Patrol in Australia: Over Six Decades, One Legacy

For more than six decades, the Nissan Patrol has helped Australians explore some of the country's most challenging terrain, tow with confidence, and create countless family adventures.

Now, as production of the V8-powered Y62 Patrol for Australia draws to a close, Nissan is reflecting on a legacy that spans five generations locally, more than 258,000 local sales and a reputation forged in some of Australia's toughest environments.

The Y62's August 2026 production end marks the conclusion of a significant chapter in Patrol history. As the final Patrol powered by Nissan's iconic 5.6-litre petrol V8, it brings more than a decade of V8 power in Australia to a close. Later this year, the all-new Y63 Patrol will open for orders, ensuring one of Australia's longest-running automotive nameplates continues its journey.

"The Patrol story in Australia stretches back to 1961 and spans generations of owners, families and enthusiasts," said Steve Milette, Managing Director, Nissan Oceania.

"Across five generations sold locally, Patrol has earned a reputation for capability, durability and adventure that few vehicles can match. The Y62 Patrol, with its V8 engine, has played a defining role in that story and, as we prepare to welcome the all-new Y63, we're also taking the opportunity to celebrate everything that has come before it."

A Legacy Built on Hard Work and Capability

Although Patrol's global journey began in Japan in 1951, its Australian story started in 1961 with the arrival of the second-generation G60 Datsun Patrol — the first Patrol sold locally and the beginning of a legacy that now spans more than six decades.

Just one year later, the Patrol cemented its place in Australian folklore when geologist Reg Sprigg, his wife Griselda and their children became the first people to cross the Simpson Desert by motor vehicle. Their journey established what is now known as the French Line and helped build Patrol's reputation for reaching places others could not.

The G60 pictured has been part of Nissan Australia's heritage collection since 2011. Ahead of the 50th anniversary of the Sprigg family's historic Simpson Desert crossing in 2012, it underwent a comprehensive yet sympathetic restoration, preserving the authentic character and patina of original components wherever refurbishment or replacement was unnecessary.

Marg and Doug Sprigg retraced their parents' pioneering journey from Dalhousie Springs to Birdsville behind the wheel of this G60 Patrol, completing the crossing in five days and commemorating one of the most significant chapters in Australian off-road motoring history.

Over the decades that have followed, each Patrol generation added its own chapter to the story.

The G60 Datsun Patrol introduced Australians to a rugged and capable off-roader that quickly proved itself in some of the country's harshest environments.

The 160-Series MQ/MK Patrol

Introduced in 1980 and produced until 1987, the MQ (1980–1983) and its successor, the MK, broadened the Patrol's appeal beyond the worksite, combining rugged capability with increased comfort and versatility for family touring.

While the MQ is most readily identified by its round headlights and four-speed manual transmission, the MK introduced rectangular headlights, a factory five-speed manual transmission and a host of other updates.

This example, a 1984 MK ‘Luxury Pack’, features a six-cylinder turbo-diesel engine and five-speed manual transmission. It’s owned by long-time Patrol enthusiasts Darren and Fiona Peterson of Melbourne. 

Despite its immaculate presentation, the Peterson’s stunning MK has travelled more than 240,000km and still wears its original factory Acrylic Bronze paint. Aside from the replacement of its iconic 1980s "TURBO" decals and a recent clay bar treatment to enhance its shine, the vehicle remains remarkably original.

Inside, the original beige cloth seats, factory-fitted carpet, air conditioning and AM/FM radio cassette stereo remain in place, preserving the cabin's authentic 1980s Patrol character.

A lesser-known feature introduced later in the MK's production run was Nissan's innovative optional "suspension seats" for the driver and front passenger.

The seats incorporated a mechanical spring-and-damper assembly beneath the cushion, helping absorb heavy impacts and road corrugations to improve comfort on rough roads and during off-road driving.

The Y60 GQ Patrol

The GQ Patrol, produced between 1987 and 1997, helped redefine expectations for off-road performance with its coil-spring suspension, quickly becoming one of the most respected four-wheel drives sold in Australia and earning 4X4 Australia ‘4X4 Of The Year’ honours.

This example, a 1992 DX grade Short-wheelbase (or “Shorty” as it’s often affectionately called), features a 6-cylinder petrol engine and 4-speed Automatic transmission. Similar to the MQ, it’s owned by the Peterson’s of Melbourne. Despite its pristine appearance, the GQ has travelled over a quarter of million kilometres. Short of an LPG conversion, it presents in remarkably clean and original condition, courtesy of the owner’s restoration efforts.

Y61 GU Patrol

Arriving in 1997, the GU (Y61) Patrol became the most successful Patrol generation in Australian history. On sale until 2016, at its peak, Nissan sold more than 10,000 GU Patrols annually, with Australia briefly becoming the model's largest market globally.

The ‘Legend Edition’ GU Patrol pictured belongs to Nissan Australia’s heritage fleet and has travelled a mere 47,000km. It’s one of just 300 units produced as a send-off to the GU Patrol in 2016. Powered by a 3.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine paired with a five-speed manual transmission, it remains a sought-after late-production variant of the GU Patrol era.

The Y62 V8 Patrol era

Introduced locally in 2013, the Y62 brought Patrol into the modern large-SUV era. Combining a powerful 5.6-litre V8 engine, advanced technology and long-distance comfort with the capability Patrol owners expected, it broadened the nameplate's appeal while remaining true to its adventurous spirit.

For many Australians, the Y62 will be remembered as the Patrol that brought big capacity V8-power to the forefront of the ownership experience.

Producing 298kW and 560Nm, the naturally aspirated 5.6-litre petrol V8 delivered effortless performance, strong towing capability and a distinctive soundtrack that became synonymous with the model.

As the final V8-powered Patrol, the Y62 occupies a unique place in the nameplate's history.

"Patrol has continually evolved to meet the needs of Australian customers, but its core values have remained remarkably consistent," Milette said.

"The Y62's V8 performance, capability and character have earned it an incredibly loyal following.”

Patrol Warrior: An Australian Chapter

The end of Y62 production also signals the conclusion of another uniquely Australian Patrol story: production of the V8-powered Patrol Warrior by Premcar.

Developed and engineered in collaboration with Melbourne-based Premcar, each Patrol Warrior is tailored specifically for Australian conditions through a comprehensive secondary-stage manufacturing program.

With locally engineered suspension, increased ground clearance, all-terrain tyres, bespoke wheels and a distinctive bi-modal side-exit exhaust system, more than 5,200 Patrol Warriors have been sold since 2023, cementing its place as a favourite among Australian off-road enthusiasts.

The Next Chapter awaits

While the V8 era draws to a close, Patrol's story in Australia is far from over.

Orders for the all-new Y63 Patrol, already revealed globally, will soon open in Australia. The next-generation model features a powerful new 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 engine and nine-speed automatic transmission.

It will carry forward a legacy built across more than six decades of Australian exploration, achievement and adventure, and more than 75 years of Patrol heritage globally.

From the Simpson Desert crossing of 1962 to the highways, tracks and trails of today, Patrol has earned its place as one of Australia's most enduring and respected four-wheel-drive nameplates.

As the Y63 prepares to arrive, the story that began with the G60 Datsun Patrol in 1961 is ready for its next chapter.