1969 Nissan Patrol Base 4.0L

Nissan Patrol survivor. This is a very rare and tough 4WD vehicle. Patrols were imported into the United States from 1962-1969 (see Wikipedia http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Nissan_Patrol). This one is the ever popular second generation version (Model L 60) that has a growing following despite the rarity of the vehicle. There is even a Nissan Patrol club with information on parts. repair. etc. (http://www. nissanpatrolclub. com). During the 1960s. just over 3. 00 were brought over to the U. S. according to some sources. although they were sold earlier and probably in larger numbers overseas. especially in Australia. The major competitor for this market was the Toyota FJ. Other popular 4WD light utility vehicles at the time included the International Scout. Ford Bronco and Jeep. The Patrols and FJs were rugged competitors but rarely seen in comparison as so few vehicles were imported into the U. S. at that time: we made most of our own cars then! This must be the first use of the nameplate Nissan in the U. S. since Patrols were sold new at Datsun dealers.

This one is fully functional and even wears its original light green paint and it still has some shine left. I acquired it from a good friend in Palm Springs. California who owned it for over 25 years. As a desert vehicle that spent much if not most of its life under a car port. this one is very well-preserved with the only visible rust in a few places like along the roof gutter where they all seem to be affected. regardless of the climate. Those small areas have been coated with Por15 rust killer paint and coated with a little fiberglass as repair. Fasteners come off easily since they are not rusted tight from years of exposure to snow. rain and salt as in the east and Midwest. This Patrol still has its original drivetrain with a straight six 3956 cc engine (145 hp @ 3800 rpm) and three speed floor shift transmission. The factory carb is a Rochester MonoJet that is easy to service and obtain parts for if needed (I haven't needed any). It has the stock oil bath air cleaner. The interior is tired but functional and I regularly drive this car on errands around town or just to take it for a spin. It is licensed and fully operational. The 4WD transfer case. locking hubs. and axles work great and this vehicle is fantastic in snow country where I live. It is used sparingly in deep snow and we don't use salt on the roads in Flagstaff. AZ. It has a Warn winch (with remote control) on the front (with brush bar and driving lights) and a trailer hitch on the back. The top and doors are removable and the windshield folds down onto the hood. It has two factory flip down seats in the back and seats 6.

The engine was rebuilt by a previous owner and wears a sticker saying “Smitty's Exclusive Datsun Repair. Fontana. California”. I pulled the points and installed a Pertronix electronic ignition module under the waterproof distributor cap so the points will never need to be adjusted again. It fires right up with its mechanical choke activated. even after prolonged periods without being driven. The motor runs smooth and doesn't smoke. tap or knock. It does not use oil and the only leaks include a small and sporadic drip from the transfer case and a little around the differential covers. The engine purrs like a kitten and the vehicle drives very well. The radiator is tight with no leaks and really big: it never overheats even on hot summer days. The exhaust system is clean and tight. I rebuilt the hydraulic clutch slave and cylinder. The heater works well and there are lots of vents on the side to let in fresh air on warm days. The 5 tires (31x10. 50R15LT) are on non-original rims (with McGard wheel locks). Tires have about 1000 miles on them and are only 2 years and a couple months old. The tread is excellent. It has 4. 10:1 ratio differential gears.

The car comes with original owner's manuals. factory repair guides. and factory parts books that are invaluable to the hobbyist. The vehicle is not hard to work on. I have lots of receipts from long ago and an interesting owner history. I would really to see this go to a good home (and not turned into a "rock crawler"). to someone who appreciates old cars and would be interested in further detailing or restoring the vehicle. This one is original enough that it makes a nice “Rat Rod” with lots of original character and patina on factory finishes. Alternatively. it is a complete starting point for a more serious restoration. If I kept the vehicle I would restore the seats (fronts have seat covers over original green plaid vinyl) and weatherstipping and leave the rest as it is. The only issues I'm aware of are that the horn doesn't work. a couple of dash lights need replaced. the washer fluid jar leaks (the washer motor works!). and it is missing one windshield wiper arm and the passenger side outside mirror. Even the four way flashers work.  I just fixed the backup light and it works fine. I drive it to local cruise ins and regularly have people tell me they remember Patrols and what great 4WD vehicles they were. You'll be the only one on the block with one of these!

I am reluctantly offering this vehicle for sale because as a car collector I've acquired more than I need right now. My wife says something has to go but I'm staying! Come up to beautiful Flagstaff. AZ and take it for a spin.

This vehicle is being listed elsewhere and I reserve the right to sell offline.

Also published at eBay.com

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