1983 Ford P100 3.0 V6

A South African market Cortina MkV based vehicle, this 1983 Ford 1-Tonner “Bakkie” (pick-up) was imported to the UK and registered in February 2020 and is currently showing 21,423 km on the odometer. Given that it’s been registered in at least two South African provinces (see History Highlights), including the country’s largest and most deserted, it is likely that it has been driven around the clock at least once.

Unlike European P100 pick-up customers, 1-Tonner Bakkie buyers in Africa had the option of a locally made Ford 3.0-litre Essex V6 engine (2994cc), which is what this example has under the bonnet, driving through a 4-speed manual gearbox.

The vendor is an ex-pat South African living in the UK who works in freight forwarding and runs a sideline in importing good condition rust-free classics from his homeland. He has a network of friends and family across the country who help to source and inspect the cars.

This particular vehicle was offered to him by a mechanic friend in Pretoria who is a Ford specialist and collector - having around 20 classic Fords - and who needed to move it on to make space for another purchase. Prior to his ownership from 2011, it was the retirement runabout of a former mining boss in the Northern Cape province. Its history before that is unknown.

Given the age and likely commercial or agricultural use of this pick-up, the bodywork and Light Sand coloured paint aren’t in too bad a condition - it is understood to have been previously resprayed in the original colour but never restored.

There are nicks and dents and tiny dots of rust here and there - especially in the load space - but in reality this presents in a very reasonable condition. We can’t imagine that a contemporary UK P100 would have fared so well. Having said that, most SA 1-Tonners would by now be sporting a pick-and-mix of different coloured body panels.

It looks like the front bumper has done its job at some time in the past and is bent a little out of shape, although clearly repainted since. There is light rust on the front valance and around the indicators and rust bubbles and cracks at the base of both A-pillars.

In the tray-back, the sides, tailgate and floor appear to be pretty sound with just light flecks of rust where successive cargoes have knocked the paint surface. The corrosion is a little more established where the floor meets the front wall behind the cab.

The factory-fit 14-inch steel wheels show in a fair condition with only light marks around the rims and no dents and are complete with their original hubcap/dust covers. All four are fitted with Dunlop SP Endura tyres dated 2008 which are slightly perished and cracked - as advised in MOT.

This is where we usually say that quality matching tyres are a good indicator of a mechanically sympathetic owner who doesn’t cut corners on maintenance. Whilst in this case given recent ownership it is still likely (see also Underneath section for engine bay condition), we have no surviving documentation to back this up.

The interior trim is mostly a steel grey vinyl which seems free of damage. The fabric-covered bench seats are possibly a later addition or modification as they don’t seem to match the door and dash trim but they are clean and in good order. Aftermarket speakers have been cut into the door cards but the stereo itself is no longer present. As you would expect of a utility vehicle from the period, the dash and instrument panel is a simple affair.

The carpet is heavily worn on the driver’s side, exposing some cabling, which would need replacing. The headlining appears intact but is looking a little discoloured in places, as are the sun visors. The central interior light fitting is missing. Under the dash, there is some surface rust to the inside of the bulkhead and the door bottoms have started to corrode, more so on the driver side.

Whilst we always encourage an inspection in person if possible, we understand that some potential bidders may be limiting travel and social exposure. Be sure to scrutinise the detailed photos in the gallery first but, as we are looking after the car during the auction, why not use the ‘Contact Seller’ option to arrange a viewing or set up a video call with us to discuss the car and we can zoom in on any areas you’d like a closer look at.

Under the bonnet, the simple engine bay seems clean, tidy and corrosion free. The only non-original item is the alarm system which, as we discovered when first moving the vehicle, is rather effective and loud. The lid of the air cleaner housing has come open but we suspect this just needs refitting and tightening up. That aside, the engine and ancillaries appear well looked after with all perishable hoses, lines and ducts renewed where necessary.

Underneath from the front, the steering rack looks to have had some work recently, maybe new or reconditioned. Other front suspension components also look in good order, free of road dirt or surface rust that UK vehicles would suffer. The central undersides also seem in a fair condition with just a little surface rust under the sills.

Under the rear tray, the leaf springs and chassis structures are sporting a little surface corrosion as are the undersides of the load space bodywork, but otherwise all appears intact. The diff housing has taken a bit of a clunk at some point but this doesn’t appear to have affected the drive. There is a towbar and trailer electrics but no ball is fitted. The exhaust system appears sound and in a reasonable condition and has a chrome tailpipe trim fitted.

We only have the vendor’s verbal account of this Bakkie’s history in South Africa - as outlined in The Vehicle section above. We do know from the vehicle’s data plate and export documentation that it was built in 1983 at Ford’s Neave Assembly Plant in Port Elizabeth and was last registered in Gauteng Province. Previous registration numbers locate it in the Northern Cape Province - mining country.

As mentioned before, the vendor knows of two former owners in South Africa, which tally with the previous registrations. After its export through Durban and arrival in the UK it was successfully put through an MOT - valid until January 2021 - and registered with the DVLA.

This pick-up comes with keys and fobs and a small file of export paperwork and UK MOT and registration documents.

This 1-Tonner - or P100 if you prefer - runs and drives well for a nearly 40 year old utility vehicle and with a long MOT it gives the new owner a number of options. Maybe you are thinking of customising it as a hot rod (it already has a great engine) or drift car, perhaps just modernise it with a smart paint job, a truckman top and a modern interior - or will you faithfully restore it to show condition? Whatever your ideas or plans, this could be one cool looking retro pick-up.

We think this very usable Ford 1-Tonner/P100 will fetch between £5,000 and £10,000. But as it’s offered with NO RESERVE, a cheeky bid could land you a bargain. You won’t find another V6 1-Tonner or P100 as straight as this.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; to arrange an appointment please use the ‘Contact Seller’ button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.