Nissan Patrol 4x4

Having spent the last 8 years exploring Australia’s deserts, Andrew knows a thing or two about four wheel drives. “They don’t make them like they used to”

In remote settings simplicity is safety and when it comes to getting back home to loved ones, the need for a solid axle four wheel drive vehicle with manual gear box and manual hubs cannot be overstated.

Two vehicles come to mind (as well as their legendary rivalry,) the Nissan Patrol and Toyota Land Cruiser. Both have carved their name into Australian 4x4 heritage.

Andrew spent 4 years running expeditions in 79 series Land Cruisers with Indigenous rangers into the most remote parts of the desert imaginable, often hours from the nearest track, let alone main road. The V8 powering the 79 is an absolute ripper, and while the toughness and serviceability of the 79 is undeniable, there is no escaping the reality that they are uncomfortable for both passengers and driver.

On the other hand, the Nissan Patrol is often credited with being more comfortable, and having the toughest driveline (gearbox and diffs) known to man, and the best grip and handling to boot. However, their engines are under performers, lacking power and reliability.

The solution for creating the ultimate four wheel drive to get the job done in Central Australia? Put a V8 in a Patrol, of course.

This is exactly what Andrew did when it came to purpose building a vehicle for running Nuance Tours. His Patrol has $100,000 of modifications, including the installation of the almost mythical 6.5L P400 V8 which has the power and reliability to take us anywhere our imagination can think of. “nothing can stop it”