It’s been almost four years since Datsun has official returned to the Rainbow nation, and the Japanese automaker is launching a special edition Datsun GO to commemorate its first fifty months of being back in South Africa.
The GO creatively called the ‘Special Version’, is based on the Lux specification model, and now features Bluetooth and a USB-enabled audio system, while the exterior has been kitted out with some silver and blue decals.
“It’s hard to believe that more than four years have passed since we re-entered South Africa with the affordable Datsun GO. Since then, we have expanded the range with the larger GO+ and GO+ Panel Van, with several additional models on the radar. Many owners gradually personalise their vehicles and it is specifically for them that we have created the Special Version,” says Des Fenner, General Manager for Datsun in South Africa.
Priced from R134 500, the GO is one of the most budget-friendly cars currently on sale in SA. According to the annual Kinsey Report, which ranks vehicles by the cost of their service and repair parts, the Datsun GO is the most affordable vehicle to maintain, repair and run in South Africa.
Following the launch of the GO ‘Special Version’, Datsun will be making a visit to the Nissan and Datsun Museum in Bothaville, where a first edition of the Datsun GO will also be on display. Here, car-collector Freek de Kock has built up a collection of rare and special Datsun and Nissan models that remains unrivalled outside of Nissan’s own vehicle museum in Japan, Zama Garage.
Among the many cars on display are perfectly restored versions of every Datsun and Nissan Skyline GT-R, from the first GT-R Hakosuka to the current R35 Nissan GT-R. The collection also includes several versions of the Datsun SSS Coupé, the Datsun 1200 Coupé and beautifully restored versions of the 240Z.
“We have over 200 models at our museum, of which many are in pristine condition, while others are in different stages of restoration,” says De Kock. “We look forward to welcoming fellow enthusiasts and Datsun fans, especially during this week’s NAMPO show outside of town.”
