If you're a fan of all-terrain vehicles, I'm sure the name Nissan Patrol it's not strange to you. What you probably might not know is that the famous Japanese jeep was the first Nissan model to be produced in Europe , more precisely in Spain.
The first Nissan Patrol with the made in Europe seal came off the production line in 1983 and from then until 2001 196 thousand units of the model were produced in the Nissan factory in Barcelona, which was also sold as Ebro Patrol. To get an idea of the success of the model in the neighboring country, in 1988 one in two jeeps sold in Spain was a Nissan Patrol.
In addition to the Nissan Patrol, the Terrano II was also produced in Barcelona. In all, between 1993 and 2005, 375 thousand Terrano II units rolled off Nissan's production line in Barcelona. The Nissan Navara, Renault Alaskan and Mercedes-Benz X-Class are currently produced at that plant.
The Nissan Patrol Generations
Most likely, the first image that comes to mind when you hear the name Nissan Patrol is that of the model's third generation (or a Patrol GR), precisely the one that was produced in Spain for 18 years. However, the name Patrol is much older with its origins going back to 1951.
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The first generation Patrol (4W60) appeared on the Japanese market in 1951 and was marketed until 1960. Aesthetically, it did not hide the inspiration from the Jeep Willys and was available in three- and five-door versions.
The second generation (160 and 260) was the longest on the market (between 1960 and 1987) and had different bodywork options. Aesthetically, it changed inspiration from Willys for a more original look.
The third generation is the one we know best and which was also produced in Spain. Launched in 1980, it was produced until 2001, and underwent some aesthetic renovations, such as the adoption of square headlights instead of the original round ones.
This is probably the best known generation of Patrol in Portugal.
The fourth generation was known to us as Patrol GR and was on the market between 1987 and 1997 (it never replaced the third generation as planned). The fifth generation was the last to be sold here and also received the name Patrol GR, being produced since 1997 until today (but only for some markets).
Here is a rare sight. A fully original Nissan Patrol GR.
The sixth and final generation of the Nissan Patrol was released in 2010 and we didn't get to know it anymore. However, you've probably heard of the Nismo version of the latest generation of the famous Japanese jeep.
The last (and current) generation of the Nissan Patrol was not sold here. But in markets like the Russian, Australian or UAE it has known success.