Dubai, United Arab Emirates (21St September 2022) – Nissan is celebrating 60.Th Australia’s first motocross anniversary‘s vast Simpson Desert, captured by the Spragg family in their G60 Nissan Patrol. The family adventure, which has since made its way into the Australian record books, was started in 1962 by Doug Sprague, his sister Marg, and his parents Reg and Griselda.
Looking back on the journey, Doug, almost 70, fondly recalls being just seven years old when he and his family squeezed into the front seat of his G60 petrol and set off on the adventure of a lifetime. With no real track or map, and with a 200 liter fuel drum and a 200 liter water drum in the back, the family averaged just 5 km/h on their journey. During the day, the family would trek across the desert, and each night the family would camp under the stars.
Beginning at Endado Station in the Northern Territory, the two-week journey saw the Spragg family navigate the endless sands of the Simpson Desert before ending their journey in Birdsville, Queensland on 11 September 1962. The Simpson Desert is the largest parallel sand desert. In the world, it spans over 170,000 square kilometers and touches the Northern Territory, Queensland and South Australia.
“I have very fond memories of that G60 Patrol. It was such a strong and reliable vehicle. I was younger then than I am now, and Nissan gave me a way to look forward—with the wind under the windshield. Through the holes and I remember the car was fantastic. Every other car had significant problems, especially with the gearboxes, or with the differential, but the Nissan never had any problems”, said Doug.
Globally renowned for its prowess and earning the title of “Hero of All Terrain”, Petrol recently celebrated 70 glorious years of transporting people across the toughest terrains in comfort and luxury. . The milestone coincided with the ‘Year of Patrol’ and was celebrated in the Middle East last December with a one-of-a-kind event at Expo 2020 Dubai.
Recognized for its ability to conquer the toughest terrains in the Middle East, Petrol has built a legacy of deep heritage, power, and superior off-road capability over the past 70 years. Since its introduction to the region in 1957, patrolling has become an intrinsic part of the Middle East and its people, integrating itself into society as a culture.
To meet the unique needs of customers in the Middle East, Nissan continues to introduce Middle East-exclusive versions of the iconic Petrol, including the luxurious Petrol 70.Th Anniversary model, the rugged petrol Super Safari, and the race-inspired petrol NISMO. In the region, the patrol has earned its place as an icon and is passed down from generation to generation.