NISSAN GU PATROL:

1997-2016

THE veritable grandfather’s axe of the 4x4 world, the GU was really just a GQ chassis and driveline with a bigger and more contemporary body laid over it. During its long existence the GU had no less than six different engines under its helipad-sized bonnet, but it always retained the well-proven formula of a part-time four-wheel drive system with coil-sprung live axles front and rear as well as a rugged ladder chassis.

The GU was available in both five-door wagon and cab-chassis variants. The cab-chassis offered traditional leaf springs at the back for heavy load-bearing, or coils for a more comfortable ride. The coil-sprung ute was a favourite for recreational 4x4ers. The Patrol name lives on in the Y62 wagon, a vastly different vehicle to what made the nameplate so popular here, but no less capable.