Used Nissan 1400 Bakkie

Eager to find your perfect used Nissan 1400 bakkie? Well, the Nissan 1400 was truly an icon in South Africa’s motoring history, and it’s easy to see why it has remained a beloved classic. At Group1, we proudly offered many used Nissan 1400 bakkies at our showrooms in Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Port Elizabeth, and Uitenhage over the years.

There was always a high demand for Nissan 1400 bakkies for sale, but we no longer stock these, as we do not sell used vehicles older than 6 years.

All About The Nissan 1400 Bakkie For Sale

A new or used Nissan 1400 bakkie was the first vehicle that many South Africans ever owned. In fact, it was launched in 1971 and for nearly four decades they were manufactured brand new at Nissan’s Rosslyn Plant near Pretoria in their thousands.

From there they took to the Highways and byways of South Africa, winning the hearts, minds and imaginations of the country. Unfortunately, they are no longer made anywhere in the world, since this range was replaced with the Nissan NP200 1-ton single cab.

The History of the Nissan 1400 Bakkie

Launched as a replacement for the Datsun 1200 bakkie in the early seventies, the Nissan 1400 was an instant hit. Affordable, reliable, cheap to maintain and service with a 500kg load capacity and a bench seat to accommodate three (not too large) passengers, the little rear wheel drive workhorse was to become South Africa’s most trusted and faithful vehicle.

This was not least because it’s so perfectly suited to the harsh South African conditions: tough as nails, worthy of all manner of difficult tasks and almost endlessly durable (there are even stories of 1400 bakkies sinking underwater, being dried out, starting afresh and driving away).

Through a production run of 37 years, over 275,000 Nissan 1400 bakkies were manufactured to be driven by builders, gardeners, delivery drivers and plumbers; in fact just about every category of transportation requirement. However, the 1400 bakkie hasn’t just been an essential work tool; it’s been a family car, a carrier of friends, pets and surfboards; it’s brought newborn babies home, carried them through childhood and, eventually, taken them safely off to college.

Nissan 1400 Model History

Nissan 1400 1982-2008
The Nissan 1400 received notable updates, including a higher cab roof to accommodate taller South African drivers, front disc brakes, rectangular headlights, and black bumpers. It gained popularity and earned nicknames like “1400 Bakkie” and “kanniedood” (meaning “cannot die” in Afrikaans) due to its reliability. In 1986, Nissan expanded the 1400 lineup by introducing the Sport and De-Luxe derivatives. The sport model of the 1400 Bakkie had a 5-speed gearbox and distinctive styling elements compared to the standard model. The 1990s saw the launch of the Nissan 1400 standard bakkie, which became the foundation for subsequent models. In its final 2005 version, the Nissan 1400 Bakkie was offered in two model ranges: The standard 1400 Bakkie and the 1400 Sport popularly known as Nissan Champ. The Nissan Champ used the same 47KW engine as the standard model but included a tinted windscreen, decals and spotlights – side stripping, bucket seats, cloth upholstery, rev counter and a soft grip steering wheel. Production was discontinued in 2008 due to stricter emission and safety regulations and replaced by the NP200, which was discontinued in 2024. Did You Know? Nissan South Africa invited past and present owners to share their Nissan 1400 bakkie stories, movies, or photos. One lucky winner received one of the 150 units of the Heritage Edition as a tribute to this beloved bakkie.
Nissan 1400 at a Glance
Power Train Engine 1.4L Transmission Four/Five-speed gearbox	Configurations Single Cab
	Assembled in SA? Yes
	Vehicle Layout Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout
	Alternative Name 1400 1400 Bakkie Kanniedood Nissan Champ

Datsun 1200 1971-1979
Initially sold worldwide as the Datsun 1200, the tough half-ton bakkie made its debut in South Africa in 1971. In 1976, it was renamed the Datsun 120Y and it was around this time that local production started in South Africa. Did You Know? In 1979, the Datsun 1200 bakkie had recorded 40,000 units sold. This highlighted the vehicle’s popularity and practicality in the South African market during that era. The Datsun 1200 bakkie, known for its reliable performance and compact size, appealed to a wide range of consumers, including farmers, tradespeople, and urban dwellers needing a versatile utility vehicle. It was the first to be assembled at Nissan’s Rosslyn plant in South Africa.
Datsun 1200 at a Glance
Power Train Engine 1.2 L 1.4 L Transmission 4 speed manual	Configurations Single Cab
	Assembled in SA? Yes
	Vehicle Layout Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout
	Alternative Name Datsun 1200 Datsun 120Y

Looking For A Secondhand Nissan 1400?

If you’re on the hunt for a pre-owned Nissan 1400, finding one will likely be a challenge. However, with multiple showrooms across Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Port Elizabeth, and Uitenhage, we may be able to help you source these timeless models, offering a chance to find exactly what you’re looking for.

The majority of used Nissan 1400 bakkies available today are typically the popular “Champ” model variants. Renowned for their enduring reliability and practicality, these Champ models are a sought-after choice among buyers seeking a dependable baby workhorse.

Second Hand Nissan 1400 For Sale

Given its renowned reliability and Nissan’s commitment to quality, it’s no wonder the used Nissan 1400 models have consistently delighted customers over the years. We’ve proudly served countless satisfied customers who appreciate the little bakkie’s dependable performance and straightforward maintenance, making it a trusted choice in the market.

At Group1 Nissan, we are dedicated to providing a diverse selection of top-notch used bakkies. Each vehicle undergoes rigorous inspections as part of the Nissan Intelligent Choice program to guarantee outstanding quality. Our transparent purchasing process and expert team ensure you make a confident and informed choice when you drive off with your vehicle.

Used Nissan 1400 in Capetown

Get the best used Nissan in Cape Town at our Kuils River or Stellenbosch branches:

Group1 Nissan in Kuils River
Tel: 021 900 5200

Group1 Nissan in Stellenbosch
Tel: 021 887 6900

Used Nissan 1400 in Gauteng at The Glen

Looking to purchase a pre-owned Nissan in Gauteng? Group1 Nissan The Glen is your go-to destination.

Group1 Nissan The Glen
Tel: 010 593 4393

Used Nissan 1400 in The Eastern Cape

Contact our Uitenhage showroom to explore the selection of pre-owned Nissans available for sale in the Eastern Cape.

Group1 Nissan in Uitenhage
Tel: 041 994 1800

Interested in a Used Nissan 1400?

While simplistic in design, the Nissan 1400 remains a timeless choice cherished for its reliability and practicality. Despite being discontinued many years back, there are still a few great quality used Nissan 1400 bakkies on the market.

For those seeking alternatives, consider exploring our selection of used Nissan Navaras or used Nissan NP200s, each offering excellent options to suit your needs.