Why the Nissan Patrol is the Ultimate Hunting and Adventure Vehicle
A Roadside Discovery That Changed Everything
In 2014, while returning from a hunting trip in Presidio, Texas, I spotted a 1963 L60 Nissan Patrol sitting on the side of the highway with a "For Sale" sign in the window. Something about its boxy, utilitarian stance made me stop. It looked tough—like a truck designed for work, not luxury.
I turned around, inquired about the vehicle, and bought it that day. I had no idea then that I’d just stepped into a world of vintage Nissan Patrol restoration—or that, nearly a decade later, I’d have restored five of these machines and driven them on some of the most challenging off-road trails in North America.
One of those adventures would take me to Colorado’s Alpine Loop, a high-altitude, 4WD-only trail winding through the San Juan Mountains. That trip reinforced what I already knew: the Nissan Patrol isn’t just a classic—it’s one of the most capable off-roaders ever built (Bartlett, 2020).
Start Your Own Patrol Adventure Today!
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Start Your Own Patrol Adventure Today! 〰️
What Makes the Nissan Patrol Special?
Most people, when they think of vintage off-roaders, talk about the Land Cruiser, Bronco, or Jeep. But the Nissan Patrol was designed for extreme durability, featuring:
A 4.0L P engine that delivers smooth, low-end torque.
A two-speed transfer case for superior climbing ability.
A mechanical PTO winch, powered directly by the engine, making it one of the most practical tools for off-road recovery.
These features made the Patrol perfect for tackling the Alpine Loop, where narrow switchbacks, loose rock surfaces, and 12,000+ foot elevations test even modern 4x4s. Despite the thin air affecting carbureted engines, my 1963 Nissan Patrol handled the ascent like it was built for it (Bartlett, 2020).
Why the Nissan Patrol Excels for Hunting
Beyond off-roading, I’ve put my Nissan Patrols through the ultimate test—hunting in Texas.
For anyone unfamiliar, Texas hunting leases can be brutal on vehicles. You’re spending 12+ hours patrolling in 90º+ heat, crawling over muddy, rocky, or thick brush-covered terrain. Most modern trucks simply overheat or break down under these conditions.
The Nissan Patrol, however, thrives in these extreme environments:
No overcomplicated electronics—just raw mechanical reliability.
Lightweight build, allowing it to move effortlessly over soft ground.
Minimal overheating issues, even in the scorching Texas sun.
I’ve seen modern trucks with advanced cooling systems fail after hours of slow-speed patrolling. Meanwhile, my Patrol—built in the 1960s—keeps going like it was designed for this exact job.
Bringing These Classics Back to Life
Restoring a Nissan Patrol isn’t easy. Parts are rare, technical documentation is limited, and each restoration is a unique puzzle.
When preparing for the Alpine Loop trip, I had to thoroughly inspect my Patrol before heading into the mountains. That meant:
Checking the carburetor for optimal air-fuel mixture (especially important at high altitudes).
Rebuilding key drivetrain components to handle the rugged mountain terrain.
Testing the PTO winch, ensuring it was ready if recovery was needed.
Those preparations paid off. When we set off from Lake City, Colorado, the Patrol handled the rocky switchbacks, steep climbs, and historic mining trails with ease (Bartlett, 2020).
A Connection to the Past
Beyond their performance, Nissan Patrols remind me of my childhood—riding in my grandfather’s old farm truck in Arkansas.
That truck wasn’t built for speed or comfort, but it was built to last. The Patrol carries the same DNA, offering timeless dependability in an age when most vehicles are designed for planned obsolescence.
Final Thoughts
I could drive something newer. I could drive something easier.
But I choose the Nissan Patrol—for hunting, for adventure, and because it represents an era when vehicles were built to be used, not just displayed.
My Alpine Loop expedition proved what I already knew—these machines are built for real adventure. And when I’m out in Texas, slowly working a hunting lease in brutal heat, I’m grateful for a vehicle that just keeps going when others can’t.
In a world of over-engineered, overcomplicated vehicles, the Nissan Patrol is a reminder of what matters most: simplicity, toughness, and reliability.
That’s why I’ll keep restoring them. That’s why I’ll keep driving them. And that’s why they’ll always be part of my hunting and off-road adventures.
