Nigerians love automobiles. This explains why you see them driving around the nation in a variety of car models. There are very few car models and brands that are unavailable in the nation. They are all present: the good, the bad, and the ugly.
If you are not convinced that Nigerians are car enthusiasts, whether they prefer luxury or vintage vehicles, you should go to any nightclub on Lagos Island on a Friday night. You will be amazed at the variety of cars there. You will learn that some of the cars you believe do not exist in the nation are actually “big boys” toys.They consist of ulta luxury cars from well-known automakers, powerful luxury models, and vintage models. However, this is not the day’s story.
The story revolves around the amusing names Nigerians give car models in addition to the registered names that the original automakers gave them. It is interesting to note that the majority of the names are in local Nigerian languages. Consider names like Korope (for an imported used seven-seater bus), Keke Marwa (for a tricycle), and Tokunbo (for used cars from overseas). People are more familiar with these cars by these names than by the original names given by their manufacturers.
Nevertheless, the personalities and capabilities of the vehicles are not adequately conveyed by these humorous names. While some promote the cars, others demarket them.The names may have been influenced by the personalities or even socioeconomic backgrounds of the users of these vehicles at a particular period. For instance, Honda automobiles were once associated with people from the country’s northern region and were believed to be suitable for the Hausa people. They act in this way because they know that, similar to how the Nissan Micra is the preferred model for taxi drivers in Ibadan, Oyo State, it was the preferred model for Nigerians in that area.
Shagari Model
Let us begin with the first amusing name, which is associated with Alhaji Shehu Shagari, the president of Nigeria in 1979. His official vehicle at the time was a Mercedes S-Class limousine. During its peak of popularity, this opulent limousine was simply referred to as the Shagari model, a name that persisted until the vehicle’s demise.
Numerous well-known Nigerians who could afford it purchased Shagari Mercedes models, viewing them as status symbols. The original Mercedes ML Sports Utility Vehicle, also known as the Armoured Tank, is another Mercedes-Benz model that has a humorous moniker.
The car’s tough exterior and sturdy steel body were the inspiration for this moniker. Panel beaters can attest to this as well. Because it keeps other drivers from colliding with the ML in traffic, it has been dubbed the “armoured tank.”Pure Water is another amusing moniker for a specific car model because of how noticeable it is. Because the Volkswagen Golf was reasonably priced and popular in the 1990s, Nigerians gave it this name.
Most people believed that the VW Golf (Pure Water) was affordable like satchet water. At that time, the tokunbo model could be bought between N300,000 and N450,000, and it was affordable by most young men. Because of the low price the car was bought by many people and it was everywhere. Nigerians tagged it Pure Water.
Golf 2
Because of its speed and quick takeoff, this old Honda Accord was given the nickname Bullet. This model was manufactured circa 1986, and it was introduced to the Nigerian market as tokunbo in the mid-1990s. Its interior is roomy, and the upholstery seats are immaculate. In addition to the Bullet, another Honda model gained popularity among Nigerians. They called it End of Discussion, and that was the model from 2003. There were two and three-litre versions of this specific model available. The car was considered so beautiful at the time that it had everything you could possibly need in a car of that price range. But it subsided and died out.
Discussion continues
This old Honda Accord was nicknamed Bullet because of its speed and rapid takeoff. In the mid-1990s, this model—which was manufactured around 1986—was released as tokunbo on the Nigerian market. The upholstery seats are spotless, and the interior is spacious. Nigerians also began to favour another Honda model in addition to the Bullet. It was referred to as End of Discussion, and it was the 2003 model.
The Toyota Camry of 2003 was unlucky to have its own humorous name in Nigeria, while the Honda Accord continues to swim in these lovely names. It was given the moniker “Big for Nothing,” which, in reality, does not accurately represent its excellent performance and widespread acceptance in Nigeria. As of right now, this Camry is the best-selling vehicle in its class in Nigeria. Although Nigeria gave it the incorrect name, it is highly sought after. As they say, hanging a dog is like giving it a bad name. The Camry, however, is not going to die. It is still the greatest in its class.
Tiny lights, MuscleThe Nigerian public referred to the Camry that preceded this model as Tinny Light or Pencil Light. This Camry is thought to be among the most robust vehicles that Toyota has ever produced. According to some mechanics, this car will still function even if you fuel it with kerosine. However, due to its high demand, it has a reputation as one of the cars that is most likely to be stolen. There are those who contend that the engine can even power a boat. I am unable to confirm this. However, the car is incredibly durable. To keep this Camry from being stolen, its owners always install extra security features like a tracking system and an extra lock.
This is the Camry, also known as the “Muscle,” which was manufactured from 2005 to 2008. Since its introduction, the Muscle’s design has remained incredibly classic, making it unquestionably one of the best-looking Camries ever. In my opinion, Toyota has made unsuccessful attempts over the years to develop a design that would replace the Muscle.The Volkswagen Santana was another vehicle that dominated the market in this segment in the late 1980s, aside from the Toyota Camry and Honda and their amusing names. “There is nothing more to add” was its catchphrase campaign at the time, and it was praised as exceptional.
