CAR-MAKERS are typically vocal about the arrival of a new model, with extensive effort put into promotion, advertising and launch activities, but it is virtually unheard of for a company to mark the passing of a vehicle with any significant ceremony.

When a model comes to the end of its lifecycle there is often a new version to replace it and the focus turns to its successor. But in the case of Nissan’s venerable Y61 series Patrol, it is a different matter.

While the newer Patrol Y62 has been on Australian track and trail for four years, it is a very different beast to the Y61 – exactly why Nissan decided to sell the previous version alongside its younger sibling for so long.

But after an almost unbelievable 20 years on the market and with Euro 5 diesel emissions standards looming, it is time for the Y61 to take a final bow, and Nissan is saying thank you with a special Legend Edition.

We hit South Australia’s Flinders Ranges in the limited-edition Patrol to see why people still flock to the model and if it really deserves the legendary status.

Click here for the full review...