The Nissan Patrol has been climbing mountains, crossing deserts and generally making a nuisance of itself in places where sensible SUVs wouldn’t dare venture for 75 years. Now, with the imminent arrival of the all-new Y63, Nissan New Zealand has brought together 63 examples of Patrol heritage for a suitably sandy celebration at Muriwai Beach. And yes, things got a little bit dirty.
There are few nameplates in the motoring world that carry quite as much off-road credibility as the Nissan Patrol. It’s a vehicle that’s earned its reputation the old-fashioned way: by getting stuck into the rough stuff, tackling terrain that would make a mountain goat reconsider its career choices, and occasionally collecting a few battle scars along the way.
So, when Nissan New Zealand decided to celebrate 63 years of Patrol in this country, it wasn’t going to be a polite gathering in a hotel car park with a few speeches and some lukewarm sandwiches. Nope. This was Muriwai Beach. Sand, surf, sunshine, a rather impressive collection of machinery and, most importantly, the first local look at the all-new Nissan Patrol Y63. And what a gathering it was.
63 Patrols for 63 years – give or take a little poetic licence
The Nissan Patrol story stretches back much further than its New Zealand arrival. First introduced in 1951, the Patrol has spent more than seven decades building a reputation as one of the world’s most capable off-road vehicles. Its early credentials were established in some pretty serious terrain, including an ascent of Japan’s Mount Fuji.
In New Zealand, the Patrol story began in 1963, and Nissan was keen to celebrate that history by bringing together 63 examples of the breed. The result was a wonderfully eclectic collection, spanning generations of Patrol ownership, from classic machines through to heavily modified off-roaders and some beautifully preserved examples.
Nissan New Zealand Country Manager, Sri Padmanabhan was clearly rather pleased with the turnout. More than 63 Patrol fans had gathered, with some owners travelling afar in to celebrate a vehicle that means considerably more to them than simply getting from A to B.
As he explained, one of the vehicles had clocked around a million kilometres, while others had received modifications worth several times their original purchase price. That’s not just ownership. That’s commitment. Possibly obsession. But in the best possible way.
He also highlighted the significance of the occasion, with Nissan having begun manufacturing and operating in New Zealand in March 1963. Add the Y63 designation, 63 owners and 63 years of local Patrol history, and the numbers were lining up rather nicely. Whether it was coincidence, clever planning (or artistic manipulation), it made for a cracking birthday party.
It’s not just the blokes who love a Patrol
One of the more interesting things about the gathering was the diversity of owners and their vehicles. Take Liz, for example, who arrived in her rather purposeful 1992 Nissan Safari. While some might picture the typical Patrol owner as a bearded bloke in a muddy singlet with a toolbox permanently attached to his hip, Liz was a reminder that the Patrol community is considerably broader.
Her love of four-wheel driving had been inspired by her dad and brother, and she had clearly taken things to the next level. Her Safari featured a six-inch lift, 37-inch tyres, an HX30 turbo and a modified factory 10mm fuel pump. Running around 18psi of boost, it was hardly a standard Sunday shopping trolley.
When asked where it would go, her answer was refreshingly straightforward: ‘pretty much anywhere she wanted it to’. That’s the Patrol philosophy in a nutshell.
Interestingly, her most memorable recent experience wasn’t necessarily one of her own adventures. Her partner had managed to roll his Patrol on the beach the previous weekend. Not exactly the sort of demonstration of vehicle capability you’d put in a brochure, but certainly a reminder that even the most capable off-roader still requires a sensible person behind the wheel – he was fine by the way.
Enter the Y63 – a new chapter in Patrol history
Of course, while the heritage collection was a major attraction, the real headline act was waiting under wraps. The Y63 represents a significant change for Nissan’s flagship off-roader, not least because it marks the move away from the traditional V8 powerplant to a twin-turbocharged V6. And let’s be honest, that’s a decision that was always going to generate conversation.
The V8 has been an important part of the Patrol’s identity, delivering that unmistakable soundtrack and effortless grunt that owners have come to love. Nissan’s country manager admitted to being a fan of the V8 himself, but was equally enthusiastic about what the new engine brings to the table.
The new Y63’s 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 produces approximately 320kW of power and 700Nm of torque, delivering a substantial increase (25%) over its predecessor. It also brings a braked towing capacity of up to 3.7 tonnes, giving the new Patrol some serious muscle when it comes to hauling boats, trailers and other expensive toys.
That extra torque should be particularly welcome when the going gets tough, whether that’s climbing a steep track, crawling through challenging terrain or pulling a hefty load up a slippery boat ramp.
The reveal itself was suitably theatrical, with the covers coming off to give attendees their first opportunity to get up close and personal with Nissan’s latest off-road flagship. And while the move from eight cylinders to six might take some getting used to for traditionalists, the numbers suggest Nissan hasn’t exactly taken its foot off the accelerator.
Sand between the tyres – where the Patrol belongs
With the new Y63 unveiled, there was only one sensible way to wrap up the day. Get onto the beach. Muriwai provided the perfect playground, allowing us to experience the outgoing V8-powered Patrol on the sand and remind ourselves why this vehicle has maintained such a loyal following.
Driving on a beach is one of those motoring experiences that never really gets old. There’s something wonderfully different about the sensation of cruising across a wide stretch of sand, with the ocean alongside and the occasional patch of softer terrain waiting to catch you out.
The Patrol makes the transition remarkably straightforward. Select the appropriate off-road settings, adjust the vehicle for the conditions and away you go. It’s a big, imposing machine, but its ability to tackle changing surfaces with confidence is what has helped build its reputation over the decades.
Even through the rougher sections of Muriwai’s sand, the V8 Patrol felt right at home. And that engine note? Well, some things simply don’t need improving. I suspect there will be a few owners who miss that soundtrack when they eventually move into the new Y63.
However, with the newcomer offering around 25 per cent more torque than the outgoing model, there’s a fairly compelling argument for giving the V6 a chance. More torque, more towing capability and a fresh generation of technology could make for a rather impressive combination.
A legacy worth celebrating
What stood out most at Muriwai wasn’t necessarily the new vehicle, impressive though it is. It was the people and the passion surrounding the Patrol nameplate. These weren’t simply vehicles parked in neat rows for a photo opportunity. They were family heirlooms, weekend adventure machines, heavily modified toys, long-distance travellers and, in some cases, vehicles that have clearly become part of their owners’ identities.
A million kilometres here, a six-inch lift there, perhaps a few thousand dollars spent on modifications that a sensible financial adviser would probably question – but that’s what makes the Patrol community special. And that’s precisely the heritage the Y63 has to carry forward.
With more than 75 years of global history and 63 years of New Zealand adventures behind it, the new Patrol has some pretty big boots (and tyres) to fill. The move from V8 to V6 will undoubtedly divide opinion, but Nissan appears confident that its new flagship has the performance, capability and muscle to keep the Patrol name firmly in the off-road conversation.
As for our Muriwai gathering? Sixty-three Patrols (ahem), a beach full of sand, a new generation revealed and enough automotive history to fill several garages. Not a bad way to celebrate a birthday. Happy 63rd, Patrol NZ. Here’s to the next million kilometres.
