At the turn of the 90s and 2000s, European supertouring championships, run under FIA Class 2 regulations, were gradually running out of steam. To rekindle the interest of importers and the public in circuit sprint racing, several countries opted for a new, resolutely more spectacular formula, featuring cars known as ‘Silhouettes’.
These new machines adopted a radical architecture: tubular chassis, polyester bodywork whose appearance varied according to the model represented, V6 engine developing 300 bhp in the rear, sequential gearbox and rear-wheel drive, all for a featherweight of 950 kg. This explosive combination quickly won over France, which led the way, soon to be followed by other countries such as Belgium.
In France, the year 2002 marked the golden age of this category, with almost 25 silhouettes taking part in each round of the championship. In the midst of this crowded field, the Nissan Primera stood out as a real ‘UFO’ in terms of its originality and rarity.
While the previous generation (the P11) had benefited from official development to meet FIA Class 2 standards - crowned by Laurent Aïello's BTCC title in 1999 - its replacement, the P12, did not seem predestined for a career in competition. Yet, as soon as it rolled off the production line, it made its first appearance on the racetrack in the hands of Stéphane Peterhansel, one of the brand's official drivers, despite being a complete novice in this type of exercise.
The multiple Dakar winner is in fact under contract with Nissan at the start of the 2002 season. While his rally-raid experience is considerable, he still has a lot to discover about track racing. Built by Promo Concept Racing and equipped with a Sodemo V6 engine, the car was entered under the Team VDO Dayton banner, named after the programme's main partner. Peterhansel finished 13th at the end of the championship, with 12 points scored and a best result of sixth place. He did not continue the adventure the following year, preferring to concentrate on the Paris-Dakar, this time with Mitsubishi.
In 2003, the car was shared during the season with Alain Filhol, Arnaud Violette and Patrice Nouvel. The latter managed a best result of 7th place.
Retired after its second season in the French Supertourism Championship, this Nissan Primera Silhouette found a buyer in Gilles Stievenart, founder of the famous specialist magazine ‘Compte-tours’. He didn't use it in the end, however, and sold it to William Charpentier, whose aim was to introduce his young son, Tristan Charpentier (now competing in the Junior WRC), to circuit driving with a view to his debut in a single-seater.
Under the aegis of the Charpentier family, the car did not take part in any competitions. It only took to the track six times, covering less than 200 km in trackdays and private tests. It then underwent a complete overhaul two years ago, but has not been used since.
In perfect working order, this unique car is eligible for competitions such as the Coupe de France des Circuits, the Trophée Tourisme Endurance and hill-climb races. A rare opportunity to set yourself apart from the rest of the pack.
TECHNICAL DATA
- Chassis: Tubular built SNBE-Snobeck (N° 2002-04)
- Engine Sodemo V6 (N° VQ30530873B)
- Displacement 3,000 cm³ naturally-aspirated
- Official power 300hp
- Magneti Marelli ECU
- Hewland sequential 6-speed gearbox type PPLKU (N° 2122222)
- Transmission To rear wheels
- Ohlins shock absorbers
- AP Racing brakes
- Weight 950 kg
