1988 Nissan Safari Granroad
1988 Nissan Safari Granroad
Engine - TD42 Diesel
Transmission - Manual
Suspension - Stock
Equipped For - Weekender
This 1988 Safari Granroad came about when I was searching for something larger and more
suitable for future touring. It happened to be the most roomy patrol available, becoming a more
than suitable option for a future of self contained travel.
I have always been interested in old 4wds, something I get from my dad, who took our family
around Australia in a $500 sixty, and had always been working on something old, weird and rusty
at home. My dad had a debilitating double stroke in 2016 and it almost seemed to be an end to
adventuring and working on 4wds for him. However his passion was inspiring and much like a
chip off the old block, influenced me to work on classic 4wds. Much to my old man’s
disappointment, I opted for the Nissan pipeline, just to ruffle a few feathers at Sunday dinner.
But, if it meant keeping an older bus on the road, he made peace with it.
I had always had short wheel base 4wds and at the time had a GQ Patrol Shorty. However when
space became tight, my partner and I agreed, we needed something bigger. After reluctantly
selling on my shorty in search for something more roomy, I came across this tidy Safari Granroad,
optioned with the highroof and all the fun JDM trimmings, it was the perfect fit for future touring
and more space for weekend trips around town or out bush, and after all, still a Nissan.
This Safari was imported in 2004 by its only Australian owner other than myself. An older
gentleman who had used the car as means to tow his small fishing boat down to the ramp and
had a ladder rack for moving his sailboat. When I saw it listed, I was quick to snap it up as it
ticked all my boxes, so I flew to Vic, where at the time I had a broken foot, so I phoned around,
the only mate available… also had a broken foot, but was nearing the end of recovery. This was
just over two years ago and over that course, it has proven to be something special. This 4wd is
just a treat to drive, for something that is almost 40 years old, it feels and drives like a brand new
4wd. Being a TD42, you’d expect rattles and noise, but it just purrs and moves so smoothly,
making it tolerable for city driving.
My favourite features have to be the small gauge cluster on the roof which includes an altimeter
and inclinometer which is something rarely seen in the GQ. The rear heater unit helps on those
brisk winter mornings and of course the crazy amount of headroom it has, making it a more than
ideal sleep in 4wd. It’s packed with unique ‘JDM’ options making it stand out, making it feel a bit
Yakuza-esq, it has factory quick disconnect sway bars, JDM livery throughout the interior, a 24v
system rather than 12, and even the original Nissan branded floor mats. Can’t forget to mention
the condition of this interior, most people get in and are shocked this is a 40 year old car!
I have a simple drawer system in the rear, enough to keep the basic necessities for a quick
weekend getaway and a mattress that fits neatly over top. This will soon incorporate a 12v
system which is in progress and a basic necessities for longer distance travel. My partner and I
have agreed this will be the car that’ll take us out bush, into the desert and along Australia’s
beautiful coastlines. Whether it’s just a weekend getaway or a longer trip, I trust this Safari will
get us there.
Look there is no doubt this car has its moments, with the occasional small rust repair, paintwork
and suspension maintenance, with some big jobs on the table in the upcoming months, but that’s
to be expected and really just enforces my passion for keeping it on the road. There is a bunch of
suspension work that’s on the table, as well as my 12v system, but as I’m studying time is often
at a pinch, so it’s nice to enjoy it as it is, in its off the factory floor form for a while.
The big plus from owning this car is I get to share my passion for this car with dad, we laugh
about silly quirks, I share my frustrations about the tiniest rust spot or mechanical misadventures
and he’s there, offering guidance, suggestions or merely listening, most of the time lending a
hand to help with his Stroke rehabilitation. Working on my trucks with dad is something I will
always treasure.
This Nissan Safari is a great 4wd, a tool to get out and about and has the potential to be a great
tourer in the future. We look forward to taking it on many adventures around the country.
Thanks all for reading, and thanks Joel for the opportunity to share my Nissan Safari with Sunday
Garages readers.
Photos by - Joel Seeto
Words by - Antony Stephenson