Historic Nissan and Datsun Models Find New Home

Nissan South Africa has reinforced its connection to automotive heritage by donating five landmark
vehicles to Freek de Kock, founder of the world’s biggest private Nissan and Datsun collection.

The donation spans a diverse range of models, each representing a unique chapter in the brand’s
journey. The “Hands that Build” Nissan Navara stands out as the first locally produced Navara,
symbolising South Africa’s role in global manufacturing. At the other end of the spectrum, the last
NP200 halfton bakkie embodies the conclusion of a beloved workhorse’s production run.

“These are all iconic or unique models which were either made at this plant,” explains Nissan Africa
head of brand and communications, Ramy Mohareb, “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”

The decision to donate the vehicles to Freek was a simple one, says Nissan South Africa country
director Juan Wheeler.

“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 this incredible
Japanese brand and its more than 60-year heritage in South Africa. It made perfect sense as we were
closing our manufacturing operation at Rosslyn to ensure that these historic vehicles are kept and
cherished in a place that truly honours and cherishes the Nissan brand as much as we do,” he says.

Freek, who started his collection more than 20 years ago, currently has more than 200 vehicles, of
which 120 are in perfect running and showroom condition. They range from the high-performance
Nissan GT-R and Datsun 240Z models to the Fairlady and even a Datsun Safari, an early version of the
Datsun Patrol, which was configured as a fire engine and deployed in Japan.

“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.

“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,” Freek says.

The LEAF and the X-Trail e-POWER are also very special he says, because it reminds people of how
Nissan was always ahead of the curve in terms of innovation and, with the LEAF, the world leader in
electrified mobility.

“At Nissan, we pride ourselves on our products and our people,” says Ramy, “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 and we look forward to doing
even more with him in future.”