Shared by @grunty_diecast (Instagram)
This is a Custom '88 Nissan Patrol Hill Climb Racer. Produced since 1951, the Patrol is one of Nissan's longest used nameplates and is available in numerous different configurations and names. Generally, the Patrol is a full-sized SUV, available in two different wheelbases, with both having their own configurations. The current generation Patrol is a full-sized luxury SUV, built to compete against cars like the Toyota Land Cruiser.
With production beginning in 1987, the Y60 generation of the Patrol put a little bit more emphasis on comforts, featuring new coil-spring suspension, a rear LSD and power steering as standard. This generation was sold as the Nissan Safari in Japan and the Ford Maverick in Australia. A joint venture with a small Chinese manufacturer, Guangzhou Yunbao, resulted in the YB2030. With four different engine choices and two transmission options, this thing can cross any terrain no problem; ain't no mountain high enough for this thing. Production ended in 1997, to be replaced by the next generation, the Y61.
Now this casting was designed by Dima Shakhmatov and introduced in 2023 as a New Model. This casting depicts a heavily modified short wheelbase Nissan Patrol with what I believe is an RD28 engine; typical of some of Dima's recent designs it features exaggerated exhaust routing with dual turbos and exhausts poking out the hood with a "lightened" hood. As this is a relatively recent release this is currently its only release.
