Nissan has done with its iconic Y61 Patrol. Its reign in Australia is about to come to an end, 20 years after it was first launched here and six years after its successor, the Y62 Patrol, was launched.

The last diesel-powered Y61 Patrol to be sold in Australia will be a limited-run Legend Edition model, limited to 300 units and kitted out with an additional AUD 10,000 of features.


When they have gone – Nissan believes that will happen in February/March next year – it will signal the end of diesel-powered Patrols in this country. For just how long nobody knows, but don’t expect a replacement diesel or a cab-chassis variant in the near future. The Patrol’s biggest markets, the US and the UAE, are very much petrol markets and the reason the only powertrain available in the Y62 Patrol is a 4.4-litre V8 petrol.

To give the Y61 a fitting send-off, Nissan chose the Arkaroola Wilderness Sanctuary, on the edge of the Simpson Desert in South Australia to launch the Legend Edition. Arkaroola is owned by the Sprigg family, as well known as the Patrol in SA and the first people to cross the Simpson Desert in a Patrol in 1962.


The proven 3.0-litre common-rail four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that has served the Patrol well for nearly 10 years powers the Patrol Legend edition, which is based on the top-spec ST model. The 160 hp/350 Nm power plant can be matched to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. It also has a low-ratio transfer case, automatic free wheeling hubs and rear differential lock.

It has three-link coil-sprung front suspension and five-link rear suspension, which also uses coil springs for a more comfortable ride on black top. It has been fitted with 17-inch alloy wheels with 275/65R17 tyres. Stopping power is provided by four-wheel ventilated disc brakes.


Maximum braked-trailer towing capacities are 3200 kg with the manual transmission and 2500 kg if you prefer an automatic shifter. Fuel consumption for the manual is 10.9L/100km and 11.8 for the auto. Both variants come with a 95-litre fuel tank with a 30-litre sub-tank. None of this varies from the ST model on which it is based. Where the Legend Edition does differ is in the amount of genuine Nissan accessories that have been added.

These include the steel bull bar with an electric winch mounted on it, snorkel, roof racks, tow bar, soft cover for the spare wheel and Limited Edition decals. Inside, Nissan has added a satellite navigation system and a reversing camera that makes life a lot easier when reversing or hooking up to a boat, caravan or trailer.

The pricing of the Nissan Patrol Legend Edition is AUD 57,990 for the manual and AUD 60,990 for the automatic and these are both drive away prices.