The Patrol was Nissan’s entry in the compact 4×4 market created by the Jeep. This 1969 Nissan Patrol K60 (hard top) arrived during the 60 Series Patrol’s last year of American sales, one of only 4000 imported from 1961 through 1969. (some details from EarlyDatsun.com). Located in Poplar Bluff, Missouri, this K60 is offered here on eBay with a “Buy It Now” price of $3900.
Production of the 60 series Patrol began in 1960 and upgrades continued throughout the model run. A quick web search reveals that new-datsun-parts.com and other sites offer a variety of parts for these sturdy vehicles. Not surprisingly the Patrol proved more popular in Asia and Australia than in the USA.
The utilitarian interior suits the no-nonsense purpose of a small 4×4, and no doubt this Patrol has served as a road-going and off-road vehicle, back-woods shelter, hunting companion, tractor, bulldozer, and other uses. One might argue that, for a fraction of the cost of today’s popular off-road ATVs, this little Patrol could satisfy most of their uses as well as fully-enclosed and legal highway travel.
The seller states that this patrol needs a radiator and new points. After 1965, the four liter inline six made 145 HP and 210 lb/ft torque at a very useful 1600 RPM. With a standard rear axle ratio of 4.00:1, this little K60 should provide reasonable acceleration, though it’s most likely comfortable somewhere below its stated top speed of 75 MPH. The 7:1 compression ratio triggers an evil voice in my head calling out “Turbo!” but this relatively rare vehicle should probably either be kept in continued service or restored by someone who appreciates these little trucks. What do you think of Nissan’s Jeep competitor from back in the day?
I’ve never seen one of these. There is a strong resemblance to a mid 60’s Land Rover Series 2a. Can you remove the grill for some impromptu bbq like the Land Rover?
They are fantastic trucks.But not so much little as compared to a jeep as they are bigger . They are bullet proof and many are still used here in Australia as daily drivers . In fact 35 years ago a customer of mine had his totally restored to keep it running indefinitely .
As a local all weather vehicle that could go anywhere I wouldn’t turn this one down, I would want a personal inspection for rust since salt is heavily used here in Missouri with our winter snows & ice storms.
Sweet looking truck. It’s a shame that we didn’t get as many Nissan Patrols as Toyota Land Cruisers.
Nissan’s answer to the Land Rover Series II
I just bought one of these, a 1966, and its on its way to me right now by trailer. I want to restore her. Parts are not easy to come by but not impossible to find and there is a great collector community that offers lots of help. These things are beasts and can go anywhere. Great collectibles that are far underpriced compared to Landcruisers, Rovers Broncos and Scouts. I also own a 75 scout so not sure why I bought another convertible 4×4. Just dumb I guess.