Chassis Code Explained
| Segment | Meaning | Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Y60 | Series | Fourth-generation Patrol; second-generation Safari in Japan; GQ in Australia |
| VRY60 | Japan, December 1987 catalogue | Short hardtop (2,400 mm wheelbase) |
| VRGY60 | Japan, December 1987 catalogue | Long Extra Van (2,970 mm wheelbase); Nissan's preserved 1991 Granroad is also VRGY60 |
Confirm the type against the vehicle's own build plate and registration papers.
Key Takeaways
- Y60 is the fourth-generation Patrol, the GQ in Australia and the second Safari in Japan.
- Wagons gained coil springs all round. Cab-chassis suspension differs; identify the body first.
- Australia counted 52,461 Y60 wagons (1987–1997) and 18,248 UY60 cab-chassis (1988–1999).
- Japanese engine cards are examples, covering TD42, TB42E and RD28T; the Japanese range also included TD42T.
- Japan's Y60 dates disagree by a month: October or November 1987.
- Age is counted per car from its manufacture date; EPA allows original configuration or a qualifying certified replacement.
Background
What Nissan says the Y60 changed
Nissan identifies the Y60 as the second-generation Safari in Japan and the fourth-generation Patrol overseas. Nissan Australia's generation chronology gives 1987–1997, while its Australian launch timeline says 1988. Wagons gained all-round coil springs; cab-chassis suspension differs. Nissan Middle East lists power steering among the changes, but Nissan Australia's history also documents it on the earlier 160. Nissan's heritage page describes a leisure focus under the copy 'King of Adventure' and records blister fenders.
Australia: GQ and UY60 figures
Nissan Australia counts 52,461 Y60 wagons sold in Australia between 1987 and 1997, and 18,248 UY60 cab-chassis between 1988 and 1999. These are Australian sales, not production totals, and wagons and cab-chassis are counted separately. Nissan's release gives no Y60 figures for other markets. Motor-Fan adds that the second Safari was more popular overseas, as the Patrol, than in Japan.
Suspension, 4WD and size
Motor-Fan describes the Y60 replacing four-wheel leaf rigid suspension with a three-link front and five-link rear. Nissan's preserved 1991 Japanese Granroad has three-link coil front and five-link coil rear suspension, ventilated discs at both ends and 31 × 10.50R15 tyres, and measures 4,885 × 1,930 × 1,805 mm on a 2,970 mm wheelbase at 2,110 kg curb weight. Japan's catalogue gave a short 2,400 mm and a long 2,970 mm wheelbase. These dimensions apply to the preserved Japanese example. GoAuto reports that the GQ cab-chassis kept a revised leaf-spring suspension.
Land Cruiser 80: the period rival
Motor-Fan sets the Y60 against Toyota's Land Cruiser 80 series, which debuted in October 1989. It describes the Land Cruiser moving to full-time 4WD with a centre differential, while the Y60 had selective 4WD that could be switched to 4WD at 40 km/h or less. Motor-Fan does not rank the two for reliability, rust or resale, and neither do we.
Japan's Safari for comparison
Japan-market facts only. The launch engine was a 4.2-litre inline-six OHV diesel with a five-speed manual, rated 125 PS in Nissan's 1991 Granroad data. A 4.2-litre petrol followed in late 1991, and an August 1993 Kingsroad lists the TB42E at 175 PS with a four-speed automatic. An August 1995 Spirit Type II used the 2.8-litre RD28T at 125 PS, and a turbocharged TD42T (145 PS) is catalogued for the 1993–1994 Kingsroad hardtop. For Japanese grades, bodies and codes see the Safari Y60 guide.
Technical Specifications
Export rows come from Nissan Australia's history and GoAuto; rows tagged Comparison are Japan's Safari. Verify an export car's engine and rating from its own market documents.
Engine Options
-
GQ 4.2 petrol (TB42) Australia, 1988 launch
TB42- Displacement
- 4.2 L
- Aspiration
- Petrol, OHV six-cylinder
- Power
- 125 kW
- Torque
- 325 N·m
- Transmission
- Four-speed automatic option
GoAuto's description of the GQ range at its Australian launch; Nissan Australia's history lists a 4.2-litre petrol option from 1988.
