The Enduring Legacy of an Off-Road Icon: The Evolution of the Nissan Patrol

In the pantheon of legendary off-road vehicles, few names command as much global respect as the Nissan Patrol. Forged in the crucible of post-war Japan and tempered in the harshest environments on Earth—from the scorching dunes of the Arabian Desert to the rugged tracks of the Australian Outback—the Patrol has evolved over seven decades from a spartan, military-inspired utility vehicle into a luxurious and technologically advanced flagship SUV. This is the story of its remarkable journey, tracing its lineage through generations of relentless innovation and unwavering capability.

First Generation: The 4W60 Series (1951-1960)

The Patrol’s story begins in 1951, a time when Japan was rebuilding and the need for robust, reliable utility vehicles was paramount. Responding to a government tender for a compact 4×4 for military and utility use, Nissan developed the 4W60. Its resemblance to the American Willys Jeep was no coincidence; the Jeep had proven the effectiveness of the lightweight 4×4 concept during World War II.

Under the bonnet of the 4W60 was a 3.7-litre NAK Nissan engine, producing a modest 75 horsepower. This was a bus/truck engine, chosen for its low-end torque rather than outright power. Mated to a four-speed manual transmission with a part-time four-wheel-drive system, the 4W60 was a tool, not a toy. There were no trim levels to speak of; models were defined by their function. It was offered as a basic short-wheelbase soft-top, a fire truck, and other commercial variants.

In 1955, the series was updated to the 4W61, which introduced some cosmetic changes like a chrome-bar grille and a single-piece windscreen. More significantly, it was powered by the new 3.7-litre NB engine, and later, the 4.0-litre NC engine. In 1958, the 4W65 introduced a longer wheelbase pickup variant. However, the most defining moment for this generation came in 1951, when a prototype Patrol famously became the first vehicle to climb Japan’s formidable Mount Fuji, reaching the sixth of ten stations. This feat immediately cemented its reputation for toughness and capability, a legacy that endures to this day.

.

THIS is GOOD stuff if your car is in need:

.

Second Generation: The 60 Series (1960-1980)

If the first generation was a proof of concept, the 60 Series was the vehicle that took the Patrol name global. Launched in 1960, it represented a significant evolution. The boxy, Jeep-like styling was replaced with a more integrated and robust design that would become iconic. The real heart of the 60 Series was the legendary P40 engine, a 4.0-litre inline-six petrol engine renowned for its immense torque and near-indestructible reliability.

The 60 Series was a masterclass in simplicity and strength. It retained a rugged ladder-frame chassis and leaf springs all around. Initially offered with a three-speed manual, it later gained a fully-synchromesh four-speed. Production spanned an incredible two decades, a testament to its brilliant engineering.

Throughout its long production run, the 60 Series was offered in various body styles, which served as its primary model differentiators:

• G60: The standard short-wheelbase (SWB) model, available as a soft-top or a hardtop.
• KG60: A long-wheelbase (LWB) hardtop or wagon version, providing more space for passengers and cargo.
• 60 Series Cab-Chassis/Pickup: Commercial variants built for heavy-duty work.

The 60 Series became particularly beloved in Australia, where it was one of the first Japanese vehicles to be imported and assembled. Its ruggedness made it the perfect tool for farmers and explorers navigating the vast, unforgiving continent. Similarly, its reliability made it a fixture in the Middle East and for aid organizations like the United Nations.

Third Generation: The 160/260 Series (1980-1989)

The 1980s heralded a new era for 4x4s. The market was shifting, with buyers demanding more comfort, style, and on-road civility without sacrificing off-road prowess. The all-new 160 Series Patrol (sold as the MQ Patrol in Australia) was Nissan’s answer. It was a radical departure, featuring a modern, squared-off design, a more refined interior, and a host of new features like power steering and air conditioning.

For the first time, engine choice became a major selling point. The 160 Series was offered with a range of petrol and diesel engines, including the L28 petrol six-cylinder and the highly sought-after SD33 and SD33T (turbocharged) 3.3-litre six-cylinder diesels. These engines, combined with a new five-speed manual or three-speed automatic transmission, made the Patrol a more versatile vehicle.

Trim levels also became more defined, reflecting the vehicle’s dual-purpose nature:

• Deluxe (DX): The base model, featuring vinyl floors, basic trim, and fewer creature comforts.
• SD-GL: A higher-spec version offering cloth upholstery, more extensive instrumentation, and styling enhancements.
• Wagon: Available in both LWB and a unique high-roof “Super Roof” version, offering cavernous interior space.

In 1986, the series received a facelift and was re-designated the 260 Series. This version was primarily produced by Nissan Motor Ibérica in Spain and continued to be sold in European markets until the late 1990s, often with four-cylinder diesel engines.

