If you’ve ever driven a bakkie in South Africa, you know they hold a special place in the hearts of many.
The Ford Ranger Tremor, which I’ve been behind the wheel of recently, exemplifies everything great about these tough double cabs.
I’ve already shared my top features of the Ranger, but as I’ve spent more time with it, I’ve found myself reflecting on the larger role bakkies play in South African culture.
The Bakkie’s Time to Shine
Let’s be honest, there’s no other vehicle that quite matches the iconic status of a South African bakkie. It’s not just about the wheels; it’s about what the bakkie represents.
For years, South Africans have looked to flashy status cars as symbols of wealth and success.
But in recent years, that narrative has started to shift, and the bakkie has been at the center of that change.
I think it all started with the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since 2020, the trend of high-end, showy cars has taken a nosedive. Instead, we’ve seen an increasing demand for more practical, affordable vehicles, like the bakkie.
My First Car and the Concept of ‘Status on Wheels’
I’ll admit, my own history with cars is a bit unconventional when it comes to ‘status symbols.’
My first car wasn’t anything like the sleek, shiny rides people usually dream about.
It was a ’64 Volkswagen Beetle, a humble rear-engine, air-cooled beauty that never failed to let me down—until it finally did, on the side of the road in Mowbray.
Unable to afford repairs, I left the Beetle to be towed away, never to be seen again.
I do wonder what happened to it, but I remember it rattling around like a tank, and I have a fond memory of ‘Sherman’ as a survivor.
The ‘99 Nissan Sabre and My Love for Function Over Flash
After that, my next car was far from a Volkswagen disaster, but it still wasn’t a luxury vehicle by any means.
I opted for a ’99 Nissan Sabre, a much cheaper alternative to a Golf, but with far more appeal in terms of power and performance.
What made it special for me? It had a rear wing, and in my twenties, that was all that mattered.
That car is still with me today, though it’s gone through a few major upgrades over the years as I’ve turned it into a track-day toy.
A Memorable Date and a Lesson in Car Status
Looking back, one of my more memorable car moments came when I was trying to impress a girl for my matric dance.
I was determined to show up in a car that would make me stand out, so my dad borrowed a mid-90s Volvo 850 Sedan for the occasion.
The car was an impressive example of Swedish engineering, with an array of buttons on the dashboard and even little wipers for the headlights.
However, as I pulled up to a lavish house in Waterkloof Ridge, Pretoria, surrounded by luxury Mercedes-Benzes, I quickly realized that a Volvo wasn’t going to impress the crowd.
It was a tough lesson in what really matters when it comes to cars.
And now, years later, I find myself driving a Volvo station wagon of my own.
Why I Prefer Bakkies Over Status Cars
From that point on, I stopped caring about how impressive a car looked and instead focused on what it could do.
The bakkie—especially the Ford Ranger Tremor I’ve been driving lately—represents everything I value in a vehicle.
It’s practical, tough, and ready for anything, whether it’s a weekend hike, a surf trip, or just daily life.
The convenience of extra space, rugged durability, and the ability to carry everything from surfboards to camping gear is a game-changer.
And, of course, it’s a symbol of South African pride.
A New Kind of Automotive Status Symbol
These days, bakkies like the Ford Ranger Tremor are the true status symbols in South Africa.
Whether you’re cruising through the city or taking it on an adventure, these vehicles carry an aura of confidence. I’ve noticed that whenever I drive around, other bakkie enthusiasts nod in approval.
There’s something timeless about the bakkie that no flashy sedan or sports car can replicate.
It’s the kind of vehicle that gets the job done, and that’s what really matters in the end.
What’s Your Dream South African Car?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on South African cars.
What’s your dream ride, whether it’s a bakkie, a classic, or something totally different? Let me know in the comments below, or feel free to email or WhatsApp your thoughts.
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