JSS (Japan Sports Sedan) started in 1984 as a support race for Fuji Grand Champion Race, following the end of Group 5 “Super Silhouette”.
While JSS cars were technically based on production cars, the regulations were much more flexible than those of the popular Group A series. This is evident just by looking at the massive over-fenders and wings. JSS cars were later able to participate in JGTC (Japan GT Championship) and were the predecessors of GT300 cars.

This particular car is the #23 IMPUL Silvia that Moto Kitano, the winner of the 5th Japan Grand Prix, drove from the opening round of the JSS in 1984. Kazuyoshi Hoshino, “Japan’s fastest man” and CEO of Impul, was mentored by Kitano and looked up to him.
When removing the exterior parts during the restoration, traces of black paint lines and over-fenders that were smaller than those typically used on JSS cars, all unique to Kitano’s car, were found. Per Kitano’s direction, smaller over-fenders were initially used as the larger over fenders created too much air resistance.

The car was not in good condition when it was found. The bodywork and suspension were freshened up and the engine was fully restored by Tomei Sports. The body was also assembled at Tomei Sports. When the car was completed, the livery was changed to the color of another Inazuma car, that of Masahiko Kondo’s IMPUL in 1986, instead of the black coloring that Kitano had driven.
The interior was not modified significantly and was faithfully restored to maintain the feeling of the era. The race-used IMPUL wheels were installed, showing the owner’s dedication to this car and its preservation.

The same model Silvia won the championship in 1989 with Kenji Tohei’s overwhelming speed, and this Inazuma-liveried car can be found in Nissan catalogs.
The engine has been confirmed to start, and the roar from the side mufflers paired with the iconic livery makes this a one-of-a-kind car to send you straight back to the era.