Nothing says Nissan more than the 1400 bakkie displayed at Nampo.
Image: Willem van de Putte
Tucked away in the Free State farming town of Bothaville and just down the road from the Nampo Harvest Day is a private museum dedicated to Datsun and Nissan cars that spans decades of the company’s motoring history.
Known as the Nissan & Datsun Heritage Museum, the collection belongs to longtime enthusiast Freek de Kock, whose passion for the brand has turned the town into a destination for fans from around the world.
What started as a hobby evolved into the largest privately owned Datsun and Nissan collections outside Japan with more than 150 models collected over the years.
We paid a visit with Nissan SA who also had a stand at Nampo showcasing their current range as well as a few much-loved South African classics.
There’s everything under one roof, from workhorses and family sedans to iconic performance models that have become collector items globally.
Image: Kevin Ritchie
There’s everything under one roof, from workhorses and family sedans to iconic performance models that have become collector items globally.
Among the highlights are a rare first-generation 1971 Nissan Skyline GT-R coupe, several later GT-R models including the R35, a Datsun 240Z, 1600 SSS, Laurel, a 1200 GX and even a Datsun Go.
Most of the vehicles are kept in running condition, while De Kock also has a fully fitted workshop that restores cars on behalf of customers.
De Kock’s fascination with the brand began with Nissan 1400 bakkies, before expanding into classic Datsun and Nissan models sourced from across South Africa.
The collection started in 2007 and word spread through enthusiast circles, owners began approaching him with vehicles, spare parts and restoration projects.
The result is a museum filled with everything from pristine showroom-style classics to unfinished projects waiting for a second life.
A perfectly restored Datsun Fairlady.
Image: Kevin Ritchie
The collection also reflects the strong following Datsun enjoyed in South Africa during the 1960s and 1980s, when models such as the 120Y, 1400 bakkie and 1600 SSS built reputations for durability, performance and affordability.
While not an official factory museum, the collection continues to attract international attention from motoring websites, YouTube channels and enthusiasts because of the rarity and variety of the vehicles housed there.
Nissan South Africa is looking to tap into the museum and De Kock’s knowledge as part of future events to ensure that the brand still remains relevant.