While the truck proudly wears its age, beneath the vintage exterior lies a thoroughly modern foundation. The suspension system was upgraded to improve ride comfort and handling, ensuring that the vehicle performs confidently on today’s roads.
They say a project car is never truly done — because every time you think you’re satisfied, you spot something else you could improve. A new detail. A better finish. Another personal touch.
What followed was nearly ten months of dedication. Every repair was carried out at home, by hand, without expensive tools or high-end workshop backing. It was a project built on patience, persistence, and countless late hours. The mechanical revival came first — restoring the fourth cylinder, fine-tuning the carburetor, and ensuring that everything operated exactly as Nissan originally intended.
But the true artistry lay in the details.
Matthew’s love for cars began early. As a kid, he dreamed of building a 1936 hotrod with his dad — a vision that never quite materialised, but quietly planted the seed for something bigger.
From the beginning, the goal was clear: capture the unmistakable character of a classic American school bus while integrating true hot rod attitude and modern performance engineering.
At the core of the project sits a 3.6 straight six — proper old-school engineering. There’s something timeless about a six in a row. Smooth delivery. Solid torque. Built to work and built to last.
Apart from the 350 small block Chevy (SBK) block and crank, the motor was built entirely new. Everything was carefully selected and assembled to create a reliable, powerful setup. The engine was mated to a 4L60 gearbox, giving the car smooth cruising ability with modern drivability to match its classic looks.
Her journey gained real momentum when she joined the BMW Club in KZN. What started as passion quickly evolved into purpose. She had the opportunity to race at respected circuits such as Roy Hesketh Raceway, Dezzi Raceway, and Mason’s Mill — tracks that test both skill and nerve.
The vision was simple: retro attitude, traditional hot rod stance, and period-correct soul.
To get the proportions just right, the windscreen was chopped by 2.5 inches, tightening up the profile and giving the car that unmistakable squinting, aggressive look. The body was then channeled 4.5 inches over the frame, dropping it deep and low without losing the classic ’34 character.
The Dodge Royal’s story is one of near tragedy.
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