South Africa played a huge role in the history of the BMW E12, and in many ways, local versions were more unique and innovative than the European models. If you’re looking at the E12 M535i (1980–1981) specifically, the South African-spec cars had several distinct differences—and there were even exclusive models never sold anywhere else in

The Honda S2000 is a roadster manufactured by Honda Motor Company since April 1999. The car was created to celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary, and continues in the tradition of lightweight roadster “S” cars such as the S600 and S800. Like previous S cars, the name of the S2000 comes from its engine displacement of

The bold BMW Z3 coupe is little bulldog of a car, a purebred 2-seater with a snug fixed-roof body, has generated controversy, as BMW expected it to do. It is not some bland addition of a roof to a roadster. Instead, BMW created a totally new shape from the windshield back; it’s an eye-catcher and

Launched in January 1977, the original Mazda 323 was Mazda’s first modern hatchback and the car that started a model lineage that stretches all the way to today’s Mazda3. A rear-wheel drive compact family car, the smartly styled first-generation 323 was a global success for Mazda. Sales continued until 1980 when it was replaced by

The 1980s Toyota TRD that was available in South Africa, along with some relevant vintage visuals: Toyota TRD in 1980s South Africa — A Classic Performance Tale In the early 1980s, Toyota Racing Development (TRD) — the performance and motorsport arm of Toyota — made a rare and memorable appearance in the South African market

Overview During the 1960s and 1970s, Datsun established itself as a respected brand in South Africa thanks to well-engineered, reliable vehicles imported or locally assembled at the Rosslyn plant near Pretoria (opened in 1966). These cars were celebrated for being affordable, durable and fun to drive — traits that encouraged a loyal following still cherished

The Volkswagen “Kewer” was the local name for the classic Volkswagen Beetle (Type 1) that was built in South Africa — primarily at the Uitenhage plant — from 1951 until early 1979. It earned a reputation as an affordable, rugged, and reliable people’s car, becoming one of the country’s most iconic vehicles of the 20th