The oldest surviving Springbok in motorsport, Ewold van Bergen, celebrated his 95th birthday with family and friends earlier this month at his Langebaan home. The celebration, on Friday 2 August, was a surprise orchestrated by his daughter, Claire le Roux, who invited many to mark the event.
The highlight of the day was the arrival of “his” Matchbox, a 1936 BMW 319/2, led by Nick Middelman, the car’s owner and restorer. Accompanying Nick were Claire, SA Motorsport legend Peter Lindenberg, and Dolores Vermaak. The entourage included Sandra Middelman, Debbie Lindenberg, Werner Vermaak, Lesley Stewart, Desmond Easom, Marizca Radyn, and Pieter Steyn. Messages of support poured in from motorsport enthusiasts like Mustapha Innes Murudker, Ralph Koopman, Neville Young, Thorsten Pey, Johan Barnard, and Adrie Stander.
A Storied Career
Ewold van Bergen’s motorsport journey began 64 years ago when he and M Alan van Niekerk became the first official South African Rally Champions in an Austin A40. In 1964 and 1965, Ewold, alongside Rex Wakeley-Smith, clinched the championship in a 1 200cc 3-speed Datsun 310. A fourth title came in 1970 with his wife, Minota Ann van Bergen, the only lady Springbok rallyist ever, in the legendary Datsun P510 1600 SSS, affectionately known as the Toyota Killer.
Ewold’s bold decision to ship his Datsun to Monte Carlo at the age of 30 caught the attention of Nissan Japan. He became the first Western-born individual to be contracted as a Technical Advisor. It was during these Monte Carlo excursions that he met his future wife, Minota.
Ewold’s motorsport career began with the 1936 BMW 319/2, a lightweight car he modified with a Marshall supercharger, boosting its power from 48hp to 110hp. Despite its mechanical brakes, the car achieved an impressive 112 mph (180km/h). The BMW, nicknamed Matchbox, became a formidable competitor, often finishing in second place due to handicaps imposed by race organisers.
A Scientific Approach
Ewold’s analytical approach to driving and engineering set him apart in the 60s and 70s. He became the first South African Rally Drivers Champion in 1960, driving an Austin A40. His attention then turned to Datsun, and in his 30s he shipped his Datsun to Monaco for the Monte Carlo Rally in 1963. His modifications impressed Nissan technicians, leading to him becoming Technical Advisor.
Ewold contested the Monte Carlo Rally in 1963, 1965, 1966, and 1970, driving various Datsun models, including the Bluebird variants and a 240Z. He also competed in the Shell 4000 Rally in Canada, finishing fourth in a Datsun Cedric.
His achievements include winning the South African Rally Drivers Championship in 1960, 1964, 1965, and 1970. He developed the Datsun P510 1600 SSS into the legendary Toyota Killer. Although he retired from active competition in August 1971, Ewold and Minota still contested the 1971 TAP Rally of Portugal, competing against renowned drivers such as Björn Waldegard, Jean-Pierre Nicolas, and Stig Blomqvist.
A Lasting Legacy
Ewold and Minota’s victory in the 1970 Volta a Portugal Rally earned them hero status in Portugal. Rui Bevilacqua and Manuel Romao de Sousa even rallied a replica of their Datsun P510 1600 SSS in the national historic rally championship.
Ewold’s contributions extended beyond driving. He was the first to experiment with Dunlop Mud and Snow tires and shock absorber development in South African conditions. His retirement from active driving benefited Nissan South Africa, leading the manufacturer to five South African Rally Manufacturer Championships as Nissan Motorsport Team Manager.
Nick Middelman spent 12 years restoring the 1936 BMW to Ewold’s specifications. The emotional reunion between Ewold and Matchbox at Killarney International Raceway was a highlight, with Ewold kissing the car’s roof before sliding behind the wheel. The 92-year-old driver and the 81-year-old car looked as though they had never been separated.
A Special Occasion
The celebration continued with members of the Datsun Club displaying their cars to the South African Datsun legend.
Anette Vermaak led an honorary lap for Ewold and Minota, fittingly on Women’s Day. The day was filled with reminiscences, with Chris Truter, son of former rival Benjamin Truter, adding to the nostalgia.
The event concluded with a social gathering at the Western Province Motor Club boma, celebrating Ewold and Minota as the golden thread of the Springbok era. Ewold’s 95th birthday was a testament to his enduring legacy in motorsport, marked by the completion of Matchbox’s restoration and a final lap around Killarney International Raceway.
Ewold and Minota’s presence at the opening round of the 2022 Western Cape Club Rally Championship in Darling was a fitting tribute to their contributions to motorsport. Although they couldn’t attend the presentation of the finished Matchbox to the Crankhandle Club their legacy lives on.
