CC Outtake: 2001 Nissan Patrol (Y61) And 2007 Humbaur – Garage Sale On Tour

2001 Nissan Patrol GR 3.0 Di and 2007 Humbaur HD3500 - 1

A loaded combination, regardless its size, that’s my favorite kind of still life. WYSIWYG-style, more specifically. Just like this wheeled display unit, with both side-dropsides dropped.

The position of the axles already indicates that the Humbaur HD3500 is a full trailer, which means the tongue weight issue is completely irrelevant. This two-tone Nissan is made for towing, and that’s just what it does. One of these days…though it seems to be a bit undersized for the job at hand.

2001 Nissan Patrol GR 3.0 Di and 2007 Humbaur HD3500 - 2

But not from this angle. I’ve always liked the looks and stance of the SWB, fifth gen Nissan Patrol (Y61), introduced in 1997. Body-on-frame, part-time 4WD, coil springs all around. The Patrol is neither too spartan, nor too fancy. A good balance between tough and smooth, just like the contemporary turbodiesel powered and equally sized Toyota Land Cruiser 90-series (Prado) and Mitsubishi Pajero.

In the Netherlands, an aftermarket panel van conversion -for a registration as a commercial vehicle- comes with the package. Patrols, Land Cruisers and Pajeros with the rear seats still inside have always been rare birds here.

Back in 2010, the Patrol was withdrawn from our market. That year saw the introduction of the more plush, sixth Y62 generation of the Patrol, though the production of the Y61 continued till 2016.

2001 Nissan Patrol GR 3.0 Di and 2007 Humbaur HD3500 - 3

Nissan Patrol GR 3.0 Di Turbo. Everything you want to know is written from top to bottom on the left cargo door.

The Patrol’s ZD30DDTi diesel engine is taking good care of business. The short list: an inline-four with a displacement of 2,953 cc, DOHC 16v, direct injection (pre-common rail), turbocharged, intercooled, maximum power output 116 kW/158 DIN-hp.

2001 Nissan Patrol GR 3.0 Di and 2007 Humbaur HD3500 - 4

Which leaves us with the main freight. Many of you must have noticed immediately what this is all about, I guess it’s too easy for a CC Clue. Never mind, please go ahead and shoot.