Many contractors and suppliers will fondly remember the fabulous ISUZU KB bakkies of old. For years they dominated the sales charts and were regarded
Many contractors and suppliers will fondly remember the fabulous ISUZU KB bakkies of old. For years they dominated the sales charts and were regarded as the toughest choice for anybody needing to carry heavy loads like cement, sand and stone. Now, they will be happy to know that Isuzu South Africa has restored one of these gems to better than new condition.
The restoration of a beloved vintage vehicle is always an act of devotion. This is especially true for the recent revival of ISUZU’s iconic 45-year-old KB bakkie, a rugged, dependable workhorse that has stood the test of time. With its unmistakable charm and storied history, the KB bakkie holds a special place in automotive culture, and its restoration is nothing short of a labour of love.
In early April 2024, ISUZU embarked on an ambitious journey to bring this legendary bakkie back to life, completing the project just in time for its big debut in June 2024. The KB bakkie restoration was a collaborative effort from start to finish. ISUZU’s Vehicle Engineering team played a central role, with each member contributing their expertise to ensure the project stayed on course. From tackling the day-to-day tasks to allowing key resources to focus on the refurbishment, the entire team rallied behind this passion project.
The bakkie, although drivable when the restoration process began, wasn’t without its issues. Its chassis and underbody were heavily rusted, and the interior showed signs of decades of use. One of the key challenges during the restoration was sourcing original parts. After all, a 45-year-old vehicle presents a unique problem—many of its original components are no longer in production. Despite these hurdles, the team managed to track down parts from collectors and automotive restorers. At times, modern equivalents had to be sourced from local automotive retailers. One of the most difficult components to replace was the cracked front windshield, which required extensive negotiation but ultimately fit perfectly.
This balancing act—using a mix of original parts and modern solutions—gave the KB bakkie a new lease on life while still respecting its legacy. The team took pride in retaining as much authenticity as possible, from chrome mirrors sourced locally to vintage wheel caps from a collector. These thoughtful details ensured the bakkie retained its period-correct look, all while overcoming the challenges of sourcing.
The restoration process wasn’t without its share of challenges. “Parts, parts, parts, and time,” was the recurring theme. As a solution, the team employed innovative restoration techniques, combining modern-day technology with respect for the bakkie’s original build. One standout process was the sandblasting and e-coating of the chassis at Kempston Road—an advanced treatment the KB would never have received 45 years ago. While the painting wasn’t intended to be showroom quality, it was deliberately chosen to maintain the rugged, seasoned character of the bakkie—a practical finish that celebrates its long history of service.
In terms of interior restoration, the team aimed to preserve as much of the original look and feel as possible. Time constraints and the project’s overarching philosophy of “doing more with less” meant minimal enhancements for modern comfort. The badly cracked instrument panel was repaired, the door trim panels and seats were cleaned and polished, and an unmoulded vinyl floor mat was temporarily fitted. Despite the minimal upgrades, there’s something incredibly nostalgic about the interior—the kind that takes you back in time to when the KB was a new, shiny vehicle on the market. Plans to source a proper, moulded vinyl mat are in the works, a testament to the team’s desire to perfect every detail.
When it came to painting and finishing the bakkie, the goal was to respect the classic blue shade from the vehicle’s original era to pay homage to the bakkie’s legacy while keeping its spirit alive. The body builders handled the painting process with precision, ensuring that the bakkie would stand out on the road without losing its rugged appeal.
This restoration journey wasn’t about creating a perfect, pristine vehicle—it was about preserving its history and the stories that have been woven into its fabric over the last four decades. Each dent, each worn-out seat, and each faded panel tells a tale of resilience, hard work, and the countless roads travelled. By honouring these imperfections, the team ensured that the bakkie remains a living, breathing artefact of the past, carrying with it the essence of its era while ready to make new memories.
Today the bakkie, once showing its age with rust and wear, now stands proudly as a testament to ISUZU’s legacy of durability, craftsmanship and the ability to thrive under pressure.
As much as ISUZU bakkies are a tribute to the past, they are also designed with the future in mind. Built on a foundation of durability, reliability, and innovation, ISUZU has consistently evolved to meet the demands of modern drivers. Today’s bakkies are equipped with cutting-edge technology, enhanced safety features, and improved fuel efficiency, making them not only tough workhorses but also forward-thinking vehicles suited for both rugged terrains and urban landscapes. With sustainability and performance at the core of their engineering, ISUZU bakkies continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, proving that they aren’t just built to last—they’re built for the future.
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