This was over 2 years ago but I just found it. I love old school!!
Nissan’s ‘Champ of Africa’ tops 250 000 units
June 4, 2003
Nissan’s iconic 1400 half-ton bakkie - launched originally in 1971 with a 1200cc motor - has just passed an SA production total of 250 000.
The 1400 bakkie is the cornerstone on which Nissan’s reputation was built in SA, according to Roel de Vries, the company’s head of marketing and communications.
“Many years ago print advertising campaigns focused on its indestructible engine … now time has shown that it’s not just the engine that is indestructible,” he said.
"The Datsun 1200 and, since 1980, the Datsun 1400, which became the Nissan 1400 in 1982, has earned a well-deserved reputation as the ultimate small workhorse in Standard and Champ guises
‘Any other rear-wheel drive bakkie would cost at least R40 000 more.’
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“Any other rear-wheel drive bakkie would cost at least R40 000 more.”
The truck has consistently held about 30% share of the half-ton bakkie market, Nissan says, and, while it has remained largely unchanged, its specification and pricing have been constantly reviewed.
It still has rear-wheel drive, semi-elliptical leaf springs, bodywork from the school of hard knocks, a tough and a simple four-cylinder, carburettor-fed engine.
Maintaining and servicing the 47kW motor requires little in the way of special skills or equipment and it has remained virtually unchanged for more than 20 years.
The Champ has individual seats with cloth upholstery (as opposed to the bench in the Standard), a tachometer, head restraints and a soft-grip steering wheel.
“While it may be the senior citizen of the Nissan model line-up, the 1400 bakkie continues to play a significant role in the local market,” De Vries said.
“Until something else comes along that can work harder with a half-ton load the Nissan 1400 bakkie will continue to deserve its unofficial title of Champion of Africa.”
I cant get the picture to work… :huh:
