A real Patrol Unicorn

[RiverPatrol]

Marv Spector of Specter Off-Road Land Cruiser ( http://www.sor.com ) infamy was a dear friend before cancer took his life too early a few years ago. He loved his projects and always dove in with both feet. Through his many adventures he ended up with a 1980 G61 Patrol that he decided to take on as a project. The Patrol came to him as a 'kit', completely disassembled in many pieces. He had in his warehouse an SD33 diesel engine that he had taken from a Fire Patrol with 10k kilometers on it in Japan years prior, just waiting for the right project - he decided this was that project. He enthusiastically set to restoring the Patrol to its original glory, converting the gas P engine to the SD33 diesel engine. Unfortunately his health began failing before he could complete the project. His widow Kay is now at a point where she is ready to sell the Patrol.

This Patrol came from Saudi Arabia. 1980 was the first year that the G61 was introduced. It was a crossover between the 60 series Patrol and the new model 160 MK/MQ Patrol; it was the only soft top model available. It shared with the 160 model the newly designed front axles, the first P40 engine and the new 4 speed transmission, among many other advances for the model. This G61 has an ID number of G61-00057, which according to documentation shows that it was actually the third G61 ever made. Apparently that early in the production the assembly line wasn't quite ready for the new model, because this G61 came with the old P engine and 3 speed transmission. No matter, the engine mounts had to be relocated for the SD33 anyway.

The major work has been completed. The work left to do is essentially connecting the wiring connections in the engine compartment for the diesel engine. There are a few parts left to install - a steering column cover and ignition switch, transfer shift linkage. I have seen it running before but it was off a fuel can, I don't think the tank has ever had fuel in it. I can't vouch for all the lights being hooked up, it doesn't have a battery in it.

I am just putting some feelers out right now to see what kind of interest there is for this. Asking price is $25,000. It would come with the original engine and trans that it came with. It is located in Chatsworth, CA. It does have a clean CA title. Feel free to ask any questions, here or privately or you can call Specter Off-Road at 818-882-1238 and ask for Paul or Kay.

Vehicle specs are in the brochure here, graciously provided by one of our Colombian connections:

G61_brochure.pdf

Here are some teaser pics. Gallery album 3 pages of pics is here: gallery/album.php?album_id=330

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[zed]

Leslie,
Thanks for sharing!
Keith

[plateaucal]

Lord, that's delicious and really tempting.

[plateaucal]

The rear door/bulkhead is interesting. Is that custom or was it made that way? The four speed is all synchronized ? Drums up front?

[RiverPatrol]

The rear door/bulkhead is interesting. Is that custom or was it made that way? The four speed is all synchronized ? Drums up front?

The rear metal door bulkhead is stock. For some reason Nissan wanted metal rear doors for this soft top model. That was their solution. It’s similar to the bulkhead/frame around the front doors for fastening the canvas top.

The 4 speed is synchronized in all forward gears.

Drums all the the way around. But, it wouldn’t be too difficult to convert to front to disc since the MQ model has disc with the same front axle. You can probably find the parts in Australia easily enough.

[mad4hws]

That is outstanding. Has it had any miles put on it since being completed?


Sorry, just read the full description River. I was too taken back by the pictures!

[RiverPatrol]

That is outstanding. Has it had any miles put on it since being completed?

Not that anyone is aware of.