A video has surfaced documenting the first Nissan “Datsun” pickup truck purchased in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia approximately 61 years ago.
According to the video’s documenter, the vehicle was originally priced around 2,700 Saudi Riyal. Today, the same model is valued at 70,000 Saudi Riyal.
The truck’s owner, Abdullah Saleh Al-Tuwaijri, purchased the used vehicle in 1386 AH (Islamic calendar) for 2,800 Riyal. He utilized it for transporting pilgrims during the Hajj season and for gas distribution in Mecca.
Notably, this particular model was the first of its kind to arrive in the Kingdom and did not include a battery due to the high cost; it was started with a hand crank, or “handl.”
The increasing value of this classic vehicle reflects a growing interest in vintage automobiles and their historical significance within the region. This appreciation for early models can often drive up collector values and highlight the evolution of the automotive industry in emerging markets.
