From coal dust to gold dust

Late in 2012, Hakkie van Rensburg purchased an old Datsun 280ZX. Rusted, broken and almost hopeless, the car could be described as a lump of 32-year-old coal.

Now, just over a year later, Hakkie has polished it to a fine sheen, likened only to gold.

He was immediately drawn to the vehicle after spotting it next to the road with a for sale sign in the window.

“The owner at that stage was asking a ridiculous price for the condition the car was in,” said Hakkie.

The car disappeared shortly thereafter, but Hakkie was fortunate enough to see the car parked outside a local restaurant a few times.

“By this time, I had started having dreams about this car, and how I would build it up and make it good as new,” Hakkie reminisced. “I telephoned the restaurant, and got some contact details for the guy who owned the car at that stage.”

After some haggling, Hakkie secured a price, and finally had his car. A year of hard work, searching and sleepless nights later, the Datsun 280ZX was finally done. Hakkie also recalled numerous difficulties he had faced in sourcing parts for his classic ride.

“I can’t tell you the price tag this car has come with,” he laughed. “It was tough. We really had to work hard to get some the parts I wanted, because it is such an old car.”

According to Hakkie, every time he drives the car in town, someone will ask him what car it is. This unique vehicle is one of a kind, with a fine attention to detail.

“A project car like this is never finished. There is always something more to do. I am always looking for the next thing to do.”

Hakkie is also the proud owner of a Suzuki Boulevard 1800 motorcycle, with lots of custom bits and pieces that make it just as unique as his Datsun; custom seat, custom exhaust and a custom rear tyre.

“I love my bike,” said Hakkie. “It’s streetwise and a lot of fun to ride. It’s a bit heavy, but with the 1800cc motor, it has more than enough power.”

Hakkie and his wife, Charmaine, share a love for all things mechanical.

“Charmaine was there with me from the beginning,” said Hakkie. “She was the one who helped me with everything, preparing the car to be re-sprayed. I can only say thank you for the amazing relationship we have.”

Be sure to catch Hakkie and Charmaine with their special rides at the Vryheid Old Car Show on June 14.

Fact box:

1982 Datsun 280ZX

Body stripped and prepped by Hakkie and Charmaine

Painted by AJ Panelbeaters

Interior redone by Pioneer Upholstery

Engine:

Straight six turbo L28 motor redone by James Douglas in Johannesburg.

76 throttle bodies with 550 injectors

300bhp (dyno)

Custom intercooler

Custom T4 turbo installation with custom made air pipes

Dicktator management system done by Loukie Visagie

All powder coating done by JJ Janeke.

18” Poizon chrome wheels