Nissan South Africa country director Juan Wheeler (left) with Freek de Kock, who owns the largest private Nissan and Datsun collection in the world.
Image: Supplied
As Nissan South Africa draws the curtain on vehicle production at its Rosslyn assembly plant, five significant vehicles have been entrusted to the country's most dedicated Nissan collector.
The manufacturer has donated the vehicles to Freek de Kock, founder of what is regarded as the world's largest private collection of Nissan and Datsun vehicles, ensuring that some of the brand's most important South African models will be preserved for future generations.
The donation includes the "Hands that Build" Nissan Navara, the first locally built Nissan Navara, the final Nissan NP200 produced, a second-generation Nissan Leaf, a Datsun Go concept rally car and the Nissan X-Trail e-POWER.
According to Nissan Africa's Head of Brand and Communications, Ramy Mohareb, each vehicle represents an important chapter in the company's local history.
"These are all iconic or unique models which were either made in Rosslyn or which were based at the plant for homologation ahead of their introduction to the South African market, like the Leaf or for feasibility studies like the X-Trail e-POWER."
Nissan South Africa Country Director Juan Wheeler said the decision to entrust the vehicles to De Kock was an obvious one.
"If you have ever had the privilege of visiting Freek's collection in Bothaville, you know you are in the presence of someone who doesn't just love cars; he is absolutely passionate about the brand and its more than 60-year heritage in South Africa," he said.
De Kock began collecting Nissan and Datsun models more than 20 years ago and today owns more than 200 vehicles, with around 120 maintained in showroom and running condition.
His collection includes performance icons such as the Nissan GT-R, Datsun 240Z and Fairlady, alongside rarer vehicles including a Datsun Safari, an early Patrol derivative that served as a fire engine in Japan.
He said receiving the latest additions was a special moment.
"I don't have favourites, I love them all, and I am particularly happy that my passion and commitment for the brand has been recognised by Nissan South Africa with this incredibly generous and very touching donation."
Among the five vehicles, De Kock says the final Nissan Navara produced at Rosslyn holds particular significance.
"I have an extensive range of Nissan bakkies, but it is very special indeed to receive the last Navara, complete with the handprints of the men and women who built it, to my collection as well as the NP200, which was the heir to the iconic Nissan 1400."
He added that both the Nissan Leaf and X-Trail e-POWER also represent important milestones in Nissan's history, highlighting the manufacturer's early leadership in electrified mobility and alternative powertrain technology.
Mohareb said De Kock has become an integral part of the Nissan family through his efforts to preserve and showcase the brand's heritage.
"At Nissan, we pride ourselves on our products and our people, and Oom Freek is definitely part of our family. He has been an incredible ambassador for the brand, sharing his collection with us at events the length and breadth of the country."