That Crazy Cressida Crash - The owner/driver tells us what happened (Exclusive interview)

The owner of South Africa's fastest Toyota Cressida, Natie Booysen, is an absolute gentleman and an exceptional custom car creator. His 10-second Cressida became an icon on the local motorsport scene, running a 9.3 quarter mile at the peak of its powers.
And then...any racing driver's worst nightmare. A technical failure at 240km/h sent the Cressida careening into the tyres at Aldo Scribante. Thankfully Natie walked away, but as you'll see in the video, the Cressida is toast.
It's all the more emotional because Natie grew up with the car, it is literally the car in which his mom would drive him to school.
In this exclusive interview with Cars.co.za, Natie tells us what happened.
Natie, we salute you, and we are so glad you're okay.
A big thank you to AfricasSickestRides for helping us with the drone and GoPro footage!
/ @africassickestrides
0:00 - The crash
1:25 - The run-up to the crash
4:00 - Thinking back about the car
5:08 - Where the car came from
5:52 - A quick overview
6:35 - The safety features
7:33 - Where to from here?
Visit Cars.co.za at:
www.cars.co.za
Sell your car on Cars.co.za:
www.cars.co.za/sell-car/
Follow Cars.co.za on the socials:
/ carssouthafrica
/ carssa
/ carssouthafrica
/ carssouthafrica
Visit SentiMETAL at:
www.sentimetal.shop
Follow SentiMETAL on the socials:
/ sentimetal_productions
/ sentimetalproductions
Download the Cars.co.za App here:
Apple
apps.apple.com/za/app/cars-co...
Android
play.google.com/store/apps/de...
Huawei App Gallery
appgallery.huawei.com/#/app/C...

[@CiroDeSiena]

Natie, you are an absolute legend. I had tears in my eyes! So glad you're okay.

[@cobalt0110]

This man 'Natie Booysen' is the Pinnacle of what it means to be a Petrol Head. Afraid of scratching the paint on a car that's totaled, I know that feeling all to well. Glad that you survived Good Sir, we look forward to seeing you on track again. 🙏

[@YusufGinnah]

I agree and can absolutely relate. I was concerned about the exhaust on my car scratching on the floor when the tow truck picked it up at William Nicole when I'd written it off... 😔

[@yashinlallchander]

My heart broke when I watched the videos of the crash, what a beast of a car. As long as Mr Booysen is okay, that is all that matters.

[@SQ20010]

ever since losing my best friend in a roll-over, there's nothing more amazing than hearing that someone survived a car crash. ❤

[@GaryLaaks1]

Glad you ok mate. Saw the accident in person that Sunday. The fact that you got out with such little injury is nothing short of good workmanship with a large dash of miracle.

[@tyronepaulsen]

Natie, even though I don't know you, but WOW, glad you're still with us. Can't wait to see what you're next project is going to be and look like.

[@andrefortuin4554]

Grootman, sorry for what happened. You will rise again with something better. And don't forget the promise you made about something you are working on. Sending Love from Port Elizabeth/Gqeberha😎

[@mrr160]

Meneer, I salute you and glad that you are ok. I'm not a true drag fan but I love your passion and looking forward to seeing your new build. I have a feeling that old Toppie Cressida is going to be quick!

[@jeromeholland2034]

This is so sad. As much as you enjoyed driving it we enjoyed watching you drive it. All the best for the future.

[@GatvolFourie]

So glad you NEVER took shortcuts on safety . Any crash you walk away from is a good one. The car will be replaced - so glad you are safe . Much respect to you and Herman - you guys got big brass knaters !!

[@shaneO12314]

I'm from Jamaica, I loved this car so much... glad the driver is ok

[@leeandran]

Thank God he's alive and all the best with the next build. 🤝🏼

[@YusufPetersenCPT]

Seeing him crack jokes on how the car looks now thats just legend moves!! It was terrible the accident but hey it went out with a bang!!

[@undergrounddragracings.a]

I had tears in my eyes watching this. Natie will always be a legend. I wish him the very best for the future with his next build.

[@jtjapies2881]

Well done guys on the follow up video. So happy to see Natie in good spirits and very excited to see the new build. All the best

[@mudindamunzhedzi7564]

I remember your race in lephalale,that cressida was a beast..Thank God for your life natie as for the cressida we know you are gonna build another 1

[@lehlogonolomaringa3213]

I know the vehicle was of great sentimental value to you Natie, you took it like a champ. Strength to you and may you regain the ability to build yet another great vehicle. Shout out.

[@tshepisomotepe1344]

I wanna give this guy a BIG HUG😢

[@AwonkeYomisFatherLamani]

Would love to watch that build series, Glad you came out the wreck still smiling

[@kaizerkatlego3908]

That would be amazing content, worthy of being shared with the motorsport loving nation.