-
GQ 4.2 diesel Australia, 1988 launch
Diesel- Displacement
- 4.2 L
- Aspiration
- Diesel, OHV
- Power
- 85 kW
- Torque
- 264 N·m
GoAuto's description of the GQ range at its Australian launch; Nissan Australia's history lists a 4.2-litre diesel option from 1988.
-
GQ 3.0 petrol (RB30) Australia, introduced 1990 (GoAuto) or 1992 (Nissan Australia)
RB30- Displacement
- 3.0 L
- Aspiration
- Petrol, six-cylinder
- Power
- 100 kW
- Torque
- 224 N·m
GoAuto dates a retuned RB30 in a seven-seater ST wagon to early 1990; Nissan Australia's history says the RB30 was introduced in 1992. Both dates are shown.
-
GQ 2.8 turbo-diesel Australia, introduced 1995
Diesel- Displacement
- 2.8 L
- Aspiration
- Turbo diesel, six-cylinder
Nissan Australia's history lists a 2.8-litre turbo-diesel from 1995; Nissan's global history counts it among the GQ's three six-cylinder engines.
-
Safari TD42 Japan, preserved 1991 Granroad
TD42 Comparison- Displacement
- 4,169 cc
- Power
- 125 PS (92 kW) @ 4,000 rpm
- Torque
- 273 N·m (27.8 kgf·m) @ 2,000 rpm
Comparison: Nissan Japan figures for a 1991 long-wheelbase standard-roof Granroad (VRGY60); the launch engine of the Japanese Y60 was a 4.2-litre inline-six diesel.
-
Safari TB42E Japan, August 1993 Kingsroad
TB42E Comparison- Displacement
- 4,169 cc
- Aspiration
- Petrol, electronic fuel supply
- Power
- 175 PS @ 4,200 rpm
- Torque
- 32.60 kgf·m @ 3,200 rpm
- Transmission
- Four-speed automatic
Comparison: catalogue figures for the extra high-roof Kingsroad wagon (E-WGY60).
-
Safari RD28T Japan, August 1995 Spirit Type II
RD28T Comparison- Displacement
- 2,825 cc
- Aspiration
- Turbo diesel
- Power
- 125 PS @ 4,400 rpm
- Torque
- 26.00 kgf·m @ 2,400 rpm
Comparison: catalogue figures for the short Spirit Type II hardtop (KD-WYY60).
Variants & Trims
Japanese-market Safari grades, shown as comparisons.
| Generation | Trim | Engine | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Y60 (Japan Safari, comparison) | Short hardtop and long Extra Van, December 1987 | TD42 diesel (launch) | VRY60 short (2,400 mm wheelbase) and VRGY60 long (2,970 mm); every listed variant was a 1-number commercial vehicle |
| Y60 (Japan Safari, comparison) | Granroad, 1991 (VRGY60) | TD42 | Long wheelbase, standard roof; 4,885 × 1,930 × 1,805 mm, 2,110 kg curb weight, ventilated discs front and rear |
| Y60 (Japan Safari, comparison) | Kingsroad, August 1993 (E-WGY60) | TB42E | Extra high-roof wagon with leather seats, four-speed automatic; Kingsroad was the top grade |
| Y60 (Japan Safari, comparison) | Spirit Type II, August 1995 (KD-WYY60) | RD28T | Short hardtop with automatic; turbo diesel |
Should You Buy a Nissan Patrol Y60?
Why You'll Love It
- Coil-sprung wagons Wagons gained all-round coil springs. Cab-chassis suspension differs; identify the body before applying wagon specifications.
- Steering and reverse gear Nissan Middle East lists power steering and synchromesh in reverse gear among the changes; Nissan Australia's history also documents power steering on the earlier 160.
- Documented in Australia and Japan Nissan Australia publishes sales totals and Nissan Japan a full specification for a 1991 Granroad.
Why You Might Not
- Size and weight Nissan's 1991 Japanese Granroad is 4,885 mm long and 2,110 kg curb weight, so parking and towing a long body takes planning.
- Date and market confusion Japan's start is October 1987 in one Nissan source and November in others, and the GQ, Patrol and Safari names overlap.
