NASHVILLE, Tenn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Back in 1951, Nissan introduced a utility vehicle intended to deliver capable off-road performance. Called Patrol, it quickly demonstrated its prowess off the beaten track with an incredible feat: It was the first vehicle to climb Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji.
Soon exported from Japan to other global markets, the first-generation Patrol became a hit – whether exploring the Australian outback, powering across sand dunes in the Middle East or conquering rugged terrain in its home market.
A legend, it seemed, was born.
The second chapter in the Patrol’s timeline began in October 1960 with the 60-Series model. The 1967 Patrol featured in this story is part of that chapter; it’s an important part of the Nissan Heritage Collection because it represents the first generation of Patrol to be sold in the U.S. This vehicle was discovered by a former Nissan employee on a farm in Iowa in true “barn-find” condition. It was subsequently restored, and later sold to the Heritage Collection when the employee left the company.
Capability comes standard
Like its predecessor, the second-generation Patrol was tough and brawny, with contemporary marketing materials claiming it had enough torque “to climb trees.” Patrol was soon renowned globally for its ability to suit a diverse set of uses, thanks in no small part to its off-road prowess. As just one example of its incredible performance, a second-gen Patrol was the first motor vehicle to cross Australia’s Simpson Desert, tackling the grueling off-road trek in 12 days in 1962.
The Patrol had a robust ladder-style frame with leaf-spring suspension, and it featured a 4.0-liter inline-six engine, a three-speed manual transmission and selectable four-wheel drive. Buyers could choose from an array of configurations: short or long wheelbase, and soft top, hard top, van or station wagon bodies. Globally, it was adapted into a variety of service uses, including ambulances and delivery vehicles.
The Patrol was offered in the U.S. from 1962 through 1969 through Datsun dealers, and it was one of the only Nissan-badged vehicles sold in the U.S. market until the early 1980s. To help appeal to American customers, the Patrol was partnered with a remarkable star of the screen. The company tapped TV cowboy Roy Rogers as spokesperson – what better fit for a rugged, go-anywhere utility vehicle than the singer and actor so known for work in Westerns?
While the two-decade production span of this Patrol generation is impressive in its own right, it was far from the end of the nameplate’s story. As demand for utility vehicles and SUVs grew globally, successive versions of the Patrol continued to evolve in capability and features. The timeline spans six generations and more than 70 years of history, making Patrol an indisputable SUV icon. Around 1.9 million Patrols have been produced1, a remarkable figure that attests to the model’s long-standing appeal.
Patrol codenames and generations, year by year:
- 1951-1960: 4W60 Series
- 1960-1980: 60 Series
- 1980-1987: 160 Series
- 1987-1997: Y60
- 1997-2010: Y61
- 2010-Present: Y62
A version of the Patrol made its way back to the U.S. market in 2016 with the debut of the redesigned 2017 Nissan Armada; it is closely related to the global-market Y62 Patrol. The Nissan Armada remains the brand’s flagship SUV, delivering full-size capability; the 2024 Armada offers an available four-wheel drive, an up to 8,500-pound towing rating2 and an extensive list of premium features.
The next chapter of this exciting story begins September 3, 2024. Stay tuned to NissanNews.com for more on the future of thrilling, capable Nissan SUVs.
About the Nissan Heritage Collection
The Nissan Heritage Collection in Nashville, Tennessee, currently open via private tour only, contains many production and concept vehicles significant to the brand's U.S. operations.
See more highlights from the Nissan Heritage Collection:
- 1990 Nissan Pathfinder
- 1993 Nissan Altima
- 1990 Nissan Hardbody
- 1961 Datsun Fairlady 1200 Roadster
- 1972 Datsun 510
- 1990 Nissan Gobi Concept
About Nissan USA Stories
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1 Sales data includes Nissan Armada. |
2 Up to 8,500 lbs. towing for 2024 Nissan Armada. Towing capacity varies by configuration. See Nissan Towing Guide and Owner’s Manual for additional information. Cargo and load capacity limited by weight and distribution. Always secure cargo. |
