We all know by now that the market for JDM-spec cars and trucks has been hot for a while. After all, the vehicles in question are usually forbidden fruit here in the states and loaded up with all sorts of equipment we can only wish we got. The other appealing aspect is the typically obscenely low mileage these vehicles rack up, as is the case with this heavy-duty former Nissan Safari Patrol fire truck that has a mere 9,000 miles on the clock! There’s more info to come but you can see what else the seller has up for grabs for RHD machinery here on PaladinTrucks.com.
What’s ironic is that the Japanese market fire trucks are actually the one area where there’s some similarities with their U.S. counterparts. After all, when we feature a Ford or Chevy pickup from a brush fire fighting unit somewhere in Nevada, those vehicles often have well under 50,000 original miles as well. But vehicles like this Nissan Patrol also come with some extra seating capacity (note: the factory plastic wrap has never been removed from the backseat of this one!) as well as incredibly stout and dependable drivetrain. In this case, the Nissan is equipped with a TB42 4.2-liter gas inline-six paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox.
It also comes with a dual-range transfer case along with all hoses, pumps, diamond-plate side steps, enclosed platforms, a spotlight, control knobs, storage compartments, and 16” steel wheels. Oftentimes the fire equipment is removed from the trucks we see come up for sale from municipal auctions, so that’s another plus for the Japanese variants. However, the seller notes a popular plan of attack with trucks like these is to remove the various drums and fittings from the rear of the truck and install some heavy-duty canopies and perform what’s known as an Australian-market “ute” conversion – either way, you’ll own a desirable, low-mileage JDM pickup.
This Patrol really is spotless, with the engine bay presenting as new along with details like the hood insulation pad just looking freakishly clean. The undersides of this truck are spotless with a perfect factory black frame and no rust anywhere on the chassis. The roof-mounted siren and PA are functional, as are all the onboard water systems. The PTO-driven pump is rated at over 700 Gals/Min and can be used from either side of the truck. The possibilities are somewhat endless, and with a price of $15,500, you’ll be hard-pressed to find such a capable truck with incredibly low mileage for less than that.
Having been a volunteer fireman I can appreciate the heck out of this. Some Fire Department some where with the budget, should add this to their fleet of vehicles. First they will probably have to introduce everyone to what a manual transmission is, then give lessons on how to drive one and then learn to drive it on the opposite side. On second thought, a collector should buy this lol.
I certainly agree that there are many volunteer fire departments would love to get their hands on this truck! It smaller and more rugged than many of the conversions based on US pickup trucks. As you said the biggest downside is the right hand drive. At least for I’m from the menu transmission would not be a problem but again you have to get used to shifting with your left hand! The price also seems quite reasonable for many volunteer fire departments for truck like this that would provide many years of service for them.
I disagree- I don’t think any department would want a 30 year old rig.
They want something that can easily be put “back in service” quickly,if
it needs repair.
I’m sure there are some parts still available,but the pump part of
this probably hasn’t been made in years.
You obviously have never been a member of a very rural volunteer fire department! They don’t have the financial resources for new equipment. Something like this would be very desirable by them, in addition many of the members are farmers and great mechanics! They can get and keep anything running with duct tape and bailing wire. I know several departments that would love this truck.
Yes very cool, but like many people say it has low miles, but many hours on the engine at idle.
Normally I would agree with you but for brush truck like this I wouldn’t expect the number of hours idling to be very high. Unlike trucks used for structural fires brush trucks get in and get out and don’t spend a lot of time sitting at the scene. I’m also betting it has an auxiliary engine to run the pump instead of running it off of the truck’s engine.
I drive a Mitsubishi Delica jdm rhd as my daily and it doesn’t bother me a bit. I go back and forth between different vehicles and give it no thought.