Who Should NOT Buy This
- Anyone expecting Land Cruiser 80 full-time 4WD: Motor-Fan describes Toyota moving to a centre differential while the Y60 was selective 4WD.
Differences between JDM & USDM
This page is for the export-market Patrol. Japan sold the same generation as the Safari, with its own grades and engines; those appear here only as labelled comparisons, and the full Japanese picture is in the Safari Y60 guide. For import, US federal safety eligibility is 25 years from the individual vehicle's manufacture date. EPA's separate 21-year rule requires original configuration or a qualifying equivalent or newer EPA-certified replacement engine and emissions system. State rules vary. Canada uses 15 years, counted by manufacture month and year; customs and provincial registration remain separate.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Check market, body, engine papers and suspension first.
Critical Priority
High Priority
Medium Priority
Generation History
Generation chronology (Nissan Australia and Nissan Middle East) (1987–1997)
- Nissan Australia's generation chronology lists the GQ Patrol Y60 as 1987–1997 and Nissan Middle East dates the fourth generation the same way; Nissan Australia's launch timeline says 1988
- Japan's Safari: October 1987 per Nissan's FAQ, November 1987 per Nissan's chronology and Best Car, to October 1997
Production start (Nissan Middle East) (1987)
- Y60 wagons gained coil springs. Nissan Middle East lists power steering and reverse synchromesh among the changes; Nissan Australia's history also documents power steering on the earlier 160
Japan launch (October or November 1987)
- Nissan's FAQ says October; Nissan's chronology, Best Car and Motor-Fan's lede say November, Motor-Fan's main text October
- 4.2-litre diesel, five-speed manual, 125 PS
Japan passenger wagon and petrol (1991)
- 3-number wagon: February (Motor-Fan) or March (Best Car) 1991
- 4.2-litre petrol: October (Motor-Fan) or November (Best Car) 1991
Japan TB42E and RD28T examples (1993–1995)
- August 1993 Kingsroad with TB42E at 175 PS
- August 1995 Spirit Type II with RD28T at 125 PS
Japan Y60 ends (October 1997)
- Nissan's FAQ ends the Japanese Y60 with the full model change of October 1997
Market Data
Japanese-market Safari grades, shown as comparisons.
Reported Counts & Rarity
| Generation | Years | Reported Count | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Y60 wagon (Australia sales) | 1987–1997 | 52,461 sold | Nissan Australia's count of Y60 wagon sales in Australia; not a production total. |
| UY60 cab-chassis (Australia sales) | 1988–1999 | 18,248 sold | Nissan Australia's count of UY60 cab-chassis sales in Australia; not a production total. |
The Buyer's Read
Identify the market and body first. GQ is Australia's name for the Y60, while Japan sold the same generation as the Safari. Wagons and cab-chassis need different suspension checks, and engine availability changed by market and year.
Match the engine number, transmission and build plate to the documents. The Japanese engine cards here are comparison examples. On coil-sprung wagons, inspect the three-link front and five-link rear arms and springs; inspect a cab-chassis against its actual suspension specification. Test the transfer case using the car's own operating instructions.
Plan importation from the individual vehicle's manufacture date and read the separate EPA, customs and registration requirements in the import paragraph.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Nissan Patrol Y60 the same as the GQ?
- Yes. GQ is Nissan Australia's name for the Y60 generation. Its generation chronology gives 1987–1997, while its Australian launch timeline says 1988. Japan called the same generation the second-generation Safari.
- What changed with the Y60?
- Wagons gained all-round coil springs. Nissan Middle East lists power steering and synchromesh in reverse gear among the changes, and Nissan Australia's history also documents power steering on the earlier 160. Nissan's heritage page says the focus was leisure use under the copy 'King of Adventure'.
- What engines did the export Y60 have?
- Australian GQs had 4.2-litre petrol and diesel engines, with later 3.0-litre petrol and 2.8-litre turbo-diesel options. Match the engine code, transmission and rating to the car's market and build date. Japanese Safari specifications on this page are comparisons.
- How many Y60s did Nissan sell in Australia?
