I’ve nicknamed her Marlena—and like most long-term relationships worth having, this one has been built slowly, patiently, and with heart.
This isn’t a quick flip or a trend-driven build. Marlena is the result of thirteen years in the garage, constantly evolving, constantly changing, and always reflecting the vision in my head. Long before I bought her, I knew I wanted one. Growing up, there was always a similar bakkie in the family, and that shape, that sound, that presence quietly embedded itself into my DNA. This build is as much about nostalgia as it is about craftsmanship.
At its core, Marlena started life as a 2005 Nissan 1400 Champ—a South African icon in its own right. But from day one, the goal was clear: transform it into a Datsun 1200-inspired classic, blending old-school Japanese styling with modern execution and personal touches.
Classic Looks, Custom Execution
The exterior is where Marlena immediately tells her story. The front end features a custom-made Datsun grille, paired perfectly with a 1200 Deluxe bumper, instantly shifting the visual identity away from modern utility and into classic JDM territory.
Below that sits a BRE-style front lip, a replica inspired by the legendary BRE era Datsun 510 racers—subtle, purposeful, and dripping with motorsport heritage.
Details matter on a build like this. Datsun 510 fender mirrors replace the standard units, while the GX5 fiberglass bonnet (Japanese-spec) adds both weight savings and period-correct aggression. Overfenders widen the stance, giving Marlena the muscular presence she deserves, while the custom tailgate, finished with a Datsun 620 center section, ties the rear together with a factory-plus look that feels intentional, not forced.
A 1970s-Inspired Cabin
Inside, the theme continues—classic, raw, and driver-focused.
The seats are custom-built to mimic 1970s Nissan racing seats, offering vintage style without sacrificing comfort. The door cards are crafted from aluminum, keeping things lightweight and purposeful, while the leather steering wheel features a Nismo button at its center, paired with a matching leather gear shifter for a cohesive, tactile feel.
Even the handbrake tells a story—it’s sourced from a Datsun 160U, another nod to the era that inspired the entire build. Nothing inside Marlena feels accidental; every component earns its place.
Stance, Wheels & Suspension
The stance is unapologetically old-school.
Rolling on 13-inch Targa replica wheels, the originals were widened from 7J to 9J—a serious transformation carried out by Sumo Customs. Wrapped in 175/50/13 Yokohama tyres, the setup delivers that perfect balance of stretch, grip, and period correctness.
Suspension-wise, the front runs sleeve-overs with shortened shocks, while the rear sits on 50mm lowering blocks, Beetle shocks, and straightened leaf springs. The result is a planted, purposeful stance that looks right standing still—and even better in motion.
Heart of the Build
Under the bonnet sits an A14 motor, brought to life with 20-valve throttle bodies for that unmistakable response and induction sound. A custom intake by Saw Works, combined with a mild cam and free-flowing exhaust, keeps things reliable yet exciting—exactly how a street-driven classic should be.
It’s not about chasing dyno numbers. It’s about character, response, and feel—the kind that makes every drive an event.
More Than a Build
Marlena isn’t finished—and she probably never will be. That’s the beauty of it.
She represents thirteen years of learning, refining, changing direction, and staying true to a vision rooted in family memories and old-school Japanese motoring culture. Every modification tells a chapter of that story, and every future change will simply add another layer.
Some cars are built once. Others, like Marlena, are lived with, shaped over time, and loved deeply.
Built slowly. Built properly. Built with soul.
