The Datsun 1200 – a humble classic that still turns heads in Ballito

Once South Africa’s best selling car, the humble Datsun 1200 now draws admiring glances when spotted on the country’s highways and byways.

Ballito’s Timothy Brunsdon is the proud owner of a cherry red 1973 four-door sedan model, and says he is constantly stopped for pictures and by those asking to buy the diminutive classic.

The Datsun (a subsidiary of Nissan) was the first Japanese car brand to be imported to South Africa in 1966 and grew popular enough to warrant local production through the 70s.

Between 1976 and 1978 it was the top selling brand countrywide.

The 1200 was the first to catch widespread attention, followed by the 1400 and pluckily reliable Datsun Pickup, a few of which can still be seen hauling goods too big for their boot space.

That reliability was the draw in 1973 and remains so for modern day collectors.

“I got to the point where I wanted to get a project car about four years ago. At first I wanted a Nissan 1400 bakkie, but was caught when I saw the Datsun for sale nearby,” said Brunsdon, who works in IT.

The car’s first owner lived in Krugersdorp and it has since changed hands between collectors in Umhlanga and Queensburgh, before making Ballito home in 2020.

It is mostly original but does include an engine from another car of the same model and replacement dashboard.

“The owner had two 1200s, one with a working engine and rusted exterior, while the other had a good shell but engine trouble. He swapped the engines to make one functional model,” he said.

One might be surprised to learn that this 50-year-old veteran has just 88 000 kilometres on the clock, but that is almost definitely an under-exaggeration.

“It’s one of those odometers that turns over every 100 000km.”

“So it could be 188 000 then?” I ask.

“More like 488 000,” laughs Brunsdon, “But it still goes beautifully.”

Originally bought as a weekender, Brunsdon says he finds himself using it three or four times a week, such is the pleasure of the driving experience.

It is certainly no speedster, reaching a flat-out 110kp/h when taken around the Dezzi Raceway last year, but that is not what you look for in a car like this.

The Datsun 1200 is a reminder of a simpler time in car production, when lasting efficiency trumped flashy noise.

“I have had very few problems with it during my ownership. I’m no mechanic, but it is very easy to work on and luckily parts are still relatively easy to source.”

For many older North Coast residents the 1200 will likely harken back to first cars and drive-in theatres.

For Brunsdon it is a growing love affair and it is going to take a few hundred more offers before he is willing to part with the humble classic.

Follow The North Coast Courier on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram & YouTube for breaking news

Telegram Broadcast Service: https://t.me/joinchat/yJULuN8NaCs5OGM0