‘Barn Find’ Nissan Patrol G60 pair going to auction

With early off-roaders enjoying increasing popularity, strong interest is expected in a pair of Nissan Patrol G60s that have been listed with Allbids auctions.

While Nissan’s four-wheel drive lineage can be traced back to the 4W Series from 1951, the launch of the 60 Series in 1960 showed Nissan’s maturity and a model that was ready to go head-to-head with the Land Rover and Toyota LandCruiser.

Although most Patrols from the 1960s and ‘70s are regarded as G60s, that label was – officially – for the long wheelbase version only, with the breakdown being: 60 (short wheelbase); G60 (long wheelbase); and H60 (super long wheelbase). Similarly, hardtop, soft top, wagon and ute bodies were available, but hardtops and utes seem to represent the bulk of Australian G60 deliveries through the 1960s and ’70s.

Common to all was a 4.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine and 3-speed manual transmission, although a 4-speed manual was available later in the 60 Series’ 20-year production run.

Live axles, leaf springs and drum brakes at each end were the norm, as was a part-time four-wheel drive system with a two-speed transfer case. This made it very capable off-road, which was proven when the 60 Series became the first vehicle to cross the Simpson Desert – in 1962. At least, Nissan has claimed to be the first.

The pair of G60 Patrols on offer through Allbids, one 1973 model and the other from 1975, are both formerly NSW-registered and definitely ‘project’ status vehicles.

The 1973 (red) unit has significant rust but would make an ideal parts donor and features a towbar and rear spare wheel carrier.

Parts from the ’73 G60 could actually go to the 1975 (green) G60, which is restorable, with a body that’s in much better condition and an engine that turns over. An 8000lb PTO Thomas winch and bulbar are fitted, while the original logbook and service manual are provided, too, making it particularly rare.

Both units went live on Allbids online auctions on Thursday, 26 November, with bidding closing on Thursday, 3 December (7:30pm for the red G60, 8:00pm for the green G60).

For more information and details on how to bid, go to: allbids.com.au