I recently had the opportunity to be in Yokohama Japan - look at your ID plate, yes that’s where the beasts came from
I’m a big Nissan fan so I made some extra time to see where the Patrol was built and to learn more about Nissan firsthand. Those of us who own a Patrol know they are special. What I discovered, or really just reaffirmed, was that Nissan is a unique culture of engineers/designers/producers who are really passionate about automobiles. First stop was Nissan World Headquarters
The entire first floor is a display area with live shows and interactive displays similar to a car show
Nissan is very big on the Nissan DNA concept so a large part of the exhibit was dedicated to the history of Nissan and its iconic vehicles. The Patrol was well represented
The staff went nuts when I showed them Picts of my Patrol. Next to none seen in Japan, all exported. I was recommended to see the Nissan Engine Musem which is at the old factory site down by the docks. This I went to see later. There is also a collection of several hundred Nissans at the factory site in Zama which is not open to the public but I was invited to see. It is maintained for Nissan engineers to view and examine past products and is not open to the public. Unfortunately it is hard to get to and will have to wait for another trip. There is one Blue Patrol there looks early 60s, there are Picts on line of the vehicles there.
But on to the Engine Museum. Perhaps the most interesting museum ever. It is located in the old HQ building at the original factory site. You see the 2story building it in all the old movies and Picts of Datsuns shipping to the US. It has a large collection of old and new Nissan engines and detailed stories about the advancing technology that they represented along with Nissan history. No P engine but did have its forbearer in the original Patrol, the NB:
Look familiar?
An entire wall was dedicated to the mapping of the engine genealogy
Anyways it was a delightful way to spend a few hours. The old ads were charming and even the historic staircase had a brass plaque.
I left with a deep and abiding respect for the designers of the Patrol, and the other Nissans I own or have owned. Highly recommended if you are ever in Tokyo, it’s a short train ride to Yokohama and a quick taxi to the museum. Tours of the car collection in Zama are available if you plan in advance.