Safari 5000 Movie @ datsun510.com

[derekg]

Hi Folks,

 

I've added a video module to datsun510.com with educational and automotive videos. Of note, the 1969 movie "Eiko e no 5,000 kiro" (Safari 5000) which is a Nissan collaboration from 1969 showing a 510 in the 17th East African Safari Rally.

 

So what is so important about this movie? It hasn't been shown in theaters since it was released in 1969. Michael Spreadbury told me about it many, many years ago and over those years I have been in contact with the studio, the producers, Nissan, and even the actor's production company and family looking for this film. Every single one of them said it was not in their archives. The various movie archives in Japan didn't have record of the movie beyond basic production information. Friends in Japan were even doing legwork to no avail. Last year a Blu-Ray box set was released of actor Yûjirô Ishihara and it included this movie. After getting it shipped from Japan and transcoding it, subtitles ripped and added and now it is ready for your viewing pleasure. While there is racing throughout, the East African Safari Rally starts around 1hour43minutes. The pace and cinematography is reminiscent of Steve McQueen's Le Mans.

 

Enjoy this absolute lost gem of Datsun 510 awesomeness.

 

 

Derek

[]2eDeYe]

Nicely done, and thanks.  :cool: 

[Lockleaf]

That is an impressive amount of work. Thank you for that. I will be watching this film soon.

[MikeRL411]

If "they" have denied it doesn't exist, "they" cannot come back to you for copyright bucks !!!!!!

[Racer X 69]

Great stuff.

 

At about 30 minutes there is some testing of a Can Am type car with Nissan on it, the driver is wearing a suit with Nissan embroidered on it too.

 

Awesome car, does anyone have any info on it?