MEET THE OWNER – JOE WILLIAMS AND HIS DATSUN PATROL 160

“His name is ‘Darius the Datsun’ and out of all of my cars, he seems to have captured the heart of the most people”. Joe Williams is the proud custodian of a 1983 Patrol 160 SWB, the third generation of a Nissan 4x4 that had a major impact on Land-Rover’s Commonwealth export markets. Thirty-nine years ago, it also became the company’s first vehicle to be made in Europe when production commenced at their Zona Franca factory in Barcelona. Today, the brand is now in its sixth incarnation, but while off-roaders such as Darius were not uncommon in the UK during the 1980s, he may now be one of only three on the road.

British sales of the Patrol began in early 1982, and it came with either a six-cylinder petrol unit from the 280C saloon or a 3.25-litre diesel engine. The specification included power steering, a limited-slip differential, and tinted glass; luxuries beyond the dreams of many LR owners. By the middle of the decade, 160s had become the 4x4 of choice for quite a few vets and farmers. Sadly, their numbers were in a marked decline in the early 2000s, and Joe came by his Datsun via the Facebook Marketplace. “It was in Shropshire, and there was no engine in it. The vendor had bought it off a farmer who had it in his barn since 1998. Luckily, I found a complete car in a breakers’ yard and salvaged all the parts required to get it back on the road. A friend and I welded the arches but attempted to keep as much patina as possible”. In terms of everyday motoring, Joe finds:

It drives pretty well to be honest - although it was definitely designed in a time before speed bumps, as even at low speed, you are catapulted into the air. The seats are less supportive than a church pew and offer no comfort really. The Patrol actually pulls quite well from the 2.8-litre straight-six, and all the way up to 60 is great. I say ‘60’ as that is the maximum speed, but it revs its head off due to the four-speed gearbox. I have a five-speed to fit, but it looks a lot more than initially expected. It is as ‘boaty’ and woolly as you would expect from a forty-year-old car with leaf springs all around, but the charm and mechanical nature make it all worth it.

As for the reaction, “The car is loved on the whole. People appreciate the rarity and numerous remarks of ‘Is it a Bronco?’ or ‘Wow! A Japanese Bronco’ are commonplace. The best thing regarding the public’s reaction is the appeal has to be kids. They all point and smile, and I make sure to beep the retro horn and wave. I think that the fact the car looks like a child with a ruler drew it is where the appeal comes from”. But then simplicity is a hallmark of many a great design.

With Thanks To – Joe Williams