The oldest surviving Springbok in motorsport, Ewold van Bergen, and his wife, Minota Ann van Bergen (the first and only female Springbok Rally Navigator), celebrated his 95th birthday at home on Friday 2 August 2024.
Unbeknown to the couple their daughter, Claire le Roux, had once again planned a surprise for her parents by inviting a few guests to attend the occasion.
Big was his surprise when “his” Matchbox led an entourage to his home with Nick Middelman (Owner – Restorer) , Claire le Roux (Daughter), Peter Lindenberg (SA Motorsport legend) and Dolores Vermaak (wife of Werner Vermaak) on board.
Nick and Sandra Middelman brought the 1936 BMW 319/2 to Langebaan and Peter and Debbie Lindenberg joined Werner and Dolores Vermaak (all the way from Dubai), Lesley Stewart, Desmond Easom (WPMC), Marizca Radyn (WPMC) and Pieter Steyn just a few of those who made it special.
Not to mention the many messages and support from the likes of Mustapha Innes Murudker (1989 WP Rally Drivers Champion), Ralph Koopman (NZ), Neville Young, Thorsten Pey, Johan Barnard and Adrie Stander.
Congratulations Ewold – 95 is special!
Turning back the clock:
Sixty four years ago Ewold van Bergen and M.Alan van Niekerk became the first official South African Rally Champions in an Austin A40. In 1964 and 1965 it would be Ewold van Bergen and Rex Wakeley-Smith as champions in their 1200cc 3 speed Datsun 310 and in 1970 a fourth title went to Ewold and Minota-Ann van Bergen in the now legendary TK (Toyota Killer) registered Datsun P510 1600 SSS.
Shipping his own Datsun to Monte Carlo was a bold decision at the age of 30 but the development done on the little Datsun caught the attention of Nissan Japan and Ewold van Bergen became the first Western born to be contracted as Technical Advisor and he would also meet his wife to be, Minota Ann, during the Monte Carlo excursions.
However, Ewold van Bergen would start his motorsport career with a rather unusual car.
Having evaluated many American cars but he liked the lightweight concept of the 1936 BMW 319/2 and after having strapped a Marshall supercharger to the six cylinder, two liter, engine the power output shot up from 48hp to 110hp. No problem as the mechanical brakes was upgraded to hydraulic to allow the 740kg car to achieve a almost unbelievable 112mph / 180km/h. The square shape of the BMW led to it’s nickname of Matchbox and somehow the two did not injure each other enroute to many second places.
(Remember, in the early days it was Index of Performance handicapping that determined results). Matchbox proving to be such a threat to the established stars that the car was always falling foul of the Handicapper and Ewold would find himself closing in on victory in many races, only to inevitably come up second best. But, Matchbox proved itself to an appreciative audience in an era where “home grown” cars were the “flavour” of motorsport in South Africa.
Moving on to become probably the most scientific / analytical driver / engineer of the 60-70 era Ewold van Bergen would become the 1st South African Rally Drivers Champion in 1960 driving an Austin A40 (nobody else would touch it, yet he saw winning potential in the very unlikely rally car).
Turning his attention to Datsun he was soon modifying his cars and at age 30 he shipped his Datsun to Monaco for the Monte Carlo Rally in 1963 where the Nissan technicians found his development of the car impressive enough to employ him as Technical Advisor (the first Western Born to be employed by the Japanese manufacturer)
He would contest the Monte Carlo Rally in 1963 – 65 – 66 with Bluebird variants and a 240Z in 1970. Each experience worthy of separate article. He would also contest the Shell 4000 Rally in Canada with a Datsun Cedric, finishing fourth.
Winning the South African Rally Drivers Cahmpionship in 1960 – 64 – 65 – 70, developing the Datsun P510 1600 SSS into the legendary Toyota Killer would fill another chapter. Having actually retired from active competition in August 1971 Ewold and Minota van Bergen would still contest the 1971 TAP Rally of Portugal against the likes of Björn Waldegard (911 Porsche), Jean-Pierre Nicolas (Alpine A110) and Stig Blomqvist (Saab V4).
Winning the Volta a Portugal Rally 1970 they enjoy hero status in Portugal to this day with Rui Bevilacqua and Manuel Romao de Sousa actually rallying a replica of their Datsun P510 1600 SS in the national historic rally championship for many years.
The father of the P510 Datsun and first to experiment with Dunlop Mud and Snow tyres and shockabsorber development in South African conditions his retirement from active driving benefitted Nissan South Africa as he would lead the manufacturer to five South African Rally Manufacturer Championships as Nissan Motorsport Team Manager.
Nick Middelmann spent twelve years chasing parts in his restoration of the 1936 BMW and deserves a compliment as this car was restored to genuine Ewold van Bergen specifications. Though not complete the engine had been started and the rolling chassis was brought to Killarney by Robert Middelmann (father of Nick) for a very special re-union with the driver who had made her famous.
Emotions ran high as Ewold van Bergen walked up to Matchbox and gently kissed her on the roof before sliding in behind the steering wheel. The BMW, then 81 years old, and the 90 year old driver simply looked as though they had never been separated. Personally I have never experienced a more emotional moment in motorsport and feel truly honoured and privileged to have been present. Old friend and foe, Denis Joubert, spent some time talking about days gone by.
Many minutes later the members of the Datsun Club had to answer questions and display their individual cars to the South African Datsun legend and the statement was made that their cars had been blessed now that Ewold van Bergen had sat in them! What a special occasion………
Being Woman’s Day it was fitting that Anette Vermaak had the privilege to lead the Ewold and Minota-Ann van Bergen honorary lap and time simply flew during the grid walk.
Amazing to learn how many actually remember seeing Ewold van Bergen in action and when Chris Truter (son of a former rival Benjamin Truter) introduced himself the day certainly became too short to cover all the interesting stories.
Adding to this momentous occasion Charles Arton had just won the first heat of the Millstock Classic Cars in his awesome Datsun 240Z and returning to Killarney for the first time in many years was the ex-Richard Quixley Datsun 140GX now driven by Cary Blows.
The only lady Springbok rallyist ever, Minota Ann van Bergen, insisted on sharing a few moments chatting to as many lady competitors on the grid as time would allow. The only other lady Springbok ever was former F1 racer Desiré Wilson.
A social gathering in the Western Province Motor Club boma concluded the day with the knowledge that Ewold and Minota Ann van Bergen really are the golden thread of the Springbok era.
Minota (the name is the equivalent to Sweetheart to the Blackfoot Indian tribe in Canada and she was given her name by Chief Rain in the Face. Another very interesting story for another day)
Few can claim to having a greater influence on South African motorsport!
But, then Nick actually completed the restoration of Matchbox and again we found ourselves at the Killarney International Raceway.
Now aged 92 Ewold van Bergen drove his beloved Matchbox around the Killarney International Raceway with Nick Middelman as navigator and Minota Ann would wave the Chequered Flag to close one of the greatest motorsport careers in front of very appreciative crowd.
Always willing to share their experiences it was fantastic to see Ewold and Minota Ann present at the opening round of the 2022 Western Cape Club Rally Championship in Darling where Serge Damseaux and Vito Bonafede added futher flavour to proceedings.
The couple could unfortunately not be present when the finished product was presented to the members of the Crankhandle Club but rest assured Matchbox and then Ewold van Bergen celebrated 95!
Published by: Patrick Vermaak
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