Ford’s “super-truck” was introduced in 1977 and CAR tested the performance model, the 3000 manual-shift bakkie, in the July 1980 issue. This one-tonner was the second-generation Ford bakkie engineered and manufactured in South Africa and sold 24 000 between 1978-1980.
CAR’s test vehicle was the Leisure Bakkie version, which came with an optional fibre-glass canopy fitted. It had “attractive” two-tone paintwork and halogen auxiliary driving lights. “Special equipment” included a lockable fuel filler, reversing light (how times have changed, hey?), shaded windscreen, heavy-duty rubber mat in the load area and a fitted tonneau cover.
The Essex V6 engine was mated with a four-speed manual gearbox and “rocketed” the Ford from rest to 80 km/h in 7,6 seconds. It’s top speed was a staggering 170 km/h, unheard of in a working vehicle. Fuel consumption was an impressive 9,67 L/100 km with the canopy fitted. It achieved 9,59 L/100 km without the canopy.
At R6 000, it was a steal!
Click on the pics for the full test.
