Nissan Safari II (Y61) photos

Introduced in late 1997 and marketed in Japan until 2007, the Y61 series succeeded the Y60 as the second generation sold under the Nissan Safari badge (corresponding to the fifth-generation Nissan Patrol GU internationally). While retaining the core heavy-duty ladder frame, live front and rear axles with coil springs, and a dual-range part-time four-wheel-drive system with an optional rear differential lock and detachable anti-roll bar, the Y61 featured a completely redesigned, more aerodynamic, and wider body shell along with improved crash safety and sound deadening. It was produced in both short-wheelbase three-door hardtop and long-wheelbase five-door station wagon configurations with signature split rear barn doors. Over its production cycle, the Safari Y61 was powered by a diverse range of inline engines: the electronically controlled 2.8-liter RD28ETi six-cylinder turbodiesel, the 3.0-liter four-cylinder direct-injection ZD30DDTi turbodiesel that replaced it, the enduring 4.2-liter TD42T six-cylinder turbodiesel, and two petrol inline-sixes—initially the 4.5-liter TB45E and later the potent 4.8-liter DOHC TB48DE. Transmission choices included five-speed manuals and four-speed automatics, complemented by a five-speed automatic with manual shift mode mated exclusively to the 4.8-liter petrol engine. The Y61 underwent a mild refresh around 2002 and a comprehensive facelift in 2004 that brought redesigned headlamps, flared fenders, updated bumpers, larger taillights, and a thoroughly modernized dashboard. Sold primarily in Japan under the Safari name, late-model domestic sales focused solely on luxurious five-door TB48DE-powered wagon variants before the model was discontinued locally due to tightening emissions standards.