When you talk about drift cars from the east, there are few brands that dominate, including Nissan. However, this drifting Datsun GX shows that the sideways roots go back to long before S13s.

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Local is Lekker

Datsuns used to have quite a following here in South Africa. Cars such as the GX Coupe, series 510 SSS and others were among the more desirable for petrolheads of the day. Performance versions at the time were a match for the Escorts, Renaults and Alfa Romeos of the time.

These Japanese rear-wheel-drive cars were often seen taking it to the competition on tar and dirt. More than a few SA national title went to Datsun and a few national racing heroes cut their teeth racing these machines. In fact, the car in the video was sourced right here in Mzansi – how cool is that?

Drift Dreams

The drifting Datsun GX coupe is driven by Brit Archie Sugar-Harmer. The teen can’t even drive on the roads legally as yet but he’s been honing his sideways skills for a few years already. His coupe is powered by the famous SR20 engine. It boasts massive turbocharger to ramp up power to roughly 375 kW (500 bhp) according to the driver.

Click here to check out images from our visit to Nissan’s Zama Heritage collection.

Well-known automotive photographer Larry Chen spotted the neat Datsun GX at a UK event recently. He chatted with Archie and captured the great action footage you see in the video below.