[@arthurthorne3664]

Ah Natie... Well done! You entertained us all, you have a positive outlook and everything happens for a reason. Thank you!

[@mogotsiphayane7580]

That saddness in your eyes is heartbreaking,sorry for the loss of your beloved car,she was unique car hey....glad u made it out safely.

[@marcojonkers9307]

My Late dad had a 2.0GS Exec..Me and him use to polish that car together on weekends untill no end and it still sticks to today..Somewhere I came across the dayBu of this car 1 or 2 years ago and it triggered so much nostalgia and I watched it a couple of times. All the best for the new build and Im so glad you OK..I am hunting for a chassis as we speak..My outcome would not be as wild as this one but it this car sure has been the motivation

[@arkashrampadarath9118]

Im a big fan of your Cressida bro!!! You did a great job building the car to keep you safe!!!

[@Jeromeonly1]

Can't wait to see your next build. Glad you're okay 👍

[@dainellpauletta7514]

Cheers to you mate . Glad you are okay to tell the story. On to the next one .

[@SirDaffyD]

Love this guys attitude. Glad he's ok. Good to see that he still has a sense of humor after what he went through. Here's hoping the wagon is faster & gives him just as much enjoyment.

[@ELISHANESFUSIONWORX]

R.I.P Let's hope he puts an even better one together ❤

[@ricardomoodley2466]

I can see the emotion in your eye's natie. But you will come out stronger than before. Keep pushing uncle👌👌👌🙏🙏🙏

[@bubblecody6941]

The fact that he managed to push this heavy car into the 9 second bracket say alot. Well done and glad you ohk. There's a saying that goes 'alles loop reg altyd reg Toyota' 😉 💪

[@user-ey4vu6gx9o]

Such a legend, so passionate the young guys can learn from this experience

[@TRDKhanbrothers]

Ay when we saw the first video circulating the media, it was heart breaking, glad you are well Natie and hopefully you keep the cres model going strong 🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@paulluxongudza4627]

It was a crazy, scary crush mate , I'm relieved 😌 you came out ok 👍 for the most part , it's a blessing 🙌. Soldier on can't wait to see the new built, you're owesome!

[@kulanimk3880]

We happyy that you came out alive❤. the journey into the new build begins.🚗

[@thabisondebele4308]

Glad you are safe!! Massive respect about the dream, passion and thrill...

[@santhirenchetty7690]

@Ciro DeSiena had the honour of meeting Natie and seeing this beast in Durban. Natie showed the boys what oldschool racing is all about. Glad his well Nathie come back stronger boet your fans are waiting❤

[@jaredstoutjesdyk335]

Natie - come back stronger and just glad you're safe. One cannot put a price on safety. I cant wait to see version 2!! Good luck.

[@2doordon962]

Uncle Natie i dont thino you know how many people you have inspired but im glad you are ok and cant wait for the new build

[@toystorysa]

Jislike Oom, so happy to see you're back up and running, looking so forward to your build.

[@ranshawsimons3140]

Im happy that you came out on top,now on to the new build Natie cant wait sir

[@bertramtitus4382]

Been watching ur car for years you are a legend cnt wait for ur come back !

[@gordonsmithsa115]

I’m so glad you are okay, I really liked the Cressida….

[@pushtoyota]

I’m happy you are safe, much love from Chicago IL USA

[@marcocoetzee6880]

Great interview. Sad story, but happy Natie is well. Would be gripping stuff to see the new build. Good luck.

[@jakhazardzn9862]

Ai Ballie, Dankie for all the lekker runs! Stay epic and glad you alive!!!

[@Koup_TV_]

Big ups to you Natie. Hope to see you back soon

[@okambambo]

I've followed you and loved your build and passion for your car, i remember thinking that cage is a little extra when i saw it now i know why you the man and I'm the keyboard dude. Cant wait for you next project i know it will be epic.

[@riyadabrahams2278]

What a Legend!! Go well Natie and can’t wait for the new build 🙌🏽

[@mohamedbapoo5053]

Glad u lived to tell the tale. You a legend bru

[@ciaranburke3243]

Love this car and you mate glad to see you sitting there telling the story 👍

[@ngonidzashekimbini7177]

So glad you're okay man🎉

[@carlosmakgato8404]

1:08 Yoh this dude broke my heart

[@SIGMA_DNA]

Just happy to see you alive brother, could have been worse

[@revvedupRacingSA]

We happy you're alive Hope to see you back on the strip ❤

[@TheCARnivalWorldwide]

So true. Just glad you're okay. ❤

[@Laeeqahpaulse4031]

Just glad you there to see another day Natie legends are built proper and you built a legend

[@ganiefismail3761]

Excited to see the new build sir. goodluck legend

[@bonganimakana2911]

Glad your alive man that was a beast of a car

[@peterjoseph2803]

Love that you say start over from the ground up and all is well!! A nother play day different playground.

[@raiNofchAosFPS]

number one rule in racing is safety! cars can be replaced sadly lives cant! glad all is okay!♥

[@ndivhorambau1149]

2JZ is said to be a brick, i didn’t think they meant literally 😮 how is the engine still intact… Glad you okay man🙏🏾

[@onealc9278]

Glad you’re ok. It was an amazing car. Had an 85 & 88.

[@johnsonledwaba581]

I'm heart broken🤞🏽 This Cressida is my inspiration, I'm sorry for the lost

[@josebritz8228]

Natie Champ glad you okay, Shit i thought seeing the vids my champ is no more. Still see the hurt in your eyes, so sorry for the lost.

[@jan-hendrikdejager6315]

Glad you ohky oom. I always loved cressida wagons. Good luck. Can't wait to see it.

[@cameronpiedt2898]

Yor Oom Natie, I've been a fan for so long and Yor this brought tears to my eyes really strongs you are a legend, respect 🤜🤜🤜🤜💪💪💪💪

[@siphomvandaba8421]

Glad to see you okay. Im hurt the car is damaged

[@kaizerkatlego3908]

I hope this channel will document the build of the new Big Daddy wagon, would male for great viewing. Am Glad Natie is safe after that horror crash.

[@JstWatchingPeople]

People who really love Cars with sentimental value truly feels like a loss😣 it could have been anyone in a accident but the most important part is that you have life and you can go back to your love

[@kholofelojoe1391]

I'm your biggest fan &hope u recovered well

[@samuelblennies9301]

Hi, Natie..... Thank God that you're okay.... I can imagine thàt it's not something "nice" to experience....

[@kopanomofokeng6562]

This is so heartbreaking!

[@tumelondlazi6738]

You are a legend absolutely amazing, racing gods gave you another opportunity to rebuild from here and I say go for it

[@gabrielvanschalkwyk3782]

Just glad your okay, I've had a "knop in die keel" when I saw this.

[@Thehopelessfisherman]

Nate, God bless and can't wait to see back on your horse. 😊

[@Eucart.2]

💔💔💔 😭 😭 Loved that car. 😭😭 💔💔💔. Glad you okay Legend. Come back stronger. ❤

[@samna3328]

I'm glad his alive ❤ can't wait for the next amazing car ....

[@The_Fhedz]

I’m glad he is okay. Epic vehicle.

[@fahim4853]

what a beautiful car! Sorry for your loss

[@LyndanAppolis-hm9ys]

The legend ,can't wait for the comeback

[@heimopaulus1293]

Dankie groot man. In Namibie is ook Lekker van jou af. 😮😊

[@chrischokoe6485]

I now understand why a roll cage is mandatory in a drag car. Glad his alive and well.

[@selestinusgabriel5870]

All the best buddy for the love of cars man

[@alibabaei1953]

Bruh i just watched u building this awsome car and KZbin was like watch this one too and i was a bit disappointed but cars are cars and no matter what they are just cars. keep safe

[@CLIVESHUMA]

so happy that you are building nother one🙃😊

[@Russpeed301]

Gosh. She was a beauty. Thank God u survived well.

[@tonybrighter3878]

I feel you Man, Better ur Better. I Rolled My Car Last Year 31st Dec 2022. I thank God Am Ok as ur Ok Here Now Typing and am Building My Other Car and Thank God am Comming Back Even More Stonger and Better then Before

[@shakelshaik856]

Like u said " i had fun"...dats all dat matters. .keep up the spirit💯👍👊

[@youbrokeitwefixit1723]

Glad you come out ok ❤,you can always build another Cressida.

[@DMaCD]

All the best with the new project

[@rashan2726]

I was there when it happened. Thankful that you are alright. Was a nasty one but that’s our sport. It comes with good times and bad. Let’s get behind that 2jz once more. Keen to see your race again

[@marcellc4442]

Can't wait I have 2 wagon mx73 glad ur ok

[@OTArmy-wh7ou]

I'm glad you are okay bro.

[@benletsoalo8357]

Jammer Natie wens jou spoedige herstel toe, sterkte vir jou om nog een te bou

[@albertmokhabela894]

You are the man

[@T_ndhlovunator]

Beautiful story 🎉 keep racing

[@user-cs7ii8et4p]

I was crying whole day thought that Mr booysen past away and the state of the cressida

[@TheAtificial]

We love what we do and take risk and all. But we never forget to pray, so keep on praying Mr Booysen and enjoy the drive.

[@jarredabrahams]

My heart is broken 😭

[@PauloSergioMDC]

Glad you're okay.

[@francoisferreira2488]

- It is R800 to fill up - You have an overdrive button on auto gear for overtaking, so no need to get a manual if you were concerned by this and prefer auto - 170mm ground clearance - city and highway driving I am sitting at 6.6l/100