- Nissan Australia reports 52,461 Y60 wagons from 1987 to 1997 and 18,248 UY60 cab-chassis from 1988 to 1999. These are Australian sales, not production totals.
- Is the Y60 a good rival to the Land Cruiser 80?
- Motor-Fan treats them as period rivals, the Y60 from 1987 and the Land Cruiser 80 from October 1989. It does not rank them on reliability or rust, so compare individual cars.
- Can I import a Y60 into the US or Canada?
- By age, yes: the US exemption needs a vehicle 25 or more years old by its manufacture date, and Canada's threshold is 15 years. EPA separately allows original configuration or a qualifying certified replacement, and state or provincial registration rules apply.
Sources & References
Sources (38)
- Nissan Patrol: an Australian legend (Nissan Australia, 2016) — Nissan Australia Verified
- Nissan Patrol turns 70 (Nissan Middle East) — Nissan Middle East Verified
- Nissan Patrol Super Safari catalogue (2017) — Nissan Middle East Verified
- 2007 Y61 Patrol ZD30-CRD technical training manual — Nissan Australia Verified
- ZD30DDTi common rail diesel engine training manual (2008) — Nissan Australia Verified
- Nissan Heritage Collection No.148: Safari 4WD Hardtop Standard roof AD — Nissan Motor Corporation Verified
- Nissan Heritage Collection No.501: Patrol (Safari) Std. Roof Granroad — Nissan Motor Corporation Verified
- Nissan Heritage Collection No.502: Patrol (Safari) 4-door Turbo Diesel Granroad — Nissan Motor Corporation Verified
- Nissan Heritage Collection No.148 (Japanese) — Nissan Motor Corporation Verified
- Nissan company chronology, 1980s — Nissan Motor Corporation Verified
- Safari (Y60, Y61) frame and engine number locations, with model dates — Nissan Motor Corporation Verified
- Safari minor change with the NEO Di diesel, 1999 — Nissan Motor Corporation Verified
- Safari minor change, November 2002 — Nissan Motor Corporation Verified
- Safari Granroad launch, October 1985 — Nissan Motor Corporation Verified
- Instrument panel warranty extension, 2011 — Nissan Motor Corporation Verified
- 30 years on: Nissan's iconic 1987 Paris-Dakar rally car rides again — Nissan Europe Verified
- First-generation Nissan Safari (160), Today's memories — JAF Mate Online Verified
- Nissan second-generation Safari vs Toyota Land Cruiser 80 — Motor-Fan Verified
- 1987 Nissan Safari reprint catalogue — CAR and DRIVER Verified
- History of the Nissan Safari — Best Car Verified
- Nissan Safari special feature — MOTA Verified
- Nissan Safari Kingsroad (1993) specifications — MOTA Verified
- Nissan Safari Spirit Type II (1995) specifications — MOTA Verified
- Nissan Safari RX (1997) specifications — MOTA Verified
- Nissan Safari Spirit Type I (1997) specifications — MOTA Verified
- Nissan Safari Super Spirit grade page — Motor-Fan Verified
- Nissan Safari Super Spirit catalogue — Response Verified
- Used Nissan Patrol Y61 review — ReDriven Verified
- 49 CFR 591.5: Exemptions from importation requirements — Legal Information Institute, Cornell Law School Verified
- Importing Older Vehicles into Canada — Transport Canada Verified
- Learn About Importing Vehicles and Engines — US Environmental Protection Agency Verified
- EPA: importing motor vehicles and engines (Customs and EPA import guide) — US Environmental Protection Agency Verified
- The 2013 all-new Nissan Patrol, with global and Australian Patrol history (Nissan Australia, 2012) — Nissan Australia Verified
- Nissan Patrol heritage (Nissan Australia) — Nissan Australia Verified
- Nissan Middle East revives its iconic Patrol Super Safari (2017) — Nissan Motor Corporation Verified
- Nissan celebrates rich heritage of the Patrol Super Safari with exclusive 2024 'Al Ostoura' edition — Nissan Middle East Verified
- GQ Patrol (1988), used car research — GoAuto Verified
- Nissan Safari 4.2 hardtop Kingsroad diesel turbo 4WD specifications — Carsensor Verified
Sources last verified: