The infield of the Trever Els oval raceway just outside of Mokopane trembled to the tune of meticulously tuned engines on Saturday 28th August , as the sun glinted off a healthy crowd of South African legends each built to a unique formula and specification, but sharing an important common bond. The Nissan brand affixed to the nose, as well as a well-earned reputation for total dependability and strength far beyond the cute but racy looks.
Despite one of the vehicles boasting a power output of 1000 horsepower on the wheels, this isn’t a convention of throbbing GT-R supercars. No, this is Mokopane’s homage to the epic Nissan 1400 bakkie, perhaps better known as the venerable Champ. Although boasting dainty dimensions and a budget list price, this vehicle also packs one of the largest hearts in the business, and has been both trusted work partner and weekend toy for many of the down-to-Earth residents of this small Limpopo community, and many others like it, since 1971.
This gathering of all incarnations of Nissan 1400 half-tonner (model name B140) was arranged to celebrate this legendary LCV, which endured for nearly four decades as the ideal dual-purpose work-and-play half-ton offering in the South African market. This lovable workhorse was only recently replaced by the new Nissan NP200, now with an even larger, more robust load area than ever before but the same DNA. Whether working or playing, the old B140 and new NP200 are peerless in their strength, reliability, and unique sense of panache when the time comes to kick back and enjoy life.
There are several better-than-pristine examples of the original Datsun-badged bakkie in attendance. Two of these models feature the 1400cc engine of the last-generation versions, complete with twin carburettors, gas-flowed heads and a much freer-flowing exhaust than was ever standard fit. Most bear the more common, subtly updated Nissan 1400 styling, together making for a heart-warming collection ranging from hard-living daily worker to carbonfibre-bedecked road-race specials.
Johann Oeloffse not only had a replica of the original 1400 dash, with space for a couple of extra gauges, moulded entirely from this space age material, but also proceeded to buy the mould that was created for him from the carbonfibre specialist involved. “So that no-one else could have a dashboard like this – it’s an absolute one of a kind.”
Lightly decorated in sponsors’ stickers, Oeloffse’s car runs a 2-litre 16V Nissan motor with a beautiful turbocharger installation complete with a large, gleaming trumpet for dumping boost and attractive, big-bore induction hoses. “It’s only producing 200kW for the moment, I want to do it properly and not push the power output too far too soon. It needs boosted brakes, and some more suspension work, as well as a complete overhaul of the engine components that bear the brunt of increased power outputs.” Already this tasty weekend pastime represents around 2000 man-hours, explains Oeloffse’s clearly very patient wife!
Few cars of such a seemingly humble origin and basic, utilitarian nature could inspire such bubbling enthusiasm. Gert de Jager actually rescued his 1982 example from the junkyard, just hours before it was scheduled to be destroyed.
“The roof had already been cut off, and the back end, and the interior stripped to the bone when I saw it. But it was always the best bakkie you could buy, a hard worker but also a young man’s car. It was the windgat bakkie. I had to save it,” recalls de Jager.
With an owner originally born in the Free State, de Jager’s pride and joy is now painted retina-searing orange, and features Cheetahs on the wheel caps and windscreen, “Just to remind these Blou Bulle fans that there are other great rugby teams out there!” Like son Fanie’s 1400 parked right behind it, this vehicle runs an original Datsun 1400 motor in time-warp condition and with choice but restrained performance upgrades. Both motors look clean enough to eat off of, a testament to the special spot these machines hold in their owners hearts.
For the properly big power, this all but indestructible engine has had to be replaced, in the case of the 1000hp, heavily-bestickered white peril, by a 3-litre turbocharged Toyota 2JZ straight-six engine usually found under the hood of a Supra sports car.
“I’ve never run it with the NOS on the road,” explains owner Hannes van Wyk. “Because even without the gas it’s doing 750hp at the wheels, which is enough to cause massive wheelspin in top gear at well over 200km/h, even with the 8.9-inch diff from the European Kubistar and custom-built rear suspension setup.”
Only a vehicle which is exceptionally robust and affordable to repair could tame such a fire-breathing high-performance motor, and the B140 has proven itself time and again both as an unburstable load-carrier and in various motorsport disciplines. The lightweight bakkie was particularly popular amongst the drag racing fraternity for many years, and properly set up will put enormous horsepower into the tarmac without twisting time and time again.
After forming-up in a giant “N” for NISSAN and a memorable photo, the 1400s proceeded to tear up the oval track in a fun-filled day of time-trials, gymkhanas, and even a little drifting. Local sound specialists CRS carried out a sound-off for the audiophiles, while Mokopane Nissan dealer BB Auto awarded prizes for the most original reincarnation of the 1400 theme, the best story behind the bakkie, and the most heavily pimped of the vehicles on display.
Spectators watched in a lighthearted atmosphere of family fun, and the hot bakkies and glorious sunshine made for a sizeable event. BB Auto also had the company’s other iconic bakkies, the powerful Navara and ubiquitous 1-tonner the NP300 Hardbody, on display trackside, demonstrating on one day and at one venue the pedigree of the Nissan LCV range, old and new. With more than 7 decades of providing LCVs to the SA market and the most comprehensive lineup of LCVs available in the country today, Nissan are clear leaders in this field and thanks to these many years of experience know exactly how to build the best bakkies for any customer needs.
Adds event organiser Abie Cooper; “It’s been a great turnout considering that we’ve only done limited marketing for the gathering, in a very limited time frame, and I think it demonstrates just how mad we are about these lovable, hard-working, exceptional little cars. Nissan created an enduring legend in the 1400 bakkie, and this is our way of helping the legend not only survive but continue to flourish.”
The success of this inaugural get-together will grow into an even larger and more-publicised event next-year, and Cooper hopes to see examples from even further afield making a special journey to come join the enthusiastic one-day party. Even if you don’t own your own 1400, the trip is worth it to witness the passion, commitment, and financial excess lavished on this humble half-ton bakkie. Towards creating unique and entirely custom icons from a vehicle which is already one of the most enduring South African motoring legends.
“It’s wonderful to see a vehicle created from such an elementary base which also has the power to move people to really passionate lengths like this. Events like this one demonstrate clearly the depth of the emotion the 1400 bakkie engendered, thanks to the legendary qualities still entrenched in the core of the Nissan brand today and personifies the heritage that the Nissan commercial brand holds in the South African market,” concludes Vinod Thomas, Nissan SA Product Manager.
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