Ford pays tribute to the iconic ‘bokkie bakkie’
The first Cortina bakkie was launched in South Africa in 1971. A few years after, Ford released a limited-edition Cortina MK3 bakkie, which was badged as the Cortina Springbok edition. Last month, Ford took the time to pay tribute to this iconic nameplate by celebrating its legacy.
The colours seen on the classic limited-edition Cortina were all heavily inspired by the famous green and gold kit worn by the Springboks. This was largely due to the popularity of the Cortina bakkie amongst South African rugby supporters at the time, it had even earned the nicknamed the ‘bokkie bakkie’.
This proudly South African bakkie was produced in Ford’s vehicle assembly plant in Port Elizabeth. Many locals who were fond of the MK3 Cortina often had expressed their desire for a custom paint job, rather than the original 1970 model. This is when Ford had decided to meet the demands of its customers by launching this limited-edition Cortina.
Dale Reid, Product Marketing Manager at FMCSA says that “Based on one of Ford’s most iconic vehicles of that period, its qualities of power and versatility were instinctively telegraphed through Springbok rugby. It is bound to stir our country’s emotions, and we’re thankful that there are owners who have given their time and effort to ensure that this page of Ford’s history has been so well maintained.”
One of the best kept Springbok edition Cortina bakkies can still be seen today with Dr. Brian Hodgson Rademeyer. After inheriting the bakkie from his late father, Brian began to restore his Cortina bakkie. The car’s factory paint code was found, while the three-speed gearbox overhauled, suspension, and other rubber parts were all sourced and replaced.
In terms of safety, Brian had three-point safety belts fitted. Under the hood, the 2.5-litre V6 engine remained after being thoroughly checked upon its removal. The gold-painted Springbok emblems seen on the exterior were carefully traced and cut from vinyl. Brian has also added a lighter genuine leather interior colour as well as a rubberized load box with a tonneau cover.
To many, the Cortina is the heart of all South African bakkies. According to Stuart Grant, a man who has spent a better part of his career to studying Africa’s classic cars said, “Technically the term bakkie stems from the colloquial term bak, which loosely translates to bowl or container, and scanning through 1970s motoring publications reveal that it wasn’t until the Ford Cortina pickup’s production was in full swing that South Africans started using the term bakkie for any light utility vehicle.”
Although Ford has moved forward with the modern Ranger, a special place for the Cortina heritage will always remain. The Cortina was where it all begun, elevating Ford's bakkie culture in South Africa.
Also worth a look: the Ford Transit Custom and the Ford Escort Mk1 RS Returns as 800kg Track Weapon.
FAQ
Q: What is the Ford Cortina Springbok bakkie worth today?
A well-maintained Ford Cortina Springbok bakkie can fetch between R80,000 and R150,000 in South Africa, depending on condition and originality. Restored examples like Dr Brian Hodgson Rademeyer's can command premium prices due to their rarity and historical significance.
Q: How many Ford Cortina Springbok bakkies were made?
Ford produced the Cortina Springbok edition as a limited run in the mid-1970s, though exact production numbers weren't officially recorded. Most estimates suggest fewer than 1,000 units were manufactured at Ford's Port Elizabeth plant, making survivors extremely rare today.
Q: What engine did the Ford Cortina Springbok bakkie have?
The Cortina Springbok bakkie featured Ford's 2.0-litre inline-four petrol engine, producing approximately 75kW and paired with a three-speed manual gearbox. This combination provided adequate performance for its era while maintaining the reliability Ford was known for.
Q: Can you still buy parts for a Ford Cortina Springbok bakkie?
Finding original parts for the Cortina Springbok is challenging but not impossible, with specialist classic Ford dealers and restoration shops occasionally stocking components. Many owners resort to refurbishing original parts or sourcing from donor vehicles, as Brian Rademeyer did with his restoration.
Q: Is the Ford Cortina Springbok bakkie a good investment?
The Cortina Springbok bakkie represents excellent investment potential for classic car enthusiasts, with values steadily climbing over the past decade. Its unique South African heritage, rugby connection, and extreme rarity make it one of the most desirable local classics.
Should You Buy It?
Absolutely yes, if you can find one and have R100,000 to R150,000 burning a hole in your pocket. The Ford Cortina Springbok bakkie isn't just a classic car, it's a piece of South African automotive and rugby heritage that's only getting rarer. With fewer than 1,000 ever made and most having succumbed to rust or neglect, finding a decent example is like striking gold at a Ventersburg braai. Sure, parts are scarce and restoration costs can spiral faster than a Bok winger on the overlap, but this bokkie bakkie represents the best of proudly South African motoring history. For collectors and rugby fanatics alike, the Cortina Springbok is the ultimate garage trophy that'll have your mates talking long after the boerewors is finished.
