SICA28I from Slot.it arrives for slot enthusiasts and collectors who thrill to the golden era of Sport Prototypes from the late eighties. Under the official livery of Nissan Motorsports International and the number 23, this model perfectly captures the spirit of endurance racing on one of the most demanding circuits on the calendar.

Features and Highlights

• 1:32 scale with a low-profile chassis for a reduced centre of gravity.
• Inline motor position (longitudinal, in line with the rear axle), which favours weight distribution and stability on track.
• Aluminium rear wheels for more precise and vibration-free rotation.
• Guide with a streamlined design for clean cornering and minimal track resistance.
• Chassis compatible with adjustable motor mounts, allowing fine-tuning of performance according to track type.
• Decoration with faithfully reproduced Nissan corporate colours, including number 23.

Scale and Level of Detail

Slot.it is one of the benchmark brands when it comes to detail and fidelity in 1:32 scale. The body of the Nissan R89C reproduces the aerodynamic lines of the real prototype: the low, projected nose, the characteristic side pods of Group C, and the high downforce rear wing. The decoration, treated with print quality, captures the team's colour scheme as it appeared at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit in 1989.

On-Track Performance

The Inline configuration of Slot.it translates into a very balanced car, with a tendency towards controllable oversteer and excellent braking response. The low centre of gravity makes it particularly competitive on technical and mixed layouts. If you are looking for a model suitable for both display and racing on Sport track —compatible with Scaleauto, among other systems— this R89C excels in both aspects without compromise.

Ideal for…

• Collectors of Group C prototypes and the Le Mans era of the eighties and nineties.
• Club racers looking for a competitive car based on Slot.it technology.
• Enthusiasts of the history of Japanese endurance racing in Europe.
• Tuners who want to customise and adjust the chassis taking advantage of compatibility with adjustable mounts.

Considerations

As a Slot.it model, you have access to a wide catalogue of original spare parts from the brand for maintenance and tuning: tyres, braids, crown gears, pinions, and replacement motors. Before modifying the factory configuration, we recommend running a few sessions with the original setup to understand the car's baseline behaviour.

History: the Nissan R89C and the 480 km of Spa 1989

The Nissan R89C was born from the collaboration between Nissan and Lola Cars with a clear objective: to compete head-to-head with the Sauber-Mercedes and Porsches that dominated the World Endurance Championship. Equipped with a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, it represented a leap forward in aerodynamics and structural rigidity compared to previous Nissan prototypes.

In the 480 km of Spa-Francorchamps in 1989, the Nissan Motorsports International team entered car number 23 with drivers Julian Bailey —a British driver, a regular in Formula 1 at the time— and Australian Mark Blundell, who was then building his career in Sport Prototypes before making the definitive leap to Formula 1. On such a demanding circuit as the Belgian layout, with its long straights and fast corners of Eau Rouge and Raidillon, the Bailey-Blundell duo extracted the full potential of the R89C to cross the finish line in 3rd overall position. That podium was a clear signal that Nissan was ready to compete at the elite level of endurance motorsport.

Frequently Asked Questions

What track systems is this Slot.it compatible with?

Slot.it cars are optimised for Sport track, which is used by brands like Scaleauto. They can also run on Scalextric or Ninco track with the appropriate guide, although optimal adjustment is achieved on Sport track.

Does the Inline motor affect performance compared to a Sidewinder?

Yes, positively in many scenarios. The Inline motor (longitudinal, in line with the car) lowers the centre of gravity and improves stability, especially in fast corners. The Sidewinder (transverse, parallel to the rear axle) usually offers more immediate torque. The choice depends on the layout and driving style.

Can I use this model as a collector's item without running it?

Of course. The quality of finishes and historical fidelity of Slot.it make it a perfectly valid piece for display in a showcase, especially for those who collect Group C prototypes or set up themed dioramas of endurance racing from the eighties.

Are spare parts available for this model?

Slot.it has one of the most comprehensive spare parts catalogs on the market: braids, tyres, crown gears, pinions, motors, and chassis are easily locatable. Many parts are interchangeable between different models of the brand.

What scale is it and how does it compare in size with other cars?

It is a 1:32 scale model, the most widely used standard scale in European slot racing. Cars of this scale are compatible with each other in terms of track size and guide, making it easy to race on the same circuit with models from other brands.

Is it suitable for beginner drivers?

It can run without issues in the hands of any enthusiast, but its factory setup and tuning possibilities make it especially interesting for intermediate-advanced drivers who want to take advantage of chassis preparation.

The Slot.it SICA28I Nissan R89C n.23 is a highly detailed 1:32 scale slot car reproducing the iconic Group C prototype that finished 3rd at the 1989 Spa-Francorchamps 480 km race, driven by Julian Bailey and Mark Blundell. Featuring an Inline motor configuration, aluminium rear wheels and a performance-tuned chassis compatible with Sport track systems, this model is a must-have for endurance racing collectors and competitive slot car enthusiasts. Part of the Le Mans 80s–90s category at Ministry of Hobby.