NASHVILLE, Tenn., May 10, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- To commemorate a friendship 50 years in the making, Nissan collaborated with Denmark-based REC Watches to craft a unique timepiece for renowned racing driver John Morton.
Morton’s skillful driving in the early 1970s elevated the Datsun brand as a competitive contender on the racetrack and earned the adoration of fans globally. Morton was behind the wheel of the #46 Datsun 510 built by Peter Brock and Brock Racing Enterprises (BRE), winning consecutive SCCA Trans Am 2.5-liter Championships in 1971 and 1972. The 1971 race was considered a major upset and earned the car a reputation as a "giant killer."
“This watch is a small token of appreciation for a valued friend of Nissan and a timeless legend to race fans all over the world,” said Dave Bishop, senior manager, product development, aftersales division, Nissan North America.
The JM 46 Heritage wristwatch features significant nods to the BRE #46 Datsun 510 including its race number #46 on the face, iconic colors and Morton’s signature. More subtle accents, such as a yellow second hand, pay homage to history. Wanting the car to stand out on the track and in photos, Peter Brock, the team owner and manager, highlighted various components of the car in a striking Sperex VHT yellow, including its signature yellow exhaust.
Until this project, the unassuming, slightly damaged original chin spoiler hung on an office wall at Nissan headquarters as a reminder of the iconic Datsun BRE 510 that established the brand as a legitimate performance competitor. Now, that very spoiler was used to create the caseback of the watch with contrasting colors of red, white and black.
Nissan presented the watch to Morton in Atlanta on April 25 at the 42nd Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR) Mitty held at the Michelin Raceway at Road Atlanta, where Morton raced the BRE Datsun 240Z.
“To see this watch with my name on it is such an honor – I can’t adequately express how pleased I was to be presented this keepsake,” said Morton.
The actual car (with a replacement chin spoiler) remains unaltered and in its original racing livery as part of Nissan’s Heritage Collection in Nashville, Tennessee.
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About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized annually by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year since 2010. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.nissanusa.com and www.infinitiusa.com, or visit the U.S. media sites nissannews.com and infinitinews.com. For more information about our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit nissan-global.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn and see all our latest videos on YouTube.
About REC Watches
Petrol heads and watch fanatics to the bone, the philosophy of REC Watches is to transform those passions into truly unique timepieces. Every single REC timepiece incorporates salvaged, recycled iconic parts - making each watch unique in both design and material DNA. More information on REC Watches and the complete Collection of watches can be found online at www.recwatches.com.
Media Contacts:
Kyle Torrens
Nissan Communications
615-537-5307
kyle.torrens@nissan-usa.com
Gürcan Bozdogan
REC Communications & Advertising
(+45) 3137 8231
gb@recwatches.com
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/83f56794-c9bc-49f5-91a3-838d47dbd51f