Fourth Generation: The Y60 / GQ Patrol (1987-1997)

The launch of the Y60 Patrol in 1987 was a seismic shift in the 4×4 world. Known as the GQ Patrol in Australia, this model is often hailed as one of the greatest off-roaders ever made. Its most revolutionary feature was the move from leaf springs to a five-link coil spring suspension system on both the front and rear axles. This provided a night-and-day improvement in ride comfort on the road and dramatically increased wheel articulation for superior performance off-road.

The Y60 was a direct and formidable competitor to the Toyota Land Cruiser 80 Series. It was bigger, more powerful, and more comfortable than any Patrol before it. The engine lineup was legendary, headlined by two 4.2-litre inline-six engines:

• TB42: A carbureted petrol engine, later updated with electronic fuel injection (TB42E).
• TD42: A naturally aspirated diesel engine revered for its simplicity, torque, and longevity. It is considered by many enthusiasts to be one of the best diesel 4×4 engines ever built.

A smaller 2.8-litre turbocharged diesel (RD28T) was also offered, primarily in European and Japanese markets.

The model and trim hierarchy became firmly established:

• DX: The workhorse model, often with manual windows, vinyl trim, and “barn doors” at the rear. Available in SWB, LWB wagon, and Cab-Chassis.
• RX: A slightly more appointed model introduced later in the production run.
• ST: The popular mid-range model, featuring cloth seats, carpeting, power windows, and often a limited-slip differential.
• Ti: The range-topping luxury model, boasting features like a high roof, sunroof, velour or leather trim, and two-tone paint.

In Australia, a unique partnership saw the GQ Patrol rebadged and sold as the Ford Maverick from 1988 to 1994, a testament to the platform’s exceptional engineering.

Fifth Generation: The Y61 / GU Patrol (1997-2016)

The Y61 (or GU Patrol) arrived in late 1997 as an evolution of the wildly successful Y60. It featured a more rounded, modern, and aerodynamic body built atop a revised version of the Y60’s tough-as-nails chassis and coil-sprung suspension. The Y61 aimed to blend the rugged capability of its predecessor with the increased comfort, safety, and refinement demanded by late-90s buyers.

The engine lineup saw significant changes. The venerable TD42 was updated with a turbocharger (TD42T) and later an intercooler (TD42Ti). A new, immensely powerful 4.8-litre DOHC petrol inline-six (TB48DE) was introduced, which found favour in the Middle East for desert racing. However, the most widespread engine was the controversial 3.0-litre four-cylinder direct-injection turbodiesel (ZD30DDTi). Early models of this engine suffered from reliability issues, earning it an unfortunate nickname, though later revisions largely rectified the problems.

The Y61 enjoyed an exceptionally long production run, particularly the cab-chassis and military versions, which continued long after its successor arrived. The trim levels were refined from the Y60:

• DX: The base utility spec, often with a manual TD42 engine in the cab-chassis.
• ST: The volume-selling family wagon, with standard air conditioning, power accessories, and alloy wheels.
• ST-L: Added luxury features like partial leather trim and climate control.
• Ti: The flagship model with full leather upholstery, woodgrain trim, a sunroof, and advanced features for its time.

The Y61 cemented the Patrol’s status as the vehicle of choice for the UN and various other non-governmental organizations operating in the world’s most remote and hostile regions.

Sixth Generation: The Y62 Patrol (2010-Present)

In 2010, Nissan unveiled the Y62 Patrol, and it represented the most dramatic reinvention in the model’s history. The Patrol moved decisively upmarket, shedding its utilitarian roots to become a full-size luxury SUV. The traditional live axles were gone, replaced by a sophisticated four-wheel independent suspension system.

The biggest change was under the hood. The beloved diesel engines and manual transmissions were dropped in most markets. The sole powertrain became the formidable 5.6-litre “VK56VD” V8 petrol engine, delivering around 400 horsepower and paired with a seven-speed automatic transmission. This powerhouse gave the Y62 incredible on-road performance and towing capability. Its off-road prowess was maintained by a new All-Mode 4×4 system and, on higher-spec models, the innovative Hydraulic Body Motion Control (HBMC) system, which minimized body roll on-road while maximizing wheel travel off-road.

The Y62 is a global vehicle, sold in North America as the Nissan Armada and in luxury guise as the Infiniti QX80. Trim levels vary significantly by region, but a common hierarchy includes:

• Ti (Australia) / XE, SE (Middle East): The well-equipped entry-level models.
• Ti-L (Australia) / LE, Platinum (Middle East): The top-tier models loaded with technology, including advanced driver-assist systems, premium audio, rear-seat entertainment, and luxurious leather and wood interiors.

While some traditionalists lament the loss of the diesel engine and solid axles, the Y62 has found immense success, particularly in the Middle East, Australia, and Russia, where its combination of power, comfort, size, and genuine off-road ability is highly valued.

From a simple Jeep-inspired workhorse to a V8-powered luxury land yacht, the Nissan Patrol has mirrored the evolution of the automotive world itself. Yet, through every generation, it has retained a core identity built on strength, reliability, and the promise of adventure. It is an icon that has not just survived but thrived, earning its place as the enduring king of the off-road.