Special Simpson Edition Patrol on sale

Fifty years ago geologist Reg Sprigg and his family crossed the Simpson Desert in a short wheelbase G60 Patrol -- the first vehicle to successfully cover the long, sand dune-covered trek. Nissan Australia is commemorating the event with the release of the Simpson 50th Anniversary Edition Patrol, on sale now.

The special treatment has been applied to the Patrol ST model; adding what Nissan says is $8500 extra value for the same ($56,990) start price. The Patrol Simpson 50th edition is limited to 500 units.

Suitably, the Simpson Edition Patrol comes with journey-oriented upgrades like satellite navigation, new alloy bumper bar, driving lights, roof bars and cool box… Sprigg and co would've been pleased. His Simpson-conquering G60 'soft top' was based on a military-spec 1951 Patrol, equipped with a 4.0-litre straight six-cylinder engine and three-speed dual-range transmission. It was accompanied by two Toyota LandCruisers, which reputedly failed to finish the expedition and were left behind.

Nissan Australia has restored a G60 to take part in a re-enactment of Sprigg's Simpson Desert crossing, scheduled for July. The company wants the event to present a "high profile celebration of the Patrol's achievement in the Australian outback," said Michael Hill, Senior Model Line Manager, Nissan Australia. Meanwhile, timing on the new Patrol is "due this summer".

"We are confident that the Patrol brand will remain a leader both on and off the road in the Australian four-wheel drive landscape," said Hill.

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