When Nissan wanted to go global in the ’60s, they weren’t too keen on actually using the Nissan badge because if things hit the fan, their reputation would be toast. In order to save themselves from potential disaster, they went with Datsun instead. At least that’s how I think the story goes. Anyway the Datsun brand did not fail and eventually the Nissan name went global, but not before this small truck rolled off the production line. Called the Datsun Sunny Truck, this compact car was cheap, basic, and designed to work. It was produced from 1971 to 1989, so it showed up in both “Datsun” and “Nissan” dealerships. However none of them looked like Hao Phu’s – the man behind clothing brand Koka Department. Why you ask? Well, keep reading and you’ll find out.
How many little trucks do you see like this one out in the street? Hardly any I would say. When everybody has done the Skyline, the Silvia, the Z, the GT-R and the 180SX, you look elsewhere for inspiration. Now I personally would be content with any of the cars above but Hao clearly wasn’t. Following a trend is not in his playbook, because he aims to be a trendsetter who creates a culture that he can call his own. People will inevitably talk the talk about how they do the same thing, but most of them struggle to back it up with action. Hao is not one of those people, and the car is very much reflective of that enterprising desire.
Although the car is something of a niche product, it’s underpinnings are not because it’s just a Datsun Sunny with a truck bed. The Sunny was a very popular car that came in many variations, from sedan to wagon and fastback coupe. The coupe was the sportiest version, and many of them were modified to go racing. Being rear-wheel drive, it was a fantastic entry point into touring car racing and the flared wheelarches that drivers added inspired Pandem to make a kit for the Sunny many years later. They fit perfectly onto this classic ride because it’s not extreme and is reminiscent of the time period this car was concieved in. The wheel choice and the tyre fitment are very much tune with the period too.
You know this vehicle isn’t made for work when you look at the large roof-mounted spoiler. It looks like a sunshade that you’d put on top of the windshield instead of behind the cabin. You will also find a spoiler attached to the back of the tray on top of the rear door. This mod is a little more common and instantly makes the truck more racey – if that’s even a word. I must also bring attention to the lip spoiler at the front underneath the chrome bumper because it’s an important piece that ties the whole build together. I can’t find a fault with the appearance, and I would honeslty modify the car in the exact same fashion if I could. Only difference would be the colour of course because I like red far too much.
This truck may be small but it definitely makes a big statement with it’s unique appearance. I don’t use the word unique often and I actively avoid using it for fear of sounding repetitive, but there’s no other word for this car. It’s truly one of a kind and Hao chose a great spot to park it in, ensuring that all the photographers can hang on to something special. This is culture, this is Melbourne and this is why we love